Baccarat has taken the gambling world by storm, thanks to its low house edge and straightforward gameplay. Its easy-to-follow rules and payouts have made it a favorite of high rollers and high-end casino goers around the globe. But while the game is easy to learn, winning baccarat requires strategy and careful planning. This article outlines several strategies that help players improve their chances of winning in the game. It also discusses the different types of bets available in baccarat, including the Player and Banker bets, as well as the Super Six and Pair bets.

The game of baccarat begins with a player placing an initial bet on either the Player or Banker hand. When this is done, the dealer shuffles the deck of cards and places them in a special box. The players then take turns to place their bets against the banker’s initial stake. If they wish, they can add additional bets, as long as the total for their half of the table does not exceed the banker’s stake.

Once the bets have been placed, the dealer deals two cards to each of the Player and Banker hands. Afterward, if the Banker or Player hand is closer to nine than the opponent’s hand, the win is awarded.

Unlike most card games, the first digit of a baccarat hand is not counted, and the player only needs to add up the values of the remaining numbers. The ace counts as one point, the cards numbered from 1 to 9 count at their face value, and the picture or face cards count as zero points. In addition, the Discard Tray – a tray on the Baccarat table where used cards are placed after a hand – allows players to see previously dealt cards but not use them.

A popular baccarat strategy is the Fibonacci betting system, which involves increasing bet size after each loss. The principle behind this strategy is to follow a simple mathematical sequence, with each number in the sequence equaling the sum of the two numbers that preceded it. This method can be particularly useful for players who are looking to increase their profits on a losing streak.

Another way to boost your chances of winning is to make flat bets, which involve consistently wagering a fixed amount throughout a game. This strategy is particularly effective if you are playing with a lower-limit bet, as it will allow you to win more frequently and reduce your losses. The downside of this strategy is that it can be quite risky, and you should only use it if you are comfortable with a small percentage of your bankroll being at stake. If you choose to do this, it is recommended that you establish a base betting unit of 2% of your budget and use it as your starting point for each session.