Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live Baccarat is a pretty straightforward game that's popular with Kiwi players. You just pick a side to bet on – Banker or Player. You can also bet on a tie, but this usually doesn't pay out much. The aim is to pick the side that gets closest to a total of 9 with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's common for neither side to get a natural 8 or 9 straight off the bat in live casino baccarat. When that happens, an extra card is drawn for one or both sides. But there are specific rules about how that third card is drawn. Let's dive in and find out!
What's the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat Online?
In baccarat, there are set rules for how the Banker and Player hands are played if neither hits a natural. Don't stress, though! These are just the established procedures to make sure there's a clear winner in this live casino game. Remember, the game usually ends after the third card is drawn, so understanding this rule is key to following the action.
The Player's Third Card Rule
After the first two cards are dealt to both sides, the baccarat rules state that the Player hand is always the first to act. No worries, it's just how the game flows! If the Player doesn't hit a natural 8 or 9, their next move depends on the total of their initial two cards.
First, they stand if the hand value is a 7 or 6. This means the Player doesn't get an extra card, and the Banker side will reveal their combination. But if the Player's hand has a value of 0 to 5, they get an additional card.
But sometimes, both sides can draw a natural. If this happens, the round becomes a tie or push. But wait, a natural of 9 is better than a natural of 8. Therefore, the highest value hand wins.
Third Card Rule on the Banker Side
The third card rule on the Banker side is more complicated and exciting. That's because the Banker is the next to play after the Player has revealed their cards. This can make the experience a bit gut-wrenching. That said, the Banker stands if they reveal a hand total of 7 or 6. In addition, the Banker gets an extra card to play if their hand total is anything between 0 and 5. It sounds like a stalemate, right?
If the Player gets a third card and the Banker has 2 or less, they receive another card regardless of the Player's third card value. Also, the Banker gets another card if they have a hand value of 3 unless the other side has a natural. It doesn't stop there. If the Banker's total hand value is 4, they draw another card if the Player's extra card is 2-3-4-5-6-7. The Banker also stands if their total hand value is 7.
To avoid further confusion, here is a table illustrating how the third card rule works with the Banker's hand:
| Banker's Hand Total | Action if Player Stands | Action if Player Draws Third Card |
|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2 | Draws a card | Draws a card |
| 3 | Draws a card | Draws unless Player's 3rd card is 8 |
| 4 | Draws a card | Draws if Player's 3rd card is 2-7 |
| 5 | Draws a card | Draws if Player's 3rd card is 4-7 |
| 6 | Stands | Draws if Player's 3rd card is 6 or 7 |
| 7 | Stands | Stands |
| 8 - 9 | Natural (Stands) | Natural (Stands) |
Banker or Player – Which Side is Best?
This is a question that most new live dealer baccarat players struggle to answer. Consider this: the Player's hand is the first to go and the most likely to draw an additional card. That's because the Player side will likely get a 0 because King, Queen, Jack, and 10 count as zero in baccarat. In short, the Banker only makes a move after learning what is on the other side.
In addition, the probability of winning the Banker bet is higher than the Player bet. The Banker has a 45.8% chance of winning compared to 44.6% on the Player side. Although this might not matter much to the naked eye, it will determine how many wins you have in the long run.
But don't dismiss the Player's bet too quickly. The 1.24% house edge is one of the lowest in any live baccarat casino. In addition, the casino will take a 5% commission on all your Banker bet wins. This is how the best live casinos make their money.
FAQ
In Live Dealer Baccarat, what prompts the third card draw for the Player's hand?
In Live Dealer Baccarat, the Player's hand is dealt a third card if the hand totals between 0 and 5. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player "stands", and no third card is drawn.
How does the Player's third card influence the Banker's play in Baccarat?
The Banker's decision to draw a third card depends on the Player's third card. If the Player draws a third card, the Banker will either draw or stand based on specific rules considering the Banker's initial total and the value of the Player's third card.
What rules govern the Banker's third card when the Player stands in Live Dealer Baccarat?
If the Player stands (doesn't draw a third card), the Banker draws a third card on totals of 0-5 and stands on totals of 6-7 in Live Dealer Baccarat.
In Baccarat, does the Banker always draw a third card on particular totals?
Yes, in Live Dealer Baccarat, the Banker is always dealt a third card when their total is 0, 1, or 2, regardless of the Player's hand.
Are the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat mandatory for players in New Zealand?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are strictly mandatory. Both the Player and the Banker must follow these rules without exception when playing in New Zealand.
