Baccarat has exploded in popularity. It is now one of the most popular casino games online and can be played at dozens of sites with real dealers who interact with players from around the world in live feeds. Moreover, baccarat has become increasingly popular as an offline game in casinos around the world. Baccarat is a game of chance, but there are certain tricks to the trade that can give the player an advantage over the house. Some of these include knowing how to bet, when to ante-up, and how to play the game for maximum profits. Baccarat is a simple game to learn and can be fun for anyone to play, but it takes practice to master the rules and strategies of the game. The baccarat table is about the size of a craps table and is manned by three casino employees- two dealers taking bets from as many as 14 players, and a croupier who directs the action and calls the hands. Players sit in numbered seats and can place bets on either the player hand, banker hand, or tie. The object is to get the winning hand, which must total 9 or higher. If the player’s and banker’s hands total over 9, the first digit is dropped (for example, a seven and a six would equal 13, but 13 drops to a three). To start, players place their chips in the betting circle of the table. Once the bets are placed, the dealer deals a hand of two cards to each player and the banker. The player and the banker must then decide who will win by placing a bet on the hand that is closest to nine points in total. In the event of a tie, the winning side is determined by the score of the third card that is drawn. Once the winner is determined, the banker pays a 5% commission to the player, and any bets on the player hand are paid out as they would be in any other game. The table is then cleared and the next round begins. Players should be mindful of the etiquette surrounding Baccarat and not talk to other players or disturb the game while it is in progress. Baccarat is an exciting game to watch, but it’s important to be aware of the odds and your bankroll before playing. A good rule of thumb is to play with a budget, and to never let your emotions dictate your decisions. In addition to keeping your gambling within reason, it’s important to take breaks between sessions. Lastly, always use cash when possible as you will be less likely to overspend.