Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live Baccarat is a pretty straightforward game for Canadian players. You simply pick a side to bet on – the Banker or the Player. You can also bet on a Tie, though this bet doesn't come up often and typically has a higher house edge. The main goal is to choose the side that gets a hand total of 8 or 9 (called a "natural") with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's quite common in live dealer baccarat that neither the Banker nor the Player hits a natural with their initial two cards. If this happens, a third card is drawn for one or both sides. There are specific rules that govern when and how this third card is drawn. Let's dive in to find out!
What's the Deal with the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat?
In baccarat, specific rules dictate how the Banker and Player hands proceed if neither achieves a natural score. Don't get bogged down by the details; these are simply the established procedures to ensure a clear winner in this popular live casino game. Since the game concludes after the third card is dealt (if applicable), understanding this third-card rule is key to following the action. live casino game. Remember that the game ends after the third card is drawn, hence the importance of learning the third-card rule.
The Player's Third Card Rule
After the initial two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker, baccarat rules dictate that the Player's hand is resolved first. It's just how the game goes! If the Player's hand doesn't total an 8 or 9 (a natural), then the Player must draw a third card if their hand value is 0-5. If the Player's hand is 6 or 7, they stand.
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 its total is between 0 and 5. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player's hand 'stands' and no third card is drawn.
How does the Player's third card influence the Banker's play?
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 draw or stand based on specific rules that take into account both 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 Baccarat?
If the Player stands (meaning they don'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 required to draw a third card on totals of 0, 1, or 2, regardless of the Player's hand.
Are the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat in Canadian casinos mandatory?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are mandatory and strictly enforced in Canadian casinos. Both the Player and the Banker must follow these rules without exception.
