Baccarat is a captivating card game that has gained immense popularity in casinos worldwide, often favored for its simplicity and elegance. It is especially known among high rollers and is played with a standard deck of cards. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the essential rules and strategies essential to mastering 'baccarat 1'.

The game of Baccarat is primarily played between two hands - the 'Player' and the 'Banker'. Contrary to what their names might suggest, these do not necessarily represent the casino or the actual players, but rather are just two sides on which bets can be placed. The objective of Baccarat is simple: wager on which hand will have a point total closest to nine. The game also allows for betting on a 'Tie', where both hands result in the same value.

Each card in Baccarat holds a point value. Cards 2 through 9 carry their face value, aces are worth one point, and tens, jacks, queens, and kings are worth zero points. A hand's total is calculated by adding the values of its cards, but only the last digit of the total is used. For example, a hand consisting of a seven and an eight would have a total of 15, but would be scored as five.

The game starts with the dealer distributing two cards each to the Player and the Banker. A third card may be dealt based on specific rules. Particularly, if the Player or the Banker has a total of 8 or 9 (known as a 'natural'), no further cards are dealt. If neither side has a 'natural', the drawing of a third card follows certain predetermined rules.

For the Player's hand, a third card is drawn if the total is 0 to 5, and stands if it’s 6 or 7. The Banker's hand drawing is slightly more complex due to additional conditions that depend on the Player's third card.

Despite the luck-based nature of Baccarat, some strategies can help optimize your chances of success. One popular approach is to consistently back the Banker, given that this bet has a marginally favorable edge due to the drawing rules. Additionally, many experienced players recommend avoiding the 'Tie' bet due to its higher house edge.

In conclusion, understanding the straightforward yet intriguing rules of Baccarat can enhance your gaming experience. While luck certainly plays a pivotal role, employing thoughtful betting strategies can help in making informed decisions. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned player, Baccarat can offer hours of entertainment and potentially rewarding outcomes.