Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live casino Baccarat is one of the more straightforward games you can play. Players simply pick a side to bet on – either the Banker or the Player. You can also bet on a tie, but these bets don't usually pay out much. The aim is to pick the side that gets a hand value of 8 or 9 (called a "natural") with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's quite common for neither the Banker nor the Player to get a natural with their first two cards in live Baccarat. If this happens, an extra card is drawn for one or both sides. There are specific rules that dictate when and how a third card is drawn. Let's dive in and learn them!
What's the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat Online?
In Baccarat, special rules dictate the actions for both the Banker and Player sides if neither hits a natural. Don't get too bogged down in the details, though. These are simply established procedures to ensure the game progresses and there's always a winner in this live casino game. Remember, the game often concludes after the third card is drawn, which is why understanding the third-card rule is crucial for Zimbabwean players looking to master Baccarat.
Third Card Rule for the Player in Zimbabwe
After the initial two cards are dealt to both sides face-down, the Baccarat rules state that the Player side must act first. It's just the way the game is played. So, if the Player doesn't achieve a natural score of 8 or 9, you'll need to consider the next move 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
What causes the third card to be drawn for the Player's hand in Live Dealer Baccarat?
In Live Dealer Baccarat, the Player's hand will get a third card if the hand totals between 0 and 5. If the total is 6 or 7, the Player will 'stand', and no third card is drawn.
How does the Player's third card influence what the Banker does?
The Banker's choice 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 that take into account the Banker's initial total and the value of the Player's third card.
What rules apply to 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 if their total is 0-5 and stands if their total is 6-7.
In Live Dealer Baccarat in Zimbabwe, does the Banker always draw a third card on particular totals?
Yes, when playing Live Dealer Baccarat, the Banker will always draw a third card if their total is 0, 1, or 2, no matter what the Player's hand is.
Are the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat in Zimbabwe compulsory?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are compulsory and must be followed exactly. Both the Player and the Banker must stick to these rules, and there's no room for personal choice.
