The Lucky 6 is a popular side bet found in many No Commission Baccarat variants, especially Super 6. This bet wins if the Banker’s hand wins with a point total of 6. The payout often varies depending on whether the winning 6 was composed of two or three cards. For instance, a two-card Banker win with 6 might pay 12:1, while a three-card win could pay 20:1. It turns an otherwise disadvantageous outcome for Banker bettors into a lucrative win.
The Context: Why is a Banker Win on 6 Special?
To understand the appeal of the Lucky 6 bet, one must first understand the core rule of Super 6 Baccarat. In this No Commission variant, the standard 5% fee on winning Banker bets is removed. The trade-off is that if the Banker wins with a point total of exactly 6, the main Banker bet pays only half (0.5:1). This makes a Banker win on 6 the least desirable winning outcome for a standard Banker bettor.
The Lucky 6 side bet was created to capitalize on this specific scenario. It’s an optional, separate wager that turns this otherwise disappointing result into a massive jackpot, creating a thrilling dynamic for players.
The Winning Condition: Banker Wins with a Total of 6
The rule for the Lucky 6 side bet is simple: it wins if the Banker hand beats the Player hand with a final total of exactly 6. The composition of the Player’s hand is irrelevant; all that matters is the Banker’s final, winning score. This bet is completely independent of any other wagers you have on the main game.
The Tiered Payout: The Heart of the Lucky 6 Bet
What makes the Lucky 6 bet particularly interesting is its tiered payout structure. The amount you win is not fixed; it depends on how the Banker achieves its winning total of 6.
The 12:1 Payout: For a Two-Card 6
This is the first tier of the payout. You win at 12:1 odds if the Banker’s first two cards total 6, and this hand wins the round.
Winning Examples: An Ace and a 5, a 2 and a 4, or a 6 and a King.
Payout Example: You bet $10 on the Lucky 6 side bet. The Banker is dealt a 2 and a 4 for a total of 6 and wins the hand. You receive a $120 profit ($10 x 12).
The 20:1 Payout: For a Three-Card 6
This is the second, more lucrative tier. You win at 20:1 odds if the Banker draws a third card and the final, winning total is 6.
Winning Example: The Banker is dealt a 10 and a 3 (total 3), draws a third card which is another 3, for a final winning total of 6.
Payout Example: You bet $10 on the Lucky 6 side bet. The Banker wins with a three-card total of 6. You receive a $200 profit ($10 x 20).
The Numbers: Probability and House Edge
The tiered payout structure is directly related to the probability of each event occurring. A winning three-card 6 is more common than a two-card 6, but the casino offers a higher payout for it to create excitement.
Probability of a two-card Banker 6 win: Approximately 1.7%
Probability of a three-card Banker 6 win: Approximately 3.5%
Total Probability of Winning: ~5.2%
Despite the attractive payouts, the Lucky 6 is a high-risk bet with a significant house edge. Based on the common 12:1 and 20:1 payout structure in an eight-deck game, the house edge for the Lucky 6 side bet is 16.68%. This is substantially higher than the main game’s wagers and places it in the same category as the Tie bet.
Strategy: How to Approach the Lucky 6 Bet
Given its high house edge, the Lucky 6 bet should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of its purpose.
The Mathematical View: From a purely statistical standpoint, the Lucky 6 is a poor bet. The 16.68% house edge is a significant disadvantage, and consistent wagering on it is likely to be a losing strategy over the long term.
The “Insurance” View: A common (though not mathematically optimal) strategy is for players making a large Banker bet to place a small “insurance” wager on the Lucky 6. This way, if the dreaded half-pay Banker 6 win occurs, the loss on their main bet is more than covered by the 12:1 or 20:1 payout from the side bet.
The Entertainment View: The best way to approach the Lucky 6 is as a high-volatility, lottery-style wager. It adds a layer of excitement to every hand, turning what would be the worst winning hand into the best possible outcome. It is a bet made for the thrill, not for the statistical advantage.
Conclusion: The Defining Bet of Super 6
The Lucky 6 side bet is the very soul of the Super 6 Baccarat experience. It’s a clever innovation that creates a unique and thrilling dynamic, completely altering the player’s perspective on a Banker win with a total of 6. While its high house edge means it should be played with caution, its tiered payout structure provides a constant source of high-stakes excitement. It is this high-risk, high-reward proposition that defines the game and has made Super 6 a lasting favorite in casinos worldwide.