3 Card Baccarat Strategy

Most live casino players diving into this guide in Singapore are likely more familiar with Three-Card Poker than Three-Card Baccarat. It's understandable, given the sheer variety of casino games available! But for those in the dark, Three-Card Baccarat is an exciting, fast-paced twist on the classic baccarat. It's surprisingly easy to pick up, especially with a solid guide like this one. We'll walk you through the rules, smart strategies, and essential tips for playing Three-Card Baccarat.

What Exactly Is Three-Card Baccarat?

Three-Card Baccarat is a popular variation of Baccarat, particularly found in some Asian casinos. It shares similarities with traditional Baccarat in that both sides aim to get the best hand, but here, each side receives three cards. The value of picture cards (face cards) plays a key role in determining the winner.

• This version typically uses a standard 52-card deck, with all cards dealt face-up, making gameplay transparent.
• Before the cards are dealt, players need to place a wager on either the 'Banker' or 'Player' position. During this stage, you can also opt for some exciting side bets, which we'll cover later in this guide.
• Here's a key point for Singaporean players: face cards and 10s have no value in Three-Card Baccarat. Aces are worth one point, and all other numbered cards are worth their face value. If you're familiar with standard Baccarat, this scoring system will feel familiar.

Key Differences: 3-Card Baccarat vs. Standard Baccarat

So, what sets Three-Card Baccarat apart from the standard game you might know? The ultimate hand in this version is three face cards of the same rank, like three sixes. However, in Baccarat scoring, 9 is the highest score, so three sixes would actually count as 8. This unique scoring adds an interesting layer to the gameplay.

The round is won by the side with the highest score. In a tie-breaker scenario where total points are equal, the side with more face-value cards wins. For example, a hand with 6+6+6 would beat a hand with Q+2+6 because it has more face cards. A push or tie occurs if both sides have identical combinations of face values and pictures.

Understanding Three-Card Baccarat Payouts for Singaporean Players

Similar to classic baccarat, winning hands in Three-Card Baccarat typically pay out even money (1:1). This means if you bet S$10 and win, you'll receive S$20 back – your original S$10 stake plus S$10 in winnings. Always check the specific payout table at your chosen online casino in Singapore for exact details.

That’s not all pay-wise. If the player makes a winning hand of six (it doesn’t matter the combination), they’ll receive a 2:1 payout. In addition, tie bets pay at 25:1, although the odds of winning these bets are pretty high.

Players at the best live casino sites are also conversant with the 5% commission of banker bet wins. The same applies to the increasingly popular baccarat variant.

Three-Card Baccarat Side Bets

In most cases, Three-Card Baccarat features two optional wagers of Dragon Bonus and 3 Kings. Below is a brief overview:

Kings Bonus

This wager pays out if the player scores an 8 or higher, with a higher hand attracting a much bigger pay. The payout for three Kings is 50:1 and 25:1 for three face cards. Also, scoring any nine and eight pays out at 3:1 and 2:1, respectively.

Dragon Bonus

This side bet wins if the player beats the dealer with at least 5 points. Like with the Three Kings bonus bet, players receive a bigger payout with more winning points.

Below are the payouts:

• Win by 5 points: 1:1
• Win by 6 points: 3:1
• Win by 7 points: 5:1
• Win by 8 points: 10:1
• Win by 9 points: 20:1
• Win by 10 points: 50:1

Three-Card Baccarat Tips and Strategies

There is no proven solution to reduce the losing sessions in Three-Card Baccarat. The thing is that Baccarat is a game of chance, meaning no strategy can increase the Return to Player (RTP) rate. The same applies to all other live online casino games, except maybe video poker and blackjack.

But players don’t have to play blindly just because they cannot decrease the house edge.

• First, avoid the tie bet like the plague because the odds of winning this wager are slim. But the 50:1 maximum payout can be irresistible.
• Another trick, although this won’t do much, is to play the player bet instead of the banker. While the banker's bet often has a slightly lower house edge, the 5% commission on the house makes it an unattractive option. In short, don’t do the donkey work for the casino!
• Lastly, practice bankroll management, knowing that baccarat outcomes are purely luck-based. Create an ample budget and use it responsibly without chasing losses. Players should also consider using betting systems like Martingale and Paroli to manage their finances better.