Baccarat is a game of chance, but it’s also one of the most glamorous casino games. Unlike most casino table games, Baccarat is played in a private alcove, away from the noise and bustle of the main gaming floor. Rather than real cash, players place bets with oblong, high-denomination chips that look like $100 bills. Baccarat has gained tremendous popularity among Asian high rollers, who prefer the game’s low house edge and large payout odds over other games that require more skill.

The game’s rules are simple. During each hand, the dealer deals two cards to both the Player and Banker hands. The hand that comes closest to 9 wins the round. If a hand totals over nine, the second digit of the score is dropped to give the true value. For example, if the hand is dealt an 8 and a 5, the true score would be 6. The game’s rules are also strict about when the Banker must draw another card. The Banker must draw a third card when the first two cards are equal to four or five.

In the US, Baccarat is a very popular table game, both at land-based casinos and online. Its low house edge has made it a favorite among high-rollers, who often enjoy its upscale atmosphere, luxury amenities, and other perks such as free cocktails and comps at the tables. Some players even earn a variety of bonuses and promotions that they can use to boost their bankroll while playing Baccarat at reputable online casinos.

To begin playing Baccarat, you must decide whether you want to bet on the Player, Banker, or Tie. Once you’ve made your decision, you must then bet on the outcome of the hand. The Player and Banker bets are standard bets that have a lower house edge than other casino bets, but the tie bet has the highest payouts.

The dealer will deal the cards from a special box, known as a shoe. Eight 52-card decks are shuffled together and then dealt from the shoe. The croupier will deal the cards one at a time, face down. The croupier will then record the results of each hand. The Player or Banker bets will be marked on the table with numbered areas that indicate where the player can place their wager. The croupier will then collect any winning bets and pay out the losing ones.

Baccarat is a simple game, but it can be tricky to pick the best hand. The goal is to make a bet that will win. The easiest way to do this is to choose a hand that will come close to 9. A ten and a three would be worth seven, while an ace and a six are worth eight. Remember, the face cards (queen, king, and jack) are worth zero, while the aces and nines are worth one point each. The aces are the most valuable cards in the game, while the nines are the least valuable.