How the Third Card Rule Works in Baccarat

Photo credit: aceofnet

Baccarat is a card game with a simple goal but specific rules, especially when the third card is dealt. The game looks simple. Two hands are dealt, one for the player and one for the banker, and betting takes place before the cards are revealed. However, the rules for deciding whether to draw a third card are not based on choice, but rather on fixed conditions.

Whether you play with the dealer or the RNG-based version, you’ll find the third card rule applied consistently across licensed baccarat tables. These rules are part of the standard gameplay structure and are automatically followed once the initial cards are dealt.

Here’s a breakdown of how the third card rule works and how to trigger additional cards in either hand.

The Basics: Player and Banker Hands

In Baccarat, two hands are dealt:

• that player hand
• that banker hand

Each starts with two cards. The goal is to get as close to 9 as possible. All cards except 10 and face cards, which count as 0, are worth their face value. If the total exceeds 9, only the second number is counted (e.g. a total of 14 becomes 4).

If the player or banker’s hand adds up to 8 or 9 from the first two cards, it is called a natural and the round ends immediately unless a third card is drawn.

If there are no naturals, the third card rule kicks in based on the total of each hand.

When does the player draw the third card?

Player hands follow these simple rules:

• If the player’s total is between 0 and 5, he or she draws a third card.
• If a player’s total is 6 or 7, they stand (no draw).
• If a player has a natural 8 or 9, the third card is not drawn.

The player’s hand is resolved first, and the banker’s third card decision depends in part on the card the player draws (if any).

When does the banker draw the third card?

The Banker’s third card rule is more complicated. This depends on two factors:

1. that banker total
2. that Player’s third card value (if drawn)

Here’s how it works:

• Banker Total 0, 1, 2: The Banker always draws a third card.
• Total of 3 bankers: If the player’s third card is not an 8, the banker draws.
• Total of 4 bankers: If the player’s third card is 2-7, the banker draws.
• Total of 5 bankers: If the player’s third card is 4-7, the banker draws.
• Total of 6 bankers: If the player’s third card is a 6 or 7, the banker draws.
• Total of 7 bankers: Banker always stands

If the player does not draw a third card, the banker uses the same rules as the player.

• Draw from 0 to 5.
• Standing in groups of 6-7 people

Who enforces the rules?

The third card rule is not determined by you or the dealer. This is built into the game and automatically followed by the dealer (for live games) or software (for RNG versions). This process is standardized and is based on the final value of the first two cards dealt to each hand.

These rules ensure consistency and remove decision-making from your side while maintaining focus on betting before a round begins.