With its elegant table and sophisticated game play, baccarat exudes a sense of refinement. This enigmatic card game appears in many movies, bringing to mind images of men in tuxedos and women in evening gowns laying down chips at the table. While baccarat may seem intimidating to a beginner, it is actually quite easy to understand and fun to play.

There are a few things you should know before getting started with this exciting casino game. First, learn the value of each card. Aces are worth one point, while tens and nines are worth zero points. The rest of the cards are worth their pip value, with picture cards such as Queens, Jacks, and Kings worth zero points. The dealer deals two cards to the banker and player, and the winner is the hand that comes closest to a total of nine points.

Another thing to keep in mind is the house edge. The banker’s hand is the best bet, as it has a much lower house edge than the player’s hand. However, the banker’s hand does not win every time, so it is still a good idea to bet on the player when possible.

Finally, be sure to set a budget before you start playing baccarat. This way you can stick to your limits and stop once you’ve reached your limit. This will help you avoid making any costly mistakes, and will keep your casino experience positive. Baccarat is an exciting and rewarding game, but it is important to have a clear plan before you sit down to play.