The game of baccarat has become synonymous with wealth and elegance. It was even featured in the 2013 film “The Great Gatsby.” Unlike other casino card games, such as blackjack, where players can make calculated bets and bluff, baccarat is entirely dependent on luck. This makes the game more difficult to win. However, if you are lucky enough to get a good hand, the rewards can be huge. This article explains the basics of baccarat and how to play the game successfully.

There are from seven to 14 seats for players and a designated area for the dealer on a large baccarat table. The table is covered in green felt with numbered areas where players can place chips on their Player, Banker, or Tie bets.

Eight cards are shuffled together and dealt by the croupier (dealer) from a dealing box, which is often called a shoe. The croupier deals each round to either the Player, the Banker, or both. After each deal, the croupier collects the cards and places them in the holder to the side. Then, he or she announces the winning hand and pays out any bets accordingly.

When playing baccarat, you must know that the highest value hand is nine points. However, if your total is higher than a nine, you must subtract ten or drop the first numeral to find the actual value of your hand. If you have a two and an eight, for example, the hand is worth five.

After all the bets are placed, the dealer will reveal one card in the Player box and then another in the Banker box. If the total is 8 or 9 for the Player’s and Banker’s hands, the game ends immediately and all placed bets are paid. If the initial two cards are a tie, a third card may be drawn to determine the winner.

Once the final hand is determined, all the bets are settled. The player with the highest total wins and the banker gets a 5% commission on winning bets. The 5% banker commission is why baccarat has a reputation as a high-roller’s game.

Baccarat can be a fast-paced and exciting game, but you should always set your budget before you start playing. The best way to do this is to decide how much you want to spend in advance and treat it like money you’d spend on a night out, not as a bankroll for gambling. Baccarat can be very addictive, and it’s easy to spend more than you intended. If you aren’t careful, the next thing you know, you’re bankrupt! Playing baccarat with a smaller budget is the best way to prevent this from happening. You can also use the online version of baccarat for free to practice your strategy before you head to the casino. Then, you’ll be ready to take the game for real money in Michigan and New Jersey.