Baccarat is a popular card game often associated with high stakes and elegance, commonly found in casinos. Here’s a basic rundown of the game:

1. Objective: The goal is to bet on which of two hands—the “Player” or the “Banker”—will have a total closest to 9. There’s also a third option to bet on a tie.
2. Card Values:
   • Cards 2 through 9 are worth their face value.
   • 10s, Jacks, Queens, and Kings are worth 0 points.
   • Aces are worth 1 point.
3. Gameplay:
   • Two hands are dealt: one for the Player and one for the Banker.
   • Each hand receives two cards.
   • If the total value of the hand is more than 10, only the last digit counts (e.g., a total of 15 is worth 5).
4. Drawing a Third Card:
   • Rules for drawing a third card are set and automatic, depending on the initial totals. The Player’s hand may draw a third card if its total is 0-5, and the Banker’s hand follows its own set of rules, which can get a bit complex.
5. Betting:
   • You can place bets on the Player’s hand winning, the Banker’s hand winning, or a tie between the two hands.
6. Payouts:
   • Winning bets on the Player’s hand typically pay 1:1.
   • Winning bets on the Banker’s hand usually pay 1:1, but with a 5% commission taken by the casino.
   • Winning bets on a Tie pay 8:1 or 9:1, depending on the casino.

The game’s simplicity and low house edge (especially on Banker bets) contribute to its popularity. Plus, its association with James Bond and other high-profile figures adds to its allure!