Baccarat is that exotic card game that you see high rollers playing in opulent casinos. Though it may look intimidating, it is actually one of the easiest casino games to play, and maintains a low house edge. If you’re looking for a new table game, this is one to try.

The object of baccarat is to bet on either the Player hand or the Banker hand, and hope that their total will come closest to nine. The score is determined by adding up the number of pips on each card (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades). Ten value cards count as zero, and aces count as one. If the final digit of the Player or Banker hand exceeds nine, the first digit is dropped.

Depending on which side you bet on, the dealer deals two more cards to each hand. If the total of the Player hand and the Banker hand is 8 or 9 from the first two cards, this is called a “natural win” and no further cards are drawn. If the total of the Player hand and Banker hand is less than 8, a third card is drawn. If the third card totals 8 or 9, the hand stands.

While the game’s origin is unclear, it traces back to Italy and then France, where it was popular among royalty and noblemen. Baccarat is now played in many casinos across the United States, and its popularity continues to rise worldwide. It’s the game of choice for many Asian high rollers, and has become an increasingly popular game for European players as well.

According to Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control agent and casino executive who literally wrote the book on managing casino games, baccarat has grown in popularity for several reasons. Its elegance and culture-specific appeal attract Asian high rollers, and its lower house edge than roulette or blackjack makes it more profitable for them.

There are also a number of different betting options in the game, including the Super Six bet and Pair Bets. The Super Six bet pays out 12x the initial bet amount if the Banker hand wins with a 6 in the total. The Pair Bet, on the other hand, pays out 11x if the Banker and Player hands are a pair.

While the game can be quite entertaining, it’s important to enter it with a plan. Know how much you can afford to lose, and don’t be afraid to walk away when your losses start to mount. Remember to always gamble responsibly, and never chase your losses. Also, be sure to set a loss limit and stick to it. This will keep you from spending more than you can afford to lose, and will help you avoid any impulsive decisions. It’s a good idea to practice your strategy before playing baccarat for real money. You can even find a free baccarat website that will allow you to play the game before making a real deposit.