Baccarat is a game of chance played between the Player and Banker. It is now a popular game in online casinos and even land-based ones. Its not necessary to wear a tuxedo or evening gown when playing, but it is advisable to learn the rules before putting down your chips. Baccarat has come out of the ritzy tables reserved for the high rollers and is now available for most players.

The history of Baccarat dates back to the 17th Century when the glassmakers established themselves in the town of Baccarat, in eastern France. However, it was not until the early 19th Century that Baccarat began to make a name for itself, particularly after winning medals at several of the Great Exhibitions of that time. These events also caught the attention of the restored Bourbon monarch, Charles X, who was a great admirer of the firm’s work.

The process of producing the lead crystal glass for which Baccarat is now famous began in 1816. At this time the firm was renamed the Compagnie des Cristalleries de Baccarat and the factory was moved from its earlier site in downtown Paris to a new location. The move was made in order to increase production.

To produce the glass for which Baccarat is so well-known, the molten glass is shaped by blowing and cutting with tools. In addition, the surface of the glass is often engraved with a pattern. This is done either by carving with a copper grindstone or by acid engraving, in which the glass is covered with bitumen (a tough, tar-like substance) to show the negative of the intended pattern and then dipped in acid to cut away the uncovered portion of the surface.

Baccarat is played on a special table that is divided into two halves, with the banker sitting to the left of the players and the Player to the right. Each half plays against the banker, not against each other. The game is a card game and the result of the hand determines the outcome of the bets placed by the players.

At the beginning of each round, the Player and Banker both receive two cards. The object of the game is to get as close to nine as possible without going over. When the player has a total of eight or more, they call ‘carte’ and when their total is five or less they call ‘non.’ The banker then takes a look at the Player and Banker’s two cards and decides on their score.

There are three bets in Baccarat – the Banker’s Bet, the Player’s Bet and the Tie Bet. The most common bet is the Banker’s Bet and this is the best bet to place since you have a good chance of winning it. However, the payout is a little lower than if you bet on the Player’s hand. You can also bet on a Tie and this is a very risky bet, with only a one in three chance of winning.