Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games, with a reputation for elegance and high stakes. The game is simple to learn and is played using a number of standard decks of 52 cards shuffled together. Players wager on which hand they think will come closest to nine. The game is popular in casinos around the world and is now available for play online in the five US states that allow legal online gambling: New Jersey, Michigan, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Delaware.

Typically, eight standard 52-card packs are used in the game, and the cards are dealt by a dealer who is called a croupier in some countries. The table is covered in green felt and has numbered areas where players place their chips. There are seven to 14 seats for players, and the croupier is located on either side of the table. Each player’s area has a sign that says “Player” or “Banker”.

The croupier deals two cards to the banker and to the player, then compares them. The hand with the highest value wins. If both hands are equal in value, the result is a tie. The croupier then announces the winning hand. The player and banker may then make additional bets based on the results of the first round.

In some cases, the player and banker are both dealt a third card. If either of them has a score of 8 or 9, this is called a natural and the hand ends. If the player or banker has a score of 9 in the first two cards, this is also a natural. If the third card is a 8, this is a second-degree ace and is worth ten points. If the third card is a 7, this is a fifth-degree ace and is worth six points.

In addition to the player and banker bets, players can also place a variety of other side bets on the game. These bets vary from establishment to establishment and may pay different odds. For example, some casinos offer a player pair bet, which pays 11:1 odds, and a banker pair bet, which pays 1:1 odds. Regardless of the type of side bet you place, it is always important to set a loss limit and stick to it. Also, try to avoid the Martingale system, which involves betting more money when you lose and then doubling your bet after every loss. This is a risky strategy and can lead to large losses. Instead, try tracking patterns in the game or trying a new variation of the game like Lunar New Year baccarat. These specialty games can add a fresh feel to your gameplay and keep you engaged.