Baccarat, also known as baccarat chemin de fer, is one of the most popular casino card games in the world. It is played with between seven and 14 players in a betting area around a table and a dealer. The game has two opposing sides: the player hand and the banker hand. Each hand is dealt two cards, and whichever one totals closest to 9 wins the round. The rules of baccarat are relatively simple and easy to understand, and there are some strategies that can increase your chances of winning.

Depending on the variation of the game, the number of decks used can influence the house edge, so it’s important to read the rules and payout tables carefully before you play. Baccarat is also available at many online casinos, where you can try it out for free before deciding to make a real money deposit.

There are a few different types of bets in baccarat, including the Player’s Bet, the Banker’s Bet, and the Tie Bet. Each bet has different odds, and you can choose which side to bet on based on your preference and risk tolerance. Generally, the Banker’s hand has better odds than the Player’s hand, but this can vary between casinos and games.

The game’s rules are fairly straightforward, though the terminology can be confusing for new players. The name baccarat comes from the Italian word for nine, but the actual rules of the game are much simpler. The game was created in Italy by a man named Felix Falguiere, and it quickly gained popularity in France and other European countries.

To start a game of baccarat, each player must place their bets. Then, the dealer will deal a pair of cards to the Player box and another pair to the Banker’s box. The player and banker hands are compared to see which is closest to 9. The winner is determined by the highest hand value. If either the Player or Banker hand has a total of 8 or 9, this is considered a “natural” and the bets are paid out.

If the first two cards don’t produce an 8 or 9 result, the dealer will draw a third card on either the Player’s or Banker’s hand. If the third card produces a tie, both bets are tied and the game ends.

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in Europe and Latin America, and it’s easy to find a game to play at most casinos. Despite its reputation for being a difficult game to master, it’s actually one of the easiest casino card games to play. The rules are straightforward and the game has a low house edge, making it a great choice for all levels of gamblers.