Baccarat is a Las Vegas casino game with few complexities and lots of James Bond-style fun. Players bet on one of three outcomes: a Player Win, Banker Win or Tie. In a Player Win, you win if the player hand totals 9 or higher. If the Banker’s hand totals 9 or higher, you win. If the hands tie, you get your stake back.

The game is played with either six, seven or eight standard decks of cards, each having 52 cards. The objective is to correctly predict which hand will be closer to 9, or if the hand will be a tie. To determine the winner, the dealer will tally up the values of the player’s and banker’s cards. The hand with the highest value wins. In the event of a tie, further cards are drawn to determine the winner.

Aside from learning the rules of the game, a good Baccarat strategy should include careful money management. It is important to set a limit on how much you are willing to lose and to stop gambling while ahead. This will help to avoid the big losses that many gamblers experience. It is also a good idea to try out the game for free using online casinos before betting real money.

While there is no guaranteed system to win baccarat, some advanced players use pattern systems to reduce the house edge. One popular baccarat pattern system is the 1-3-2-6, which works on the principle that players should never bet more than two units from their bankroll. This allows them to stretch their bankroll and prevents them from chasing large winning streaks.

Other baccarat strategies involve watching the pattern of the shoe and betting accordingly. This is particularly useful for players who bet on the banker. Watching for a double win streak can signal that it is time to increase your bet size. The 1-3-2-4 system is another variation on this same theme, and it can help players reduce their losses.

Some baccarat players are also aware of the commissions that are due to the casino on winning “banker” bets. These can be upwards of 5% and are something to keep in mind when betting on the game. A good strategy is to bet on the player, but remember to account for these commissions when calculating your odds. Aside from these tips, it is also a good idea to practice proper etiquette when playing the game. This includes not sitting down at a table while a game is in session and respecting the privacy of the players. In addition, gamblers should refrain from talking to the dealers and other players during a game. Lastly, it is generally considered poor form to touch the cards during a baccarat game.