Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live Baccarat is a pretty straightforward card game. Players simply pick a side to place their bet on – either the Banker or the Player. You can also bet on a tie, though this wager doesn't usually pay out much. The main goal is to have the hand with a total value of 8 or 9 (known as a 'natural') using the two cards dealt to each side.
However, in live casino baccarat, it's quite common for neither side to get a natural with their first two cards. If this happens, another card is drawn for each side. But there are specific rules that govern how this third card is dealt. Let's dive in and find out!
What's the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat Online?
In baccarat, different rules dictate how both the Banker and Player hands proceed if neither hits a natural. Don't get confused; these procedures are simply in place to ensure there's always a clear winner in this live casino game. Remember, the game wraps up after the third card is drawn, which is why understanding the third-card rule is so important for players in Pakistan.
Player's Third Card Rule Explained
After the initial two cards are dealt to both sides face down, baccarat rules state that the Player's hand acts first. That's just how the game flows. So, if the Player does not achieve a natural score, you then need to determine the next step based on the rules.
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 conditions trigger the third card draw for the Player's hand?
In Live Dealer Baccarat, the Player's hand is dealt a third card if the initial total is 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 dictate the Banker's third card when the Player stands in 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, does the Banker always draw a third card on certain 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 Pakistan?
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 from Pakistan.
