Baccarat is one of the most popular table games in casinos. It’s played everywhere from sticky-floor California card rooms to the tuxedo-laden casinos of Monaco. The game is easy to play and has a relatively low house edge. But if you’re looking to win big, you need to understand a few things about the game before you play.

Baccarat originated in France as a variation on Chemin de Fer and has long been a favorite of high rollers. Today, the game is more common in Asia than the United States and is offered in casinos all over the world. Unlike most casino games, it doesn’t require a large bankroll to start playing, and the minimum bet is usually $20 or $25.

During a game of Baccarat, players place their bets on either the Player hand, the Banker hand or a Tie bet. After the players have placed their bets, two cards are dealt to the Player and Banker hands. The winner is the hand whose total is closest to nine. All of the pips (the dots on each card that represent clubs, hearts, diamonds and spades) must be added up to find the total value of the hand. Picture cards and tens count zero points, while cards numbered 2-9 count their face value, and the ace counts as one.

After the first two cards are dealt, the game continues if either the Banker or the Player hand has a total of 8 or 9. If neither hand has a total of 8, a third card may be drawn. The rules of when a third card is drawn vary from one casino to the next, but most draw a third card when the player or banker have a total of five or less.

When the third card is drawn, the result of the hand becomes the final outcome of the game. If the Player or Banker has a total of eight or nine, the hand wins and all bets are paid out. If the player or banker has a total of six, the hand is a tie and the bets are returned to the players.

The simplest way to win at baccarat is to bet on the banker. It’s a bet that has the lowest house edge, and it also pays out more often than the player hand. But, there are many other ways to increase your chances of winning at the game.

A baccarat strategy called the 1-3-2-6 System is a great way to manage your bets and maximize your winnings. This system works by utilizing a mathematical sequence. Each number in the sequence represents multiples of your unit bet. For example, if you bet $10 (1 unit), the first round will be a loss. But if you win, the second round will be $30 (3 units). And so on.

Despite its simple rules and a very low house edge, Baccarat can be difficult to master. This is especially true for newcomers to the game. That’s why it’s so important to have a good Baccarat strategy before you begin playing the game.