Baccarat is a classic casino game that originated in Italy and France, but it’s found in casinos around the world today. In fact, baccarat is one of the highest-grossing casino games in the world, and it’s become a staple in many high-end gambling establishments. Baccarat is a table game where players wager on either the player or banker hand, and the winner is determined by whose hand is closest to nine. Players make their bets and then sit back as the dealer deals two cards for each hand, and whichever hand is closer to nine wins. If a player’s hand and the banker’s hand total above nine, the first number is dropped (for example, a 7 and a 6 would result in a value of 1, not 9). The game has a simple house edge: 1.2 percent on Banker bets and 1.3 percent on Player bets.
The game is a hit with Asian high rollers, who have been known to place millions of dollars in a single bet. The game has also gained popularity in the United States, where it is found in everything from sticky-floor California card rooms to tuxedo-laden casinos in Monaco. Baccarat has also become a familiar presence in popular culture, with Sean Connery playing the game as James Bond 007 in the film versions of Dr. No; Thunderball; On Her Majesty’s Secret Service; and GoldenEye.
When the dealer deals the cards, both the Player and the Banker get two cards, which are visible to everyone at the table. The winning hand is whoever gets closest to 9. If the player and banker hands both total 8, this is a “natural” win and all bets placed are paid out. If the player or banker hands are lower than eight, they draw a third card. If the third hand is a nine, the win is confirmed and all bets are paid out. If the third hand is a seven or six, a new round is started.
Baccarat tables often have large score cards and pencils on them so that players can keep track of the results. Some players use the Martingale strategy, which involves doubling their bet after each loss in the hope that a win will recoup all previous losses and generate a profit. The strategy only works if you have the discipline to stick with it.
Baccarat has also given rise to variations, including side bets and Mini Baccarat. These side bets are similar to player and banker bets but offer higher payouts based on the likelihood of a specific outcome, such as a Player or Banker tie. Baccarat’s popularity has even led to it being featured in movies, such as the 2008 film Moonstruck. However, Zender says that most serious players stick with player or banker bets because the Tie bet has a much higher house edge.