Baccarat, the card game favored by James Bond and other high rollers, has a simple strategy, low house edge, and is one of the fastest games to play in a casino. It’s also the least intimidating game for new players, as it doesn’t involve betting against other players (although, as this Forbes article points out, that does not stop the delusional “wrong motherfuckers” from staring at results screens all day long).

The basic rules of baccarat, which is sometimes called punto banco or chemmy, are clear. There are two opposing hands – the player and the banker – and you bet on which hand is closer to nine. If the cards dealt total more than nine, the first digit is dropped and the second digit becomes the value of the hand. Picture cards and tens count as zero; aces are worth one point. If the two hands are tied, a third card is drawn. Typically, the dealer will deal the cards, but in some casinos, players hold their own cards and place their bets through a touchscreen terminal.

During a round of baccarat, from seven to 14 seats are available for players, and the table has two areas – the Player’s and the Banker’s. The dealer deals two cards for each hand – both face up and visible to everyone at the table. Players place their wagers on which hand will come closest to 9. Bets on the Player’s hand pay out 1:1, while bets on the Banker’s win a higher payout of 9:1 – but the banker pays a commission to the casino.

There are reasons why baccarat is the most popular casino game in the world, and not just for its celebrity association. For starters, it appeals to a cultural preference for consensus and collective action, unlike blackjack or poker, where players are dealt their own cards. But the reason why high rollers are so drawn to baccarat has more to do with math. The game has the lowest hold percentage in a casino, at only 1.2 percent for both the player and banker bets, according to Zender’s piece.

As a result, many high-rollers are attracted to the game for its safety and security. While some prefer to play at home, the majority of players are more likely to visit a casino that features baccarat tables, and the most prestigious venues include the ones in Macau, where the game was born. With upscale amenities and a focus on luxury, these casinos are a great place to try your luck at winning some real cash. Just don’t forget to treat the money you bet with as a night out, not as a source of income.