Baccarat is a game where players bet on the outcome of a hand. They place their bets on either the Player hand, the Banker hand or a tie before the cards are dealt. The goal is to guess which hand will have a total closest to 9. The game has evolved into many different variations over the years, each with a unique twist on gameplay.

The basic rules of baccarat are the same for all variants, but it’s important to check the betting limits before you start playing the game. Some online baccarat games offer low-limit bets starting at $1, while others may have higher betting limits that are more appropriate for high-rollers.

A round of baccarat lasts just a few minutes, so the game is ideal for those looking to make quick wagers. The game also has a smaller house edge compared to other casino games, making it an appealing option for those with a limited amount of time and money to invest in their gambling session.

The most popular variation of baccarat is Punto Banco, which is widely played in North America. It uses 6 to 8 decks of cards and the same basic rules as other baccarat variants. The main difference between this version and the traditional European version of the game is that the Banker hand can win on a 7 and 9 and the winner of a tied game pays out at a higher rate than other types of bets.