Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games in the world, and for good reason. It has a history that goes back over 500 years, and its three main variants, Punto Banco, Chemin de Fer, and Baccarat Banque, are played in casinos around the world. While Baccarat has a reputation for being an exclusive game for high rollers, it is also surprisingly simple to play, and can be enjoyed by players of all bankroll sizes.

Before you start playing Baccarat, it’s important to understand the rules of the game. Players bet on either the Player Hand, the Banker Hand, or a tie. Two cards are dealt to each hand, and the value of the hand is determined by adding up the values of the individual cards and then subtracting tens. Aces count as zero, while face cards and tens count as 10. A nine-card hand is worth the most.

When the Player and Banker hands are compared, the hand with the higher value wins. However, the player must pay a commission if they win on the Banker hand. This is why it’s always better to bet on the Player hand, unless you’re betting on a Tie, which pays 9:1 and has a house edge of just over 4%.

While the house edge is a factor to consider, there are some strategies that can help you beat it. One of the most effective tactics is card counting, which has been proven to reduce the house edge by about 0.5%. However, it isn’t a guaranteed strategy and you should only use it as part of your overall Baccarat strategy.

Another way to minimize the house edge is to avoid making side bets. These bets are risky and can quickly add up to a large loss. They can include bets on the Player or Banker to win, the tie, and the re-bet. The re-bet is a particularly bad option because it increases the house edge by about 4%.

The history of baccarat is quite interesting, and it has become a favorite for high rollers around the world. It is especially popular in Asian countries and generates 80% of all casino profits in Macau. The game has been featured in several films, including the 1954 TV adaptation of Casino Royal, in which James Bond plays baccarat against Le Chiffre, and the 2013 film The Great Gatsby, where it is a common party game for Jay Gatsby’s wealthy friends. The game is easy to learn and requires no special equipment, making it a great choice for those looking for an entertaining yet simple casino game.