Baccarat is a casino table game with a simple set of rules and a few key decisions that need to be made. The game is played on a traditional full-sized table with nine seats or in smaller versions such as the Big Baccarat and midi-baccarat tables which allow lower betting limits. Regardless of the size of the table, players should be familiar with the basic layout of the baccarat table.

The game starts with the player and banker placing their chips on the appropriate sections of the baccarat table. The dealer then shuffles the cards and deals one to the player box, followed by another card to the banker box. If either the player or banker hands have a higher number when all pips are added up, that hand wins the round. The winning hand must be closest to 9. The game is usually dealt from a six or eight deck shoe. If the total is over nine, a third card may be drawn for the winning hand.

When a player or banker win, their bet is paid out according to the odds posted on the baccarat table. Typically, the odds on a banker win are slightly higher than on a player win. However, the odds can change from round to round, so it’s important to pay attention to the odds and the game’s progression.

Advanced baccarat players often use patterns to reduce the house edge in this game. These patterns can be zigzags or double streaks of player and banker wins. Using these strategies can help players reduce their losses while enjoying this classic Vegas game.

Baccarat tables often feature cash slots and a ‘Tie’ section where bets are placed on the outcome of the tie. A payout of 8 to 1 is given for a wager on the tie. It is also common practice to tip the dealers for their assistance in the game. However, this is optional and the amount a player chooses to tip is entirely up to them.

While most baccarat players simply play the game as it is, there are some tips and tricks that can make a big difference in the game. First, a player should know that the total of the hand will only be counted if it is higher than 10. For example, an 8 and a 7 would add up to 15 points but because they are not equal, the second digit becomes five. In addition, a player should also understand that a double-digit number can only be rounded up or down to the nearest ten. For example, a 10 and a seven equals 15. A 9 and a five equals 12.