Baccarat is a simple game that has some of the best odds in the casino. It’s often portrayed as very formal and elegant in movies like James Bond’s favourite, but it’s actually an easy, slow-paced game of pure chance. It’s all about guessing which hand will win – the banker’s, player’s, or tie. The value of each hand is based on the total number of cards in it, with the most important aspect being the last digit. For example, a hand of 8 and 2 is worth 14 points, but only if the last digit is 2.

Players can place a bet on the player, banker, or tie at the baccarat table by placing chips in the appropriate areas. Baccarat tables usually have a track sheet that will show winning bets and the frequency of ties for both the player and dealer.

Aside from standard bets, baccarat also has several side bets that can offer large payouts. Some of these are based on the number of aces in a player’s hand, while others are based on the probability that a particular banker or player will win.

While betting systems can help players maximize wins, they can also lead to larger losses. To minimize your chances of losing too much, try using a simple system like the 1-3-2-6 strategy or the 1-3-2-4 system, which can reduce how many units you bet and prevent you from losing more than your bankroll allows.