Baccarat is the enigmatic card game that conjures images of high-rollers playing in opulent casinos. It is not only a game of chance, but also requires skill and knowledge to play well. Despite its mystique, Baccarat is simple and easy to learn. In this article we will introduce you to the rules of this exciting casino card game, and teach you how to make bets that will give you the best chances of winning.

Baccarat, also known as Punto Banco, is a card game that is played in the big money sections of many European and Nevada casinos. The object of the game is to bet on a hand that you think will be closest to nine. The player and banker each receive two cards, and a third card may be dealt to either hand. If the total of the hand is close to nine, you win.

The game is played with a table and from seven to fourteen seats for players, plus the banker’s area. Each player places his or her bets before the cards are dealt. Depending on the version of Baccarat being played, the cards are dealt from a six or eight deck shoe. The Player and Banker hands each have a betting area, with the Player’s hand being placed below the PLAYER mark on the table, and the Banker’s hand being placed below BANKER.

Once the cards are dealt, it is time to determine their points values. The values of the cards are as follows: Pictures and Tens are worth zero points; Jack, Queen and King are worth their face value; and Aces are worth one point. Once the points values are determined, the deciding step is to determine whether the player or banker should draw a third card.

When the player calls “carte” or ’non’, it is up to the banker to decide whether to draw a third card or stand. The banker has a free choice, and will try to choose the best strategy based on the information available. The banker knows that the player has called ‘carte’ or ’non’, and knows how much was staked on the Player and Banker hands.

When backing a player or the banker, it is important to note that the house has a small edge over the Player and Banker. This is because of the rules regarding when the Banker should draw a third card. In order to minimize this edge, it is recommended that you always back the banker. However, the game is still a game of chance, and you should always bet within your means. Also, remember to play only the stakes that you can afford to lose, as a losing streak can quickly drain your bankroll. This is an important rule that applies to all casino games, not just Baccarat.