Baccarat is one of the most popular casino table games, especially among high-rollers and Asian players. It is easy to learn and requires very little skill. While there is no proven strategy to improve your chances of winning, there are some tips you can follow in order to maximize your bankroll.

First, know the rules of baccarat. Whether you are playing the classic “punto banco” or the modern “chemin de fer,” the object of baccarat is to bet on which hand (PLAYER’S, BANKER’S, or TIET) will have the highest value after all cards have been dealt. Generally, a hand with a total closer to nine is the winner. The croupier then announces the winner. Winning bets are paid even money and losing bets are collected. Aces are worth 1 point, while 10s and face cards have a value of zero.

After all bets are placed, two cards are dealt to each of the Player and Banker hands. Sometimes a third card is drawn, depending on the first two hand totals. If either the Player or Banker hand has a total of 8 or 9, no further cards are drawn. If the Banker hand has a total of 6 or 7, the bank draws a third card if the player does not.

If you bet on the WINNER (Player or Banker), you get a payout of 1-to-1, plus any commissions that apply. If you bet on the TIET, the payout is 9-to-1, but there is usually a 5% commission added to the winnings, making it only 19-to-20.