Baccarat is the casino game of choice for high rollers. The popular image of James Bond with a license to kill is based in part on the fact that baccarat has one of the highest payouts among casino table games. Yet, despite the myths and allure, baccarat isn’t nearly as complicated as it might seem, and high rollers can be successful at the game if they understand its rules and strategy.

The goal of a Baccarat player is to predict which hand will come closest to nine points at the end of a round. Two cards are dealt to the Bank hand and two to the Player hand, and the winner is whoever gets a hand closer to 9. The cards are typically dealt from a six or eight-deck shoe. Only the tens and jacks equal 9, and all other cards equal their face value. The player and Banker bets pay off even money, while the Tie bet pays 8-to-1 but comes with a house edge of over 14 percent.

Players are given a designated betting space that indicates the player and banker positions, as well as a box for losing bets and winning bets. The box for the winning banker holds the commission collected by the dealer every time a bet is won. If the win is a player bet, the bettor’s name is written on a score sheet so that the bets are tracked.

Aside from the Player and Banker bets, most baccarat games offer a Tie bet. The odds for a tie are typically around 8 to 1 but may vary in different places. The game also offers a variety of side bets, which are not recommended for serious players as they can quickly add up and increase the house edge.

There are many implausible legends about the history of Baccarat, but no contemporary evidence supports the claim that the game originated in Italy or before the 19th century. Baccarat became widely popular in France in the 18th century, where it was first recorded, and it was eventually exported to other countries.

Baccarat’s popularity has led to a number of variations and additions to the basic game, including mini baccarat and side bets. Some of these bets are designed to appeal to a specific audience, and can be quite profitable if successful.

Unlike other casino games, Baccarat doesn’t have any complicated rules for placing bets or dealing cards. Its rules are simple, and it’s easy to learn. It is a fast-paced game that can be played by people of all skill levels, and most serious Baccarat players stick to the player or banker wagers because they have the best odds. Other bets, such as the tie, have a much higher house edge and should be avoided by serious players. These bets are often offered as a way to make the game more exciting for new players. In most casinos, these bets are marked with a red or pink color to identify them from other bets.