Baccarat is a casino table game that’s easy to learn and evokes images of James Bond-style gambling. It is played with eight or more cards, and the dealer does all the work. In addition to its simplicity, the game offers players a chance to win big money. The game has three possible outcomes – Player win, Banker win and tie – and is a popular choice for high rollers.

Before the game begins, players place bets on either a Player win, a Banker win or a tie. Once the bets are placed, the dealers deal two cards to each player and a third card to the Banker hand. The player and the banker are then asked to make a decision. If the total of the player and banker’s first two cards is nine, or the sum is closer to 9 than 8, the hand wins. Otherwise, the hand loses.

If the first two cards add up to 8 or 9, the player’s bet is paid out 1:1. If the first two cards are a 2 and 5, or a 7 and 6, the player’s bet is paid out 2:1. If the first two cards are a 7 and 4, or a 5 and 3, the bet is paid out 9:1. The banker bet is then collected by the casino.

There are several different side bets offered on a Baccarat game, but they are not recommended for beginners because they tend to cost more than the main bets. The best way to play baccarat is to stick with the bets that pay out 1:1.

Baccarat’s history is long and rich. The company was founded in 1792, and is renowned for its glassware and tableware. One of the company’s most famous designs is its 1867 ‘Jusivy’ table service, which was commissioned for the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The company also designed one of the most recognizable wine glasses of the 19th Century, the Harcourt glass, which was commissioned by King Louis-Philippe of France.

Despite the fact that there is no skill involved in baccarat, it is the highest-grossing casino game in Macau and generates more revenue than any other table game. It is often a target for high-rollers, who can bet $100,000 or more per hand.

Baccarat is a simple and fun game to play, but its rules differ from place to place. Some casinos have strict betting minimums, while others are more flexible. It is important to determine how much you are willing to spend and always stop when you are ahead. This will ensure that you don’t get carried away and lose your hard-earned money. It is also a good idea to avoid high-roller tables and stick with the regular tables. These are usually the more lucrative and have lower limits than the high-roller tables. A high-roller table is more likely to have a large number of side bets, which can make the game more complicated and expensive. These tables are usually located in the high-limit area of the casino.