Baccarat (pronounced bah-ka-rah) is one of the oldest casino games. It is often found tucked away in high-limit gaming areas, but it’s actually quite simple to play. The object is to place a bet on the player or banker hand that will total closest to nine. Ten-value cards are worth zero, and aces count as 1. The game has become so popular that there have even been a few baccarat systems developed to help players win.

The rules of baccarat are relatively straightforward, but there are a few things that can trip up players. First, it is important to understand how the game is scored. The simplest method is to add up the value of all the cards in a given hand. The value of the cards is determined by their rank, with aces counting as 1 and all other cards counting at their face value. A 9 is considered a “natural,” meaning that it has the highest value and is the only hand that is awarded points in the game.

When a game is being played, the croupier deals two cards to the player hand and two to the banker hand. A third card may be drawn in some cases, but the player or banker must have a total of eight or nine on the first two cards dealt to win. If the first two cards do not equal a total of 8 or 9, the game ends and any bets placed are paid out.

Baccarat has become a big deal in Asia, with casinos in Macau generating more revenue than those in Las Vegas. The game is also a big hit in Europe, where it was created in France and known as chemin de fer. The French version, which is the version most commonly played in the United States and Canada, is a much faster game than the American variant.

There are a number of different betting options in Baccarat, including the player bet, the banker bet, and a tie bet. The player and banker bets pay out nine to one if they win, while the tie pays out eight to one. Players should be aware of these bets when playing the game, as they can greatly affect their overall winnings.

Another option is the Super Six Bet, which pays out 12x the bet amount if the Banker hand wins with six points. Players can also place a Pair Bet, which pays out 11x the bet amount if they get a matching pair of cards.

Baccarat has spawned a number of variations, including side bets and Mini Baccarat. These variations may differ from the main game in terms of how many decks are used and the odds. The number of decks used can change the house edge and the odds of winning, so it is important to check this information before playing. Players should always gamble responsibly and know their limits. If they are unsure about their limits, it is recommended to consult a professional gambling advisor before placing a bet.