How to Play Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in Asia and Europe. However, it has only recently gained popularity in the United States. While it is often tucked away in high-limit gaming areas, this game of chance is actually very simple to learn and play. The game combines elements of poker and roulette, with the goal of getting closer to nine than the opponent’s hand. Baccarat is similar to other casino games such as blackjack and keno. It is played with 8 decks of cards and a table with boxes to place bets on.

Players place their bets on either the Player Hand, Banker Hand, or a tie between them. The Player and Banker hands each have a nine point total, but only the one closest to nine wins. A nine and a seven counts as ten points, while a six and a three count as five points. Baccarat also offers a variety of side bets, such as the Super Six and Pair Bets. The Super Six pays out 12x the player’s initial bet, while a Pair Bet pays 1:1 on the banker pair of cards.

After placing bets, the dealer deals two cards to each box. The Player box is dealt first, followed by the Banker box. The dealer then draws a third card if the Player or Banker hand is higher than eight or nine. If the Player or Banker hand has a total of 8, then the game is over and all bets are paid. If the total is 9 or 10, then no more cards are drawn.

Once the two hands are complete, the dealer compares them to see which has the highest value. If the Player and Banker hands are equal in points, then the bettors’ wagers are returned. If the hand is higher than a 9, then the winning bet is paid out. The ties, on the other hand, pay 9:1 to the banker and 8:1 to the player.

Although the exact origin of baccarat is unclear, most believe that it was invented in 1500s Rome, Italy by Felix Falguiere. He named the game baccarat after its Italian name, baccara, which means zero. This is a reference to the fact that tens, jacks, queens, and kings count as zero in the game, while aces count as one.

Since the game became more popular, it has been played in many different ways. The most common is Punto Banco, which is the version of baccarat that is played in casinos today. Other variants of the game include EZ Baccarat, which pays even money on player and banker bets without a commission, and Dragon 7, a variation that allows players to add an extra side bet that pays 40:1 on a Banker win with a three-card combination. Baccarat is so big that it has become a staple of the James Bond series, with the game making appearances in several movies and novels. The game has also made its way into online casinos, where it is available for players to enjoy from the comfort of their homes.