Baccarat is a card game that has long been a favorite in high-roller casinos. The game exudes refinement, evoking images of men in tuxedos and women in glamorous dresses laying down chips as the dealer distributes cards. Although it seems complex at first glance, baccarat is actually one of the easiest casino games to play and maintains a low house edge. With a bit of practice, you can become a pro in no time at all.

Before you begin playing baccarat, it is important to know the rules and payouts. The best way to do this is by trying out a baccarat demo game for free. These are available at many online casinos, especially new ones that want to attract players. They allow you to play the game without risking any real money, while also learning the nuances of the game and testing different strategies.

Once you’ve found a baccarat game that you like, simply select the chip size you want to start with. Then, decide whether you want to bet on the Banker, the Player or a Tie. Once you’ve made your bet, click the Deal button to initiate the round of play. Once the betting is completed, both the Banker and Player hands will receive two cards each. The hand with the highest value wins, and ties are rare. The value of the hand is determined by adding up all the values of the cards, with the exception of tens. Aces count as one, 10s and picture cards are worth 0 points, while all other cards have their face value.

The most important thing to remember when playing baccarat is that you should always play within your limits. Regardless of how much you win or lose, you should never exceed your bankroll. This means determining how much you’re willing to spend on each game and setting loss limits that will help you stay in control of your spending. If you ever find yourself losing more than you’re winning, stop playing and return to it another day.

When you’re ready to play for real, you can choose from a variety of live baccarat games at the best online casinos. Some offer fast-paced gameplay, while others are more immersive and feature high-quality streams. The games may have slightly different rules, but they all operate on the same basic principles.

In addition to the standardized payouts for each game type, you’ll also find a range of bonuses and other special offers at online casinos that offer baccarat. These can be used to boost your winnings or lower the house edge. However, it is essential to read the terms and conditions carefully before taking advantage of these offers. Also, it’s important to check the game’s minimum and maximum bet amounts before making a deposit. These can vary significantly between sites, so it’s essential to be aware of them before you make a deposit.