Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games. It is easy to learn, offers attractive payouts, and maintains a low house edge compared to blackjack, slots, and roulette. In addition, baccarat rounds usually last only minutes, which makes it a good choice for players with limited time. Nevertheless, the game has some complexities that can make it difficult to win. Fortunately, a number of strategies can help players maximize their winnings and minimize their losses.

Before playing baccarat, it is important to understand the rules of the game. In a normal game, the banker and player both get two cards each. The winner is the hand that is closest to nine points. A third card may be drawn if the first two hands total 0 to 5, or if the score is 8. Totals above 9 require dropping the first digit, for example, 9 + 6 = 15.

In order to increase your chances of winning, it is recommended that you place a bet on the banker. This bet pays 5% more than the player’s bet. You can also choose to bet on the tie, which pays even money. In addition, you can use a score sheet to keep track of your wins and losses.

A common baccarat strategy is called the Paroli System. This is a positive progression betting strategy that works by increasing your wager size after each loss and returning to the original bet size after a win. The method is simple and can help you maximize your winnings while minimizing your risk of large losses.