James Bond is often associated with the game of baccarat, especially in the earlier novels and films. In Ian Fleming's original books, Bond plays baccarat chemin-de-fer, a variation of the game. One of the most famous scenes featuring baccarat is in the novel "Casino Royale," where Bond faces off against the villain Le Chiffre at the baccarat table.
In the 2006 film adaptation of "Casino Royale," the game was changed to Texas Hold'em poker, likely due to poker's rising popularity at the time. However, the essence of the high-stakes, tension-filled card game remained a crucial part of the story.
Baccarat itself is a relatively simple game to play. Players bet on whether the player or the banker will have a hand closest to nine, or if the game will result in a tie. It's known for its elegance and association with high rollers in casinos around the world.
