Baccarat, also known as Punto Banco or Chemin de Fer in some regions of the world, is one of the most popular casino games around. Often found in high-stakes sections of European and Nevada casinos, it is a game that requires little technical skill to play but offers some of the best odds of any casino type game.

The objective of the game is simple: Bet on the hand that you think will come closest to 9 points and win. The game is a zero-sum game, and winning hands are determined by the number of cards drawn and the total value of those cards. Players may place bets on either the Player or Banker, and the winner is whoever has the highest total after all of the cards are dealt. A tie is not possible.

While the game’s rules are relatively straightforward, a wide range of strategies exist. These vary between betting systems that focus on maximizing wins and minimizing losses, and pattern systems that prioritize anticipating the order of the cards in the shoe. Most advanced players rely on a combination of these two types of strategy, and many will also use bankroll management techniques to keep their losses under control.

Baccarat is a popular casino game that is available in both live and online versions. You can practice your baccarat skills with a free version of the game at any of our expert casino commendations, which offer a range of demo versions of the game. The minimum bet varies from site to site, but most will be $20 or $25. In addition to the main game, some online casinos also offer side bets and other ways to wager on the game.