The Third Card Rule in Punto Banco

In punto banco, nobody decides whether to take another card. The croupier follows fixed rules. These rules can look complicated at first, but you do not need to know them to play. This page explains them for anyone who wants to understand what happens at the table.

Step 1: check for a natural

If either hand has 8 or 9 with its first two cards, both hands stand. No more cards are drawn.

Step 2: the player hand

If there is no natural:

• Player has 0 to 5: the player hand draws a third card.
• Player has 6 or 7: the player hand stands.

Step 3: the banker hand

If the player hand stands on 6 or 7, the banker hand draws on 0 to 5 and stands on 6 or 7.

If the player hand draws a third card, the banker's action depends on the banker's total and the value of the player's third card:

• Banker 0 to 2: always draws.
• Banker 3: draws unless the player's third card is 8.
• Banker 4: draws if the player's third card is 2 to 7.
• Banker 5: draws if the player's third card is 4 to 7.
• Banker 6: draws if the player's third card is 6 or 7.
• Banker 7: stands.

Why the banker wins more often

Because the banker acts last and its drawing rule depends on the player's third card, the banker hand wins slightly more often. That is why banker bets usually carry a commission, as explained in banker, player and tie bets.

You do not have to remember this

The croupier or the software handles all drawing. Players simply place their bets. Knowing the rules can make the game more interesting to watch, but it does not change the outcome or give an advantage.

Read the basics in punto banco rules. Play responsibly and only if you are 18 or older.