3 Card Baccarat Strategy

Most live casino players reading this article will likely be more familiar with Three-Card Poker than Three-Card Baccarat. For those in the dark, it makes sense, as there are loads of casino games to pick from. Three-Card Baccarat is an exciting, fast-paced take on the classic baccarat game. It's pretty straightforward to get to grips with, especially with a good guide. This post dives into the rules, strategies, and tips for playing this lively version of baccarat.

What Exactly Is Three-Card Baccarat?

Three-Card Baccarat is a popular variation of Baccarat you might find in some casinos. The game is similar to traditional Baccarat in that both sides are dealt three cards, and the number of picture cards plays a role in determining the winner. Picture cards, or face cards, are essentially scored at their face value.

• That said, Three-Card Baccarat uses a standard 52-card deck, with all cards laid out face-up.
• Before the cards are dealt, players must place a wager on either the banker or player position. At this point, players can also choose to make one of the optional side bets, which we'll cover later in this guide.
• It's worth noting that face cards and tens carry no value. Aces are worth one point, and all other cards are worth their face value. This scoring system won't be new if you've played Baccarat before.

3-Card Baccarat vs. Standard Baccarat: What's the Difference?

So, what sets Three-Card Baccarat apart from its traditional counterpart? The top possible hand combination in this game involves three face cards of the same rank. For example, a player could get three sixes, which would technically be 18. However, in Baccarat scoring, this counts as 8, as 9 is the highest possible score.

Ultimately, the side with the highest score wins the round. If there's a tie in points, the side with more face-value cards takes the win. So, a player with 6+6+6 would beat a player holding Q+2+6 because they have more face values. The game can also end in a 'push' or tie if players have cards of the same face values and pictures.

Three-Card Baccarat Payouts: What to Expect

Much like in a classic baccarat game, winning hands typically pay out at even money (1:1). This means if you stake a €10 bet and win, you'll get a €20 payout, which includes your original stake plus €10 in 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.