Baccarat, a casino card game that was popular in 19th-century France and is often featured in James Bond movies, is an elegant table game that requires no technical skill to play. The game is easy to understand and has a low house advantage, which makes it an appealing option for high rollers. Baccarat is usually played for large stakes in the high-roller rooms of casinos, and the gaming tables are often placed in a special alcove away from the rest of the casino floor to avoid distractions. In American casinos, players use $100 bills instead of chips, and in European casinos they use oblong “plaques.”

The object of baccarat is to get as close to nine as possible. A player’s hand is made up of two cards and a banker’s hand, with the winner determined by which one has the highest value. In the case of a tie, the game ends in a draw and no money is awarded. However, a player’s or banker’s hand can win if the total is eight or nine, in which case the winning bettors are paid out.

A ten, ace, or picture card is worth zero points, while all other cards are worth their face value. In addition, a player’s or banker’s bet can be made on whether the hand will be Player, Banker, or Tie. The player’s and banker’s bets are the two main wagers in baccarat, while the Tie bet is more of a side bet, and should be avoided.

Players can try out different strategies to see what works best for them, but it’s important to set a bankroll limit and keep track of past wins and losses to help prevent chasing losing streaks. One strategy is flat betting, which involves making consistent bets on the player and banker hands. Another is a zigzag pattern, in which bets are made on the player and banker hands in alternating patterns. Both are easy to follow, but may not be the best choice for new players because they require constant monitoring of results.

If you are new to baccarat, playing for free at an online casino can help you get familiar with the rules and learn how to place bets. Many top online casinos offer a wide selection of games, including baccarat. In addition, some of these sites also offer live dealers and real money tables. This can help you feel confident in your ability to play the game before risking any of your own money. With free baccarat, you can make mistakes without worrying about losing any of your hard-earned money and build up your confidence before you start playing for real money.