Baccarat is often seen as a game for high rollers and sophisticated patrons like James Bond, but it’s actually one of the easiest casino games to play. Its simple rules and low house edge make it far more lucrative than slots or roulette. In fact, with a few smart tips and tricks, you can stack the odds even more in your favor.

First, you need to understand how baccarat works. The objective of the game is to get a hand closest to nine points. Players do this by placing bets on either the player, banker, or tie. During each round, the dealer deals two cards to the Player and Banker hands. Each hand must then try to match the other’s score. The winner is the hand that gets the highest number of points.

The Player and Banker hands each have a standard set of rules to determine whether or not they need a third card. There is also a Tie bet, which pays out eight to one if the Player or Banker wins, but that bet has a much higher house edge than the other two.

Generally, the best bet to make is on the Banker. The house edge is 1.2 percent on Banker bets, and you can earn a good payout if you win. However, it’s important to note that you must pay a 5% commission on all cash won on a Banker bet.

Another option is the Super Six Bet, which pays out 12x your bet amount if the Banker Hand has 6 points or more. This bet has a lower house edge than the Banker bet, but it can be difficult to win.

Many advanced baccarat players use pattern trends to reduce the house edge on their bets. The theory behind this strategy is that shoes will zigzag between banker and player wins, with double winning streaks appearing every now and then. Once a double streak appears, it’s time to switch to betting on the other hand.

The 1-3-2-4 System is another common baccarat strategy that helps players stretch their bankrolls. This betting system allows players to bet on both sides of a hand and reduces the amount they can lose in a losing streak by starting over again. It’s also important to know when to quit a baccarat session. If you have a large loss, it’s best to leave the table and come back another day with a fresh bankroll.

As with any casino game, you should always have a stop loss in mind. This should be a percentage of your total bankroll that you will never bet more than once. It’s also a good idea to have a minimum bet size that you will bet on every round. This will help you avoid going over your budget and prevent you from chasing losses.