Baccarat is one of the most enigmatic casino games in the world, with a mystique that conjures up images of men in tuxedos and women in posh evening gowns laying down their chips as a dealer distributes cards. But despite its glamorous associations, Baccarat is a simple game of chance that’s easy to pick up and fun to play. It’s no wonder it’s become a favorite among high rollers at casinos across the globe. The rules of baccarat vary slightly depending on the version played, but they all come down to a player betting against the banker. There are usually from seven to 14 seats for players, with a separate area for the dealer. The dealer deals two cards to each hand (the player’s and the banker’s), adding up the total for each card using a point system. Picture cards and tens count as zero points, while numbered cards from 2-9 are worth their face value, with the ace counting as one point. The winning hand is the one whose total is closest to nine. If either the player or banker hand is a winner, your stake is returned. If you bet on a tie, your stake is paid out at odds of 8:1. There are also side bets that can increase the excitement and winning potential of Baccarat, though they can often lead to larger losses than their payback odds. A player pair wager, for example, is made by betting that the player and the banker will receive matching cards on the deal. This is a bet that pays 11:1 odds and can add an element of strategy to the game. Another popular bet is the Tie bet, which is made by placing a bet on the hand that will come out closest to 9 without going over. This is a bet that pays out at 8:1 odds, although some casinos will apply a small commission to winning banker bets on this wager, reducing the payout odds to 19:20. It’s important to keep these bet types in mind when choosing which ones to place, and it’s a good idea to make sure you understand all the rules of Baccarat before betting any cash.