Baccarat is a casino game that involves predicting the hand that will be closest to 9. The goal is to win as many points as possible and to avoid losing. This is a game of chance, but some players can improve their long-term results by using a strategy that involves varying bets based on the results of previous hands. This is called edge sorting, and it was made famous when Phil Ivey won around $10 million on two separate occasions by utilizing this technique at brick-and-mortar casinos.
In a standard game of baccarat, you bet on the Player hand, Banker hand, or a tie. The winning hand will be the one that is closest to nine. There are also a few side bets available, including the Super Six and the Pair Bets. These bets are not included in the basic game payouts and have different odds and pay-outs. For example, a winning Super Six bet pays out 12 times the amount of the original bet, while a winning Pair Bet pays 11x the original bet amount.
You will find that the rules of baccarat are quite simple, and there is very little skill required to play it. However, there are some important things that you should know before you play the game. First, it is important to understand that the game is a casino game, and that means that there are certain taxes involved in your winnings. This can add up, so it is important to know how much you are spending before you begin playing. It is also a good idea to set a limit before you start gambling, and to only gamble with money that you can afford to lose.
Choosing the right bets is important, and it is best to stick with the Banker bet if you want to get the most out of your winnings. Winning Banker bets pay 95% of your stake, but this is not as high as the payout on a winning Player bet. In addition, the Banker bet has a lower house edge than the Player bet, which can make it a very profitable option.
Another option is to choose the EZ Baccarat version of the game, which does not include any commission on winning Banker bets. This version of the game is not available everywhere, but it can be an excellent option if you are looking to maximize your winnings. It is worth noting, though, that this game can be a bit more volatile than the regular version.
If you are looking for an even safer way to win at baccarat, try the Dragon Bonus bet, which is an optional side bet that pays out if the Banker wins with a score of 6. This bet should not be confused with the Super Six bet, which can only be placed alongside the original Banker or Player bets. The payout for a winning Dragon Bonus bet is 11x the initial bet amount.