Live Dealer Baccarat Third Card Rules – Know When to Draw!
Live Baccarat, especially when played online, is a game that beginners in Kenya can pick up quite easily. The core idea is simple: you choose to bet on either the Banker or the Player side. While you can also bet on a tie, it's a long shot and rarely pays out well. The main goal is for your chosen side to have a hand total of 8 or 9, known as a 'natural', with the first two cards dealt.
However, it's quite common that neither side gets a natural with their initial two cards in live dealer baccarat. When this happens, a third card is drawn for one or both hands, but there are specific rules that dictate how this happens. Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of the third card rule!
What's the Big Deal with the Third Card Rule in Online Baccarat?
In baccarat, different rules govern the actions for both the Banker and Player hands when a natural isn't hit. Don't let the rules intimidate you; they're simply there to ensure the game progresses smoothly and a winner is always determined in this thrilling live casino game. Given that the game concludes once the third card is drawn (if applicable), truly understanding the third-card rule is key to following the action.
Player's Turn: The Third Card Rule Explained
After the initial two cards are dealt to both the Banker and Player hands face down, the baccarat rules state that the Player hand always acts first. No arguments there, that's just how the game flows! So, if the Player hand doesn't score a natural 8 or 9, you'll need to check if a third card is drawn according to specific guidelines.
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 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 decision 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 dictate the Banker's third card draw if the Player stands?
If the Player stands (meaning they don't draw a third card), the Banker draws a third card when their total is 0-5 and stands when their total is 6-7.
In Baccarat, does the Banker always draw a third card on particular totals?
Yes, in Live Dealer Baccarat, the Banker will always draw 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 in Kenya mandatory?
Yes, the third card rules in Live Dealer Baccarat are mandatory and strictly enforced in Kenya. Both the Player and the Banker must follow these rules without exception.
