Baccarat is a popular casino game that’s easy to learn and exciting to play. Two cards are dealt to the player hand, and two to the banker hand, and whoever has a total closest to nine wins the round. The game is played using a standard 52-card deck plus an optional joker that’s used in the event of a tie.

The first step in playing baccarat is determining how much to bet each round. A good rule of thumb is to always bet no more than two units from your overall bankroll. This will allow you to play more rounds without losing all your money. Alternatively, you can use the 1-3-2-4 system, which adds an extra unit to each round to reduce how much you lose.

Before you start betting real money on baccarat, it’s a good idea to practice with free online games. This allows you to make mistakes without having to risk your own cash, and helps you get comfortable with the game process. Online baccarat games also give you a chance to try different strategies and bet types, so you can find the ones that work best for you.

Baccarat is easy to understand, but it’s important to know the rules before you play. The goal of the game is to predict whether the player or banker hand will win, and if you’re correct, your wagers will pay out depending on the result. The dealer deals the cards from a shoe, and the winner is determined by which hand has a score closer to nine. A player’s hand is scored according to their card values, and the banker’s is scored by adding the value of each hand. All face cards and tens count as zero, and aces count as one.

Many people claim to have a “system” that can help them win baccarat, but these claims are usually smoke and mirrors. Winning baccarat is no more complicated than winning any other casino game, and following the basic principles of great gambling will help you come out on top more often than not.

One of the most common mistakes when gambling is getting carried away. It’s hard to stay focused when you are in the middle of a streak and seeing those digits stack up in your favor. If you’re feeling too excited to continue playing, take a break and reset your goals before returning. It’s also a good idea to set a limit on how much you can afford to lose, and quit when you reach it.