Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live Baccarat is a pretty chill game to get into. In Singapore, players basically pick a side to bet on – either the Banker or the Player. You can also go for a tie, but that bet usually doesn't pay out much. The main goal is to bet on the side that ends up with a hand value of 8 or 9 (called a 'natural') with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's quite common for neither side to get a natural with their initial two cards in live casino baccarat. If that happens, the rules say an extra card is drawn for one or both sides. There are specific rules governing how this third card is drawn. Read on to find out!
What's the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat?
In baccarat, standard rules dictate how the Banker and Player hands proceed if neither hits a natural. Don't sweat it, though! These are just standard procedures to ensure the game continues and a winning hand is determined in this live casino game. Keep in mind that the game wraps up after the potential third card is drawn, which is why understanding the third-card rule is key.
Player's Third Card Rule
After the first two cards are dealt to both sides, baccarat rules state that the Player's hand is the first to act. That's just how the game flows in Singapore. So, if the Player doesn't get a natural (a total of 8 or 9), you then need to figure out the next move based on the Player's total.
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, when does the Player's hand get a third card?
In Live Dealer Baccarat, the Player's hand is dealt a third card if the initial two-card 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 what the Banker does?
The Banker's play is affected by whether the Player receives a third card. If the Player draws a third card, the Banker will either draw or stand based on a specific set of rules that take into account both the Banker's current total and the value of the Player's third card.
What happens when the Player stands in Baccarat?
If the Player stands (meaning they don't take a third card), the Banker draws a third card if their total is 0-5 and stands if their total is 6-7.
In Live Dealer Baccarat, does the Banker always draw a third card on certain totals?
Yes, in Live Dealer Baccarat, the Banker will always draw a third card if their hand totals 0, 1, or 2, regardless of what the Player's hand holds.
Are the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat in Singapore mandatory?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are strictly mandatory. Both the Player and the Banker must follow these rules without exception. Remember to gamble responsibly.
