Baccarat is a casino game that is played for high stakes. The table for this game is usually set up in a special alcove, blocking it off from the rest of the gaming tables and the crowds. The table itself is covered in green baize, and the players use real cash – $100 bills are spread all around – rather than chips like those used in other games. In American casinos, the players also use special oblong “plaques” to represent their wagers.

The game is simple: players bet on either the player hand or the banker’s, attempting to win by having a hand that has a total value closest to nine. To determine the score of a hand, all of the pips (the dots on a card that are clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) are added up. Aces count as 1 (never 11), and all other cards are worth their face value.

During a baccarat round, two cards are dealt to the Player and Banker hands. The dealer then sums up the total of each hand. A total of 8 or 9 is considered a “natural,” and the hand automatically wins. The Player or Banker then either stands or hits based on rules that dictate when the game should be played.

If the winning Player or Banker hands have scores that are closer to nine than the other, then players who bet on those hands will receive a 1:1 payout, while those who bet on a tie will receive 8-to-1 for their wagers. In a live game, the croupier will typically use a palette to deal the cards at a large table that can accommodate up to 14 players.

In addition to the main bets, there are a number of side bets that can be placed in baccarat. These bets can include the ‘Even Money’, ‘Scoop’, and ‘No Banana’. Those who choose to make these bets are likely to experience the most action during a baccarat session, but the results of these bets can often be unpredictable and volatile.

While Baccarat is one of the most popular games in a casino, it does not require a lot of skill to play. It is a card game of pure chance, and while it may seem boring to some people, those who enjoy the thrill of trying their luck at a new game will find this casino classic quite enjoyable. It is not difficult to learn how to play baccarat, but it can take some practice before players get the hang of the game. For those who are interested in learning more about the game, there are many online resources available to help them get started. These websites can provide tips and tricks for players as they learn the basics of the game. They can also offer advice on the best strategies to use in baccarat. These tips can help players improve their chances of winning and increase their enjoyment of the game.