Baccarat is the enigmatic card game that high rollers play in opulent casinos. Its mysterious ambiance invokes images of elegant men and women wearing tuxedos and evening gowns as they lay down their chips while the dealer hands out cards. The game has an aura of sophistication that makes it appear to be difficult to master, but the truth is that baccarat is actually very easy to learn and one of the most exciting casino games to play.

Unlike poker and blackjack, baccarat is a game of chance. Players place bets on whether a player or banker will win a hand, and the result is determined by which hand comes closest to nine. The game is usually played from a six or eight-deck shoe, and the dealer deals two cards to each of the banker and player positions. The game also allows for a third hand to be dealt if the first two are of equal value. In addition to the player and banker bets, players can also make a Super Six and a Pair Bet.

Super Six is an optional bet that pays out if the banker hand has a total of 6 points. It can be placed alongside the original bet and is a great way to increase your winnings. The payout on a Super Six bet is 12x the initial bet amount. A Pair Bet is an additional bet that pays out if the first two cards are a Banker or Player pair. This can be placed alongside the Banker or Player bet and is a great way to diversify your betting strategy.

If you’re not already familiar with the rules of baccarat, you can learn them quickly and easily by playing a few hands at an online casino like DraftKings. Taking the time to familiarize yourself with the rules will help you make more competent gambling decisions. Also, it’s important to set limits and stick to them. This will prevent you from spending more than you can afford to lose and can keep you from becoming addicted to gambling.

Although baccarat is known for its luxury, it was not always a lucrative game. It was first developed in Italy, and it was only after its spread to France that the game became popular in its current form. Initially called “Punto Banco,” the game has a long and fascinating history, including its role in World War II.

The game’s name is derived from the Italian word for zero, as all picture cards and tens have a value of zero. The game was a favorite of French royalty and later spread to other countries, where it is still commonly played. The game was made more popular by its appearance in films, most notably the 1956 French heist film Bob le Flambeur.

Baccarat glassware is prized for its prismatic lustre, which allows it to reflect a range of colors depending on the direction in which light hits the surface. During the 19th Century, Baccarat was responsible for many notable designs, including its 1867 Jusivy table service for the Exposition Universelle.