Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live dealer Baccarat is a game that's pretty easy to get the hang of. You just need to 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 main idea is to bet on the side that ends up with a hand total closest to 9, or exactly 8 or 9 (which is called a 'natural') with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's quite common in live casino baccarat that neither side gets an automatic 8 or 9 with their first two cards. In such cases, an extra card is drawn. But there are specific rules that decide when and how this third card is dealt. Let's dive in and find out!
What's the Third Card Rule in Live Baccarat Online, Zambia?
In Baccarat, there are set rules that guide the actions of both the Banker and Player sides if neither hits a natural of 8 or 9. Don't stress about memorising them all! These are just the standard procedures to make sure there's always a winner. Remember, the game wraps up after the third card is drawn, which is why it's super important to get a handle on the third-card rule.live casino game. Knowing these rules helps you make better bets in this exciting game available at Zambian online casinos.
Player's Third Card Rules in Zambia
Once the first two cards are dealt to both the Player and Banker sides, the Player's hand is always acted upon first. It's just the way the game is played in Zambia and globally. If the Player's initial two cards don't add up to a natural 8 or 9, then their next move depends on the total value.Baccarat rules dictate the next steps.
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 receive a third card if the hand's total is between 0 and 5. If the total is 6 or 7, no third card is drawn; this is known as a "stand."
How does the Player's third card influence what the Banker does?
The Banker's decision regarding drawing 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 (meaning they don'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 Zambia, does the Banker always draw a third card on certain totals?
Yes, in Live Dealer Baccarat, the Banker always draws a third card if their total is 0, 1, or 2, regardless of what the Player's hand holds.
Are the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat mandatory in online casinos?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are mandatory and must be followed strictly. Both the Player and the Banker must adhere to these rules; there is no room for personal choice or deviation.
