Baccarat is one of the world’s most popular casino games. It is a simple card game that involves betting on either the player hand, banker hand, or tie. The goal is to get your chosen hand closer to nine than the opposing hand. If a hand totals more than 9, the first number is dropped (for instance, a seven and eight would be a 15, so that part of the score is dropped). The cards themselves are worth their face value, with picture cards and tens counting as zero and aces counting as one.

The game is played on a table about the size of a craps table and is usually manned by three people: two dealers who take bets from up to 14 players, and a croupier who directs play and calls the hands. The players don’t get their own cards, but instead place their bets in designated areas. The dealer deals two hands of cards to the players and the banker; no matter how many seats are occupied, there are always just two hands dealt to each table.

There are several rules that govern how the game is played, and it can vary from country to country. For example, the number of decks used can make a difference in the house edge and odds of winning. Some casinos use up to 13 decks, while others use just six or even less.

Baccarat has a long history that dates back to medieval Italy, but it really took off in France in the 19th century with the introduction of a quicker version known as chemin de fer. That version spread across Europe and eventually reached Asia, where it became a huge hit. It is here where the game truly found its home.

Unlike blackjack, where players can shift the odds to their favor with basic strategy, baccarat has a 1.3 percent house advantage. That’s still quite high, but it is the second lowest house edge in any casino game behind poker.

Baccarat is a simple game to learn, but you’ll want to know the rules before playing. The simplest way to wager is on the Player or Banker hand, which pay out 1-1. You can also bet on a Tie, which pays 8-1. If the Banker or Player wins, bets on that hand are returned.

If you bet against the Banker, you’ll receive a higher payout because the bank has to pay a small commission on winning bets. Betting against the bank is a great option for players looking to make the most of their time at the tables. However, keep in mind that the house will win more often than not, so you’ll still lose money over time. For this reason, you should try to find a casino with the best payouts on Baccarat and stick to it. Otherwise, you may be better off playing a different game. Luckily, there are plenty of them to choose from.