Always 8 Baccarat

Evolution was the first operator to adapt its games for cryptocurrency players, and baccarat today represents one of the most popular live games on 100% crypto platforms.

Among the live games launched by Evolution since its inception, baccarat has always benefited from the creativity of the number one operator to offer the widest range of tables, whether through online adaptations or entirely new baccarat concepts. Always 8 Baccarat falls into the latter category. This new variant always places an "8" facing the banker before each deal. The "8" card, assigned to the banker, generates higher winnings when betting on the player’s hand. Always 8 Baccarat will especially appeal to players who enjoy more volatility than balanced baccarat games but who do not wish to play a multiplier baccarat, thus avoiding the significant commission fees on bets.

Similarities between Always 8 and classic baccarat

The basic rules: Always 8 follows the objective of classic baccarat, which is to get as close as possible to 9 points by adding the value of the cards. Each hand receives 2 or 3 cards.

The dealing: The cards are dealt face up, at a fast pace of 30 seconds per round, similar to Speed Baccarat, which remains by far the most popular baccarat variant online.

Side Bets: Betting options: They are classic. In addition to bets on the player’s hand, the banker’s hand, and a tie, side bets allow betting on the player’s or banker’s pair.

Specifics of Always 8 Baccarat

Here are the elements to consider before playing the Always 8 Baccarat variant:

Special card: Always 8 is played with 8 decks of 52 standard cards, plus one special "8" card, marked with the Evolution logo, which is always placed on the table on the Banker’s side.

Imbalance between player and banker: The additional "8" card creates an imbalance and strongly favors the Banker’s hand compared to the Player’s hand. Unlike traditional baccarat, which offers nearly equal winning probabilities between the Player and the Banker, winning hands are much more frequent for the Banker.

Different payout ratios: The winning payout ratios are adjusted, with the Banker’s winning hand paying 0.62:1, the Player’s hand 1.48:1, and a Tie 9:1.

A new machine: Aesthetically, the table is harmonious, but one element disrupts this balance: the automatic card shuffler, placed on the table in place of the shoe.

Return to Player Rate for Always 8 Baccarat: It is slightly lower than that of classic baccarat, with 98.29% for the Banker and 98.02% for the Player.