Baccarat is a casino game with a reputation for luxury, elegance and glamour. It is typically played in high-limit gaming areas, but its relatively simple rules and low house edge make it a popular choice for casual players as well. The game is a card game in which players place bets on either the player or banker hand to win. The goal is to get the hand closer to nine than the other. Picture cards (tens and jacks) are worth zero points, while numbered cards (2-9), and aces count as one point each.
Baccarat’s history dates back to the mid-eighteenth century, when the firm was established in the small French town of Baccarat in eastern France. Originally founded as a glass workshop, the firm began producing fine lead crystal in 1816, and was soon exporting to markets all over Europe. By the end of the 19th Century, Baccarat’s glassware had caught the attention of many prominent patrons and artists at the great exhibitions of the time, including Joseph Paxton’s Crystal Palace and F. & C. Osler’s monumental chandeliers.
During this period, Baccarat also began producing tableware in addition to its glasswork. It was at this time that the company received its first royal commission: Charles X visited the factory in 1828, and was presented with two glass vases, an ewer, and a tea service; they impressed him enough to commission a full glass dinner set for his Tuileries Palace residence. This marked the beginning of a long line of French monarchs, emperors and heads of state who would become regular customers of Baccarat’s glassworks, with the company winning its first gold medal at the 1855 Exposition Universelle for a magnificent pair of 90-light standing candelabra.
As with most games, Baccarat has a number of side bets that can be placed alongside the main bets. These bets tend to cost more than the main bets, and should generally be avoided if possible. They may also vary from casino to casino, so it is important to check with the individual website before placing a bet.
In Baccarat, there are from seven to 14 seats for players, and a dealer’s area. Regardless of the number of players, only two hands of cards are dealt: the player’s and the banker’s. After each hand is dealt, the players and dealer must decide whether to call “carte” or “non.” If a player calls “carte,” they must then place their chips on the ‘player’ or ‘banker’ area. If they call “non,” the banker must then look at his or her two cards.
The ‘player’ and ‘banker’ bets have fixed payouts of 1:1 or 2:1, respectively. The ‘tie’ bet, however, has a much higher house edge and should only be placed if you can afford to lose the money you are wagering on it. As a result, most players stick to the banker and player bets. This makes Baccarat a potentially dangerous game for casinos, with the risk of large losses in a short amount of time.