Baccarat third card rules: the dealer follows a fixed chart
In baccarat, nobody chooses to draw. The Player hand draws a third card on totals 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7. The Banker then follows a chart based on its own total and the Player third card.
Reviewed Oct 14, 2026
Answer first
90s| Banker total | Banker draws when Player third card is |
|---|---|
| 0, 1, 2 | Always draws |
| 3 | Anything except 8 |
| 4 | 2 to 7 |
| 5 | 4 to 7 |
| 6 | 6 or 7 |
| 7 | Stands |
Key numbers
The drawing rules in four numbers
In short
Key takeaways
- Naturals of 8 or 9 end the hand before any third card.
- The Player hand follows one simple rule: draw on 0 to 5.
- The Banker uses the Player third card, which is why Banker wins slightly more often.
- You never decide anything after placing your bet.
On the felt
Reading a hand
Player: 3 and 2
Total 5 — Player draws
Player third card: 7
Total 12 counts as 2
Banker: 4 and Q
Banker 4 sees a 7 — Banker draws
Only the last digit of a total counts, so 12 is 2.
Card values
| Cards | Value |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 |
| 2 to 9 | Face value |
| 10, J, Q, K | 0 |
| Totals over 9 | Drop the tens digit |
A 7 and an 8 make 15, which counts as 5.
Why the Banker draws more cleverly
The Banker acts second and can see the Player third card. A Player third card of 8 usually means a weak Player total, so a Banker 3 stands.
This extra information is why Banker wins about 45.9% of hands and Player about 44.6%.
When the Player stands
| Player result | Banker rule |
|---|---|
| Player stands on 6 or 7 | Banker draws on 0 to 5, stands on 6 or 7 |
| Natural on either side | No one draws |
The chart only applies when the Player took a third card.
Edge on each bet
With eight decks, Banker carries about a 1.06% edge after the 5% commission. Player has about 1.24%, and Tie at 8 to 1 about 14.4%.
The drawing rules are the same in mini baccarat, midi baccarat and the big table.
Sequence
Following a hand
Step 01
Check for naturals
8 or 9 on either side ends it.
Step 02
Player hand
Draws on 0 to 5.
Step 03
Banker hand
Uses the chart above.
Step 04
Compare totals
Higher total wins; equal is a tie.
Learning tip
Memorize the Banker 3 to 6 rows only. Banker always draws on 0 to 2 and always stands on 7.
After a few shoes the chart becomes automatic, and you can check the dealer’s work.
Floor rules
Drawing terms
Know before you sit
- Natural
- A first-two-card total of 8 or 9.
- Tableau
- The fixed drawing chart.
- Stand
- Take no third card.
- Punto banco
- The common casino form of baccarat.
Online and live dealer tables
Online baccarat games apply the same chart automatically. Live dealer studios show each draw on screen, and the result panel lists both totals so you can check the hand.
Common mistakes
- Thinking you can ask for a card
- All draws follow the chart.
- Counting 10s as 10
- Tens and face cards are worth 0.
- Chasing the Tie
- Its edge is far higher.
- Ignoring the commission
- Banker wins pay 95% at most tables.
Keep reading
Related pages
Go play
Where to play in Las Vegas
Tap a resort — each row opens that casino’s White Gambling page (hours, game mix, floor facts). Venues with this game in official counts, sorted high to low.
Open a casino page
Real listings · not adsAfter the 90 seconds
Questions before and after you play
A 90-second guide cannot cover every table moment. Tap a group, then a question — answers are short paragraphs, not one-liners.
01Basics
Who decides whether to draw in baccarat?
No one. The dealer follows a fixed chart for both hands. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
When does the Player hand draw?
On totals 0 to 5. It stands on 6 or 7, and nobody draws on a natural 8 or 9. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
What is the Banker rule on 6?
Banker draws on 6 only when the Player third card is a 6 or 7. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
02Odds
Why does Banker win more often?
It acts last and uses the Player third card in its decision. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Do the rules change in mini baccarat?
No. Mini, midi and full tables use the same chart. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
How often is there a natural?
About one hand in three has a natural on at least one side. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
03At the table
Do I need to memorize the chart?
No. The dealer runs it, but knowing it helps you spot an error. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Is chemin de fer the same?
In chemin de fer, players may choose on a 5, so it differs from punto banco. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Can I bet both sides?
Yes, but you lose the commission and the edge on both. House rules can vary, so check the table placard or ask the dealer.
Sources
- Wizard of Odds — Baccarat Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Drawing rules and house edge
- Wizard of Odds — Baccarat basics Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry)The gaming industry’s standard reference for casino-game math, by actuary Michael Shackleford. Not an official registry; our calculators compute these numbers independently. · accessed Oct 14, 2026Third card chart
- Nevada Gaming Control Board · accessed Oct 14, 2026Approved games and gaming revenue reports
- National Council on Problem Gambling — Help and resources Not from a registry (Reference source, not an official registry) · accessed Oct 14, 2026Free, confidential help: call or text 1-800-GAMBLER