Baccarat is the game that oozes refinement, a casino classic that conjures images of men in tuxedos and women in glamorous evening gowns laying down chips as the dealer distributes cards. But despite its mystique, baccarat is a simple card game to play, and there are some basic tips that can help you maximize your winning chances.
The first step in playing baccarat is to choose how much you want to bet. This is especially important when you are new to baccarat, as the game can be fast-paced and it can be easy to get carried away. Set a budget and stick to it.
After the players have placed their bets, the dealer deals two cards to the Banker and Player hands. Often the dealer will deal a third card to either hand, but this is not always the case. Once the players have assessed their cards, the winner is determined by whichever hand is closest to nine points.
Statistically speaking, backing the banker has a lower house edge than betting on the player. However, casinos are aware of this and usually charge a commission on winning Banker bets of 5% or more. This should be factored into your decision as to who you will back on each round.
Once the cards have been dealt, the Player and Banker bets are paid out based on their outcome. If the Player or Banker hand wins, you will receive your bet money back plus a 1:1 payout. If the game ends in a tie, you will receive your original bet amount back plus an additional 8 to 1 payout.