Baccarat is a card game that is played in casinos around the world. It is one of the most popular games in casinos and generates more revenue than any other table game, including slots. In Macau, which is home to some of the most expensive hotels and casino resorts in the world, baccarat accounts for more than 88 percent of all casino revenues. In Singapore, the game also generates a large percentage of all casino revenues.

Baccarat’s history dates back to the 18th Century and was founded in the town of Baccarat, in the Lorraine region of Eastern France. Initially, the company only made glass windows and mirrors, but in the 19th Century, they started to produce tableware that became famous for its high quality craftsmanship.

The most important aspect of a baccarat game is to make the right decisions when the cards are dealt. The dealer will call for a third card when a hand has totals of 0 to 5 or 10; or the player can decide to stand when they have a total of 6 or 7.

When you are playing, make sure that you understand all the rules before you place your bets. You can choose to place bets on the Banker or the Player, as well as on Super Six Bets and Pair Bets.

Before you start betting, bet a small amount to get a feel for the game. A lot of money can change hands very quickly, so be sure to calculate how much you are willing to lose and stick with that figure.

You should also be aware of the house rules before you play baccarat at your local casino. If you’re not sure what these are, ask at the counter or at the table before you begin.

A baccarat game is played using a number of standard 52-card decks shuffled together. Every card rank is given a numerical value, with 2 through 9 pip cards worth a certain denomination. Aces carry a value of 1 while face and 10-pip cards have no value.

Depending on where you play, the cards are revealed face up or upside down. The dealer will then peel off the top card of each hand. Then the rest of the cards are revealed.

The cards are usually drawn from a six- or eight-deck shoe. The highest-ranking card is dealt to the Banker’s hand, and the lowest-ranking card is dealt to the Player’s hand. The winner is determined by whose hand has the closest total to nine.

Although there is no skill or strategy involved, baccarat can be a fun and exciting game for players of all skill levels. Because of the low house edge and high-stakes action, it’s a favorite among high rollers, so you can expect to find a wide variety of baccarat tables at your local casino.

You’ll often see a table for baccarat in a special alcove, away from the other games. The tables are decorated with oblong “plaques” of $100 bills, which make the game look very glamorous and exciting.