Baccarat is a game of chance, but it also has a strong aesthetic appeal. During the 19th Century, it became widely known and admired across Europe, earning accolades at Great Exhibitions, and winning many admirers and customers throughout the world.

Baccarat was first played in Italy but later spread to neighboring France where it became a favorite of King Charles VIII and the French aristocracy. It is now popular in many casinos, with a variety of games and betting options available.

The game consists of two hands, the Player and Banker, which are dealt from a deal box called a shoe that holds eight 52-card packs. A dealer shuffles the cards and deals them one at a time, face down.

Each card has a value of either zero or one, depending on its suit. Face cards are worth zero, and aces count as one.

Once both cards are dealt, the pips (the dots on a playing card that represent clubs, diamonds, hearts and spades) can be added up to get a final digit. This digit is the sum of all the pips on the Player or Banker hand, and it determines the winner.

The Player and Banker hands are each given a single chance to draw a third card. If the total of the Player hand is 0 to 5, or equals 10, then a third card is drawn, and if the total of the Banker hand is 5 or less, or equals 10, then a third card does not need to be drawn.

When the Player or Banker draws a third card, they are required to call “carte” if the total of their hand is 4 or less, and they can ask for a second card if the total is 6 or 7 or if the total of their first two cards is 10. If the player calls a second card then they must stand, if they do not call a second card then they must request another card from the dealer.

In addition to the player and banker bets, Baccarat offers a number of side bets. These are generally much more expensive than the main bets and are not recommended unless you have a very good understanding of the game.

These include a number of different types of Tie bets. These can be placed on a range of combinations of the Player or Banker hands and can be very interesting.

It is a good idea to check the payout odds for each bet before making a decision to place a bet. If a winning Banker or Player hand is predicted, the payouts will be higher than for a tie bet.

If you are unsure of how to play the game, it is a good idea to ask the dealer for assistance or consult with a friend who has played before. They will be able to give you tips on how to play the game, as well as help you understand the rules.