Baccarat is a casino table game with few complexities and a lot of James Bond-style gambling fun. It is played with a single deck of cards, and the winning player or banker hand must be closer to nine than the other in order to win. The game is often found in high-roller areas with tables and minimum bets, but it has become increasingly popular among Asian high rollers who prefer a smaller version of the game called mini-baccarat.
The earliest form of the game, which was called or Baccarat Chemin de Fer, was a dealer’s choice card game where players took turns being the banker. The turn would pass to the next player in counter-clockwise rotation if the previous banker lost. This was later adapted into the modern version of the game that is still widely played in casinos today.
Before a round of Baccarat begins, the banker and player must place their wagers. Then, one card is dealt to each box, and a second card is dealt to the Banker box if the first card was a 8. The player must stand on a total of 6 or less, and the banker hits when the total is 5 or less.
Most casino Baccarat games offer two main bets, Player and Banker, as well as a tie bet that typically pays 8 to 1. A number of side bets are also available, though they should be avoided because they add significantly to the House Edge. These include the Super Six and Pair Bets.
