Baccarat is a casino game that is played in brick and mortar casinos around the world. However, it is also available at online casinos thanks to the work of modern game software developers.

The game is a slow-paced game that involves betting on which hand will come closest to a total of nine. The game is a lot like blackjack and has become very popular among high rollers. Despite this, it remains a simple game that requires no special skills.

In the past, baccarat was only playable at offline or land-based casinos. These casinos usually feature a large table that can seat up to 12 players. However, baccarat can also be played on portable devices and PCs. The only requirement is an Internet connection.

Unlike some other casino games that have numerous wager options, baccarat is a relatively simple game to understand and master. There are only three bets that can be made: Player, Banker and a Tie. Players must place their bets before the cards are dealt and can change them each round if they wish.

The cards are dealt by a croupier from a dealing box called a shoe and are placed face down on the table in front of the players. Two cards are dealt to the Player and the Banker, and the winning hand is the one that gets closest to a total of 9. Aces count as 1 and the number of points on the card is determined by adding the value of each of the pips. If a player’s total is more than 9, the digit must be dropped.

Once the cards are dealt, the croupier will announce the result of the hand and any additional bets. If the Banker’s hand wins, no more cards will be dealt. If the Player’s hand wins, a third card may be drawn if it does not make a tie with the Banker’s.

The history of baccarat is somewhat unclear but it was invented in the 1400s and became very popular in France when it was known as chemin de fer or baccarat en banque. It was so popular that it was even played in the royal court until public gambling became illegal in 1837. The game then became popular in Europe and was introduced to the USA where it is still very well-loved today. It is a very slow-paced and easy game to enjoy that is why it has become one of the world’s favourite casino games.