Baccarat is not the most popular card game in casinos, but perhaps one of the oldest. It is Italian in descent, brought to Italy in the 15th century and related to its sister games Faro and Basset. Baccarat can be played one of three ways:  baccarat banque (or à deux tableaux), baccarat chemin de fer (railway), and punto banco (or North American baccarat). North American baccarat is a game of chance, with no strategy or skill needed. The cards that a player is dealt determine his following moves. The other two alternatives, baccarat banque and baccarat chemin de fer, skill can play a larger part as the rules allow for choice.

On the whole, baccarat is a relatively simple game. There are three conclusions possible: Banker, Player, and Tie. The word 'Player' doesn't mean the person playing the game, nor does 'Banker' refer to the "house:" they are options on which the gambler can bet.

In the game, cards with numbers 2 through 9 are worth face value: a 2 is worth 2 points, etc. Face cards and 10's are worth zero points, and Aces weigh in at 1 point. The players earn points based on the cards in their hand, below the value of 10. If the cards in the gamblers hand total less than 10, that is their score. If the value is 10 or greater, 10 is then subtracted from the total, to give them their actual points earned. For example: if the hand is a 6 and a 2: total points are 8. If, however, a 6 and 7 are held, (6+8= 14 ... 14 is greater than 10 so 14 - 10= 4) the score would be 4 points.  Any score totaling 10 exactly is worth nothing (10 - 10 = 0.)

Random fact: "Baccarat" is named for the worst score possible- a 0. The highest score possible is a 9.

In the casinos, Baccarat could be most closely compared to BlackJack in that you receive cards, and then bet on whether you think your score will be highest.