Baccarat is one of the most popular casino games worldwide. It’s easy to learn and it’s exciting to play. It has a lower house edge than roulette and slot machines, so it’s ideal for players who want to get the most playtime out of their bankroll. And the rounds last only a few minutes, making it an even better choice for players who don’t want to spend their whole evening at the casino.

Baccardat is a game of chance, but there are some strategies that can help you win more often. First, you need to understand the game rules. Points are added up in a player’s hand by adding the value of each card: 9 is the highest, cards numbered from 1 to 8 have their face value, and aces are worth one point each. Then the dealer compares the players’ and the banker’s hands. The winning bet is the one that is closest to 9.

Baccarat is popular in Asia and the United States, but its popularity has increased dramatically over the past 20 years because of cultural preferences among Asian high rollers. According to Bill Zender, a former Nevada Gaming Control Agent and casino executive who literally wrote the book on managing casino games, Asian high rollers prefer baccarat over other casino games because it fits their culture perfectly.