3 Card Baccarat Strategy

Most live casino players reading this article probably know Three-Card Poker better than what we'll discuss today: Three-Card Baccarat. If you're new to this one, don't worry! There are many casino games out there. Three-Card Baccarat is an exciting, fast-paced version of the classic baccarat game. It's straightforward to learn, especially with the right guide. This post discusses the rules, strategies, and tips for playing Three-Card Baccarat right here in Zambia.

What Exactly is Three-Card Baccarat?

Three-Card Baccarat is a popular twist on the classic Baccarat game. The game is similar to traditional Baccarat in that both sides are dealt three cards, and the highest hand wins. Picture cards (like Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are key here.

• This version uses a standard 52-card deck, and all cards are dealt face-up, making it easy to follow.
• Before the cards are dealt, you'll need to place your wager on either the Banker or Player position. During this phase, you can also explore optional side bets, which we'll cover later in this guide.
• Here's a quick reminder of card values: face cards (J, Q, K) and 10s are worth zero. Aces are worth one point, and all other cards are worth their face value. This scoring system should be familiar if you've played Baccarat before.

How 3-Card Baccarat Stands Out from Standard Baccarat

So, what makes Three-Card Baccarat a bit different from its traditional counterpart? The top hand in this game is three face cards of the same rank. For example, three sixes would score 18, but in Baccarat, it's only an 8, as 9 is the highest possible score. This is where the,"three-card" aspect truly changes the hand dynamics.

The side with the highest points wins the round. If the points are tied, the side with more face-value cards wins. So, a hand of 6+6+6 (scoring 8) beats a hand of Q+2+6 (scoring 8) because it has more face-value cards. A tie or push can happen if players have cards with the same points and face values.

Three-Card Baccarat Payouts in Zambia

Just like in classic baccarat, winning hands usually pay out even money (1:1). This means if you bet K10 and win, you'll receive K20 back (your K10 bet plus K10 winnings).

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.