Baccarat is one of the most popular games in casinos. The game is easy to learn and offers a variety of betting options. Players place wagers on either the player, banker or tie hand. Each hand is dealt based on a specific system that the dealer follows. The goal is to get a total closer to 9 than the opponent’s hand. Each card is worth its face value – tens and face cards count as zero, while aces count as one. In addition, all combinations that add up to more than nine must drop the first digit. For example, a seven and six would result in 15 points, but the first digit is dropped so that the final score is 13 instead of 16. In the past, there have been some strategies used to beat Baccarat. However, those strategies were usually played under older rules or incorporated a form of cheating. These tactics can only work in the short term, and will ultimately lead to a loss for the player. The game of baccarat is played on a large table with up to eight participants. The dealer passes out two cards to each participant space at the table, called the “banker’s space” and the “player’s space”. Each player then places their chips based on which hand they favor to win that round. The player’s bet has the lowest house edge, but can be risky if you lose. The banker bet is safer but has a 1.06% advantage in favor of the house. If you’re a newcomer to the game, try a free online baccarat game to get a feel for the rules and betting strategies. This is a great way to practice your strategy and build up your confidence before playing for real money. You can also find a wide selection of baccarat bonuses and promotions from top online casinos. Aside from the basic bets, baccarat offers a number of side bets with various payouts and odds. These side bets can be lucrative, but they must be weighed against the overall odds of winning and the size of your bankroll. Several casinos offer specialty side bets, such as 9:1 payouts on winning tie bets. As with any gaming venture, it’s essential to enter Baccarat with a plan and stick to it. Set a loss limit before you begin and stick to it. When you reach your loss limit, leave the table and return another day. It’s also a good idea to play baccarat for low stakes and keep your losses low. This will help you manage your bankroll and make the most of your time at the tables. You can also use a baccarat bonus code or look for loyalty programs to earn rewards while you play. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to ensure that you’re using a valid promo code. You can also check out our article on baccarat strategies to boost your chances of winning big.