a card game played in casinos in which two or more punters gamble against the banker; the player wins who holds 2 or 3 cards that total closest to nine
"The high rollers gathered at the VIP table to play baccarat, betting heavily on whether the player or the banker would draw cards totaling closest to nine."
A card game resembling chemin de fer with many forms - usually entailing the player(s) betting against two or three hands dealt - also bearing some similarities to blackjack.
"The high-roller gathered his chips at the table, eager to test his luck in baccarat by betting against the dealer's hand."
In plain English: Baccarat is a popular casino card game where players bet on whether the banker or player will win based on their hand totals.
"They gathered in the VIP lounge to play high-stakes baccarat all night long."
Usage: Baccarat is primarily known as a casino gambling game where players bet on whether the "player" or "banker" hand will win, rather than trying to beat specific cards. It differs from poker because it relies almost entirely on chance and fixed rules instead of player strategy.
The word "baccarat" entered English in the 19th century from the French term baccara, which was likely named after the town of Baccarat known for its glassmaking. Although the game has been recorded since at least 1291, the ultimate origin of the name remains uncertain and debated by scholars.