The Basics of Baccarat

Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games. It has a reputation for being elegant and associated with luxury, but it can be played by players with any budget. Its rules are simple and easy to understand, and it is a game that can keep people entertained for hours without too much effort.

Traditionally, baccarat is played on a table that can seat up to 14 players. This type of baccarat is sometimes referred to as big-table baccarat and is often found in casino high-limit rooms. A shoe containing eight decks of cards rotates around the table, and a croupier is in charge of dealing the cards to each player. In live games, a palette is used to make it easier for the dealer to move the cards without leaving their seat.

The object of the game is to place a bet on either the Banker hand, the Player hand, or a tie. Once all bets are placed, two cards will be dealt to each of the hands. The winner of each hand is determined by whose total is closest to nine. The value of the hand is determined by adding the values of the two individual cards and then dropping the tens digit. For example, a seven and six results in 13 points, but the first digit is dropped, making it three points. Tens, jacks, queens, and kings count as zero, while aces count as one.

If a hand of either the Player or Banker has a value of eight or nine (called a “natural”), it wins. Otherwise, further cards are drawn to determine the outcome. If neither the Player nor Banker hand has a natural, it is a tie and no money is won or lost.

While baccarat does generate a sizeable chunk of Nevada’s table-gaming revenue, it isn’t as exciting or intellectually stimulating as other card games. It’s easy to learn, but it requires no significant strategy or skill and offers no way to win a veritable fortune on a modest bet, as is possible with horse racing’s Pick Six.

However, baccarat is growing in popularity and is often seen in movies and on television. In the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, for instance, a baccarat game is featured at one of Jay Gatsby’s lavish parties. The game is also a common feature at Asian casinos and has gained popularity among high rollers.