From sticky-floor California card rooms to tuxedo-laden casino tables in Monte Carlo, baccarat has long held a Bond-dipped mystique. But if you’re a card player with the right mix of discipline and composure, this Zen-like game can yield big rewards.

Baccarat is simple enough to play: place a bet on player or banker, then sit back and watch the hands unfold. The winner is whichever hand has a total closest to nine (picture cards count as zero, tens as one and aces as 1). The game’s elegant rituals, including the handling of the six decks that are used and the ceremonial washing of the cards before they’re loaded into the shoe, add to its mystical appeal.

While the house edge for the Banker bet is higher than for the Player, it’s still significantly lower than most casino table games. And if you’re smart and disciplined, you can employ a number of strategies to reduce the house’s advantage further.

The game’s complex roots are unclear, though it may have spun off from pai gow, the ancient Chinese tile game that Marco Polo brought to Europe when he returned from his voyages to Asia in the 13th century. But it’s also possible that baccarat was inspired by Italian tavolo giochi, which evolved from an Etruscan legend in which drawing a low score meant death.

A game of soaring glamour, Baccarat is known for its enduring craftsmanship and crystal that has been fit for royalty. In fact, it was once so cherished that Russian aristocrats were reputed to break their Baccarat glasses after each use, believing no person of nobility should drink from a glass marred even by its own lips.

In live baccarat, players interact with each other and the dealer through real-time chat, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The high-definition video streaming technology allows for a stunning level of clarity and detail, allowing players to enjoy each moment of the action.

While the minimum bet varies by casino, $20-$25 is a popular minimum in the United States. Live baccarat players can customize the gaming experience by choosing their own settings, including camera angles, audio levels and screen layouts.

Whether you’re playing online or in person, the key to success in Baccarat is embracing discipline and maintaining composure. Setting clear betting limits and sticking to them regardless of winning or losing streaks can prevent impulsive decisions and emotional reactions that can lead to costly losses. A disciplined approach to Baccarat can also be augmented with card counting techniques, which can help to reduce the house edge. With the right mix of strategy and discipline, you’re well on your way to mastering this mystical game of kings.