Baccarat is one of the most famous casino games around. It has a reputation for being an elegant game that is associated with high rollers and luxury. However, it can also be played with small bets. The rules of the game are relatively simple. After all players have placed their bets, the dealer deals two cards to the player box and another card to the banker box. The winner of the round is the box that has the highest ranked combination. There are also some special bets you can place to increase your winning chances.

The goal of baccarat is to have your bet on the player hand or the banker hand come closest to nine. You can also bet on a tie. The cards are dealt from a multi-deck shoe, which makes the game similar to blackjack. Cards numbered from one to nine have their face value, while 10s and picture cards count as zero. Aces count as one point.

After the player and banker have each received two cards, a third is drawn if either has a total of seven or eight. A total of nine is considered a natural and wins the hand. If the first two cards have a value of six or lower, the hand is a tie.

If neither the player nor the banker have a natural, the tableau is consulted and a decision made. If the banker has a total of five or less, they draw a third card, while they stand when their first two cards have a value of 6 or 7. If the player has a total of six or less, they stand.

The table will also show the number of banker bets and the player bets, which can help you determine the odds. If you’re betting on the player or banker, the odds are about 45% to 50% respectively. The tie bet has a higher house edge, and it’s best to avoid it if possible.

Unlike other casino games, the player and banker hands each have different payouts. The banker has the better odds and will win the most bets, while the player hand has a smaller payout. A banker bet pays out a fixed amount (plus commission) if it wins, while the player bet pays out according to its odds.

The baccarat tables are located in the high-limit gaming area of the casino and feature a black felt surface. The game is renowned for its elegance and has become a staple in high-society events, such as the 2013 film “The Great Gatsby.” Baccarat has also grown in popularity among Asian casinos. It’s no wonder that baccarat is regarded as the world’s most popular game.