Baccarat is one of the world’s most popular casino games. Its reputation for sophistication and high stakes is often associated with James Bond, the character in the 2013 movie “Casino Royale,” but it’s a game that can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their bankroll. In fact, the game can be played with just a few dollars if you’re careful. Whether you’re playing the Punto Banco or Chemin de Fer versions of the game, the rules are relatively straightforward and require little skill. Players bet on a player hand, a banker hand, or a tie. The winner is determined by whose total is closest to nine. Two cards are dealt to each hand, and the value of each hand is determined by adding up the digits in the cards’ suits (clubs, diamonds, hearts, and spades) and subtracting the tens digit. The winning hand is the one that gets closer to 9.

The game’s popularity has increased significantly in recent years. According to Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control agent, casino dealer, executive, and consultant who literally wrote the book on managing casino games, Asian high rollers are making baccarat their favorite game. He believes this is due to both cultural reasons and the game’s low house edge. It’s also a game that many high rollers prefer to play with a live dealer rather than an automated machine.

In addition, online casinos are offering baccarat side bets to increase the excitement of the game without changing its rules or straying too far from traditional gameplay. These side bets are similar to those found on other casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker, and they can provide a great way for players to make some extra money while they’re playing.

The first step in baccarat is finding the table on the casino floor, which can be a bit tricky if you’re unfamiliar with the layout. Most casinos have dedicated baccarat tables separated by velvet ropes, and you can find them by walking around the casino or asking an employee for directions. Once you’ve located the table, it’s time to place your bets. Once the deal is made, the winner will be declared and those who placed wagers on that hand will be paid out. Then, a new round will begin. The process is the same in both brick-and-mortar and online casinos.