Baccarat is a game of chance that requires no technical skill to play. It is one of the most popular casino games, and is played for large stakes. It is often found in the high money sections of European and Nevada casinos. The objective is to bet on the hand you think will be closest to 9 points. The game is played with a dealer who deals the cards from a special dealing box called a shoe. The game uses eight decks of cards. Aces are worth 1 point, while 10s and face cards are worth zero. All other cards are worth their pip value.

The game begins with players placing their bets on either the Player, Banker or Tie. The dealer then hands out two cards to each of the three gaming spaces on the table. The Player and Banker hands are then compared and whichever hand is closer to a score of nine wins the round. In the event of a tie, the bettors who have placed bets on the Banker win and those who have bet on the Player lose.

Baccarat has become so popular that it has generated variations and additional ways to bet and play the game. In addition to the classic Player, Banker and Tie bets, players may also place a variety of side bets. Depending on the platform or establishment, these bets pay different odds and can change the outcome of each round.

The baccarat table is covered with green felt and has 12 seats, six on each side of the dealer. Each player has a numbered space for their chips and the croupier or dealer will deal from a special dealing box, called a shoe, to keep the cards secret. Usually, 8 decks of cards are used, and the dealer deals out two at a time from the shoe to the Banker and Player. A third card may be dealt to either hand, depending on the result of the first two.

Players can wager on the Player, Banker or a Tie in baccarat, and must place their bet before the cards are dealt. Once the bets are placed, the croupier or dealer will play out the hand and determine its winner. In a Banker win, the croupier will collect any winning bets and pay out the totals to those who have bet on the Banker. The croupier will also take a 5% commission on any winning Banker bets.

Baccarat is a huge business for casinos worldwide. Last year, the 40 casinos in Macau made more from baccarat than any other city, and even Las Vegas Strip casinos generate significant revenue from the game. However, many visitors to casinos have no idea how baccarat is played, and some might not even know that there are side bets on the game.