Baccarat is a table game that pits the player against the banker and allows players to bet on either hand or on a tie. Each hand is dealt two cards and the winner is the one whose total, when all the pips (the dots on a card representing clubs, hearts, diamonds, and spades) are added up, comes closest to nine. Face cards are worth zero points and aces count as one point. When the value of the hand is above nine, tens are subtracted to find the final score.

A game of baccarat takes place on a table about the size of a craps table and can accommodate up to 14 players. Each player has a betting box on one side of the table and can choose to bet on either the banker’s or the player’s hand. The dealer then deals the hands, which are visible to all the players. A croupier, often referred to as the praducător in Portuguese, guides the game and announces the results of each round.

In addition to the three possible outcomes of a baccarat game—player win, banker win, and tie—there is also a third bet, which pays off eight to one if both hands equal the same number. However, this bet has a higher house edge than player or banker bets.

The game of baccarat is a highly strategic and sophisticated card game. Players are not allowed to touch the cards, so the game must be played by an experienced croupier who understands the rules of the game. Baccarat is a popular casino game in Asia and Europe, but it is not well known in the United States.

There are many reasons why high rollers make baccarat their game of choice, including its low house advantage and the fact that it is a fast-paced game with little room for error. The game is also popular among Asian high rollers, who are drawn to its culture-specific symbols and themes.

Another reason for the popularity of baccarat is its ability to create an atmosphere of mystery and intrigue. The game is featured in several James Bond films, including Dr. No; Thunderball; On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; and For Your Eyes Only. The game is also a staple at casino high-roller events.

The simplest way to play baccarat is to bet on either the player or banker’s hand. The goal is to predict which hand will come closer to a nine. The bettor must know the rules of the game and bet accordingly. A minimum bet of $20-$25 is standard at most casinos in the United States.

Once the bets have been placed, a card is dealt to the player box and then a second card is dealt to the banker box. If the total of the first two cards is 8 or 9 for the player’s or banker’s hand, this is called a “natural” and all placed bets are paid out. Otherwise, the dealer draws a third card on one or both hands, depending on their total.