Always 8 Baccarat Slot Review
Introduction
Always 8 Baccarat by Evolution Gaming introduces a captivating twist to the traditional baccarat experience. In this innovative live dealer game, the Banker’s first card is always an '8', permanently displayed on the table. This unique rule alters the game's dynamics, encouraging players to adapt their strategies and offering a fresh perspective on a classic casino favorite.
Game Features and Bonuses
Layout: Live dealer baccarat game streamed from Evolution's state-of-the-art studios.
Special Symbols: Not applicable; the game uses standard 52-card decks.
Free Spins: Not applicable; baccarat games do not feature free spins.
Bonus Rounds or Mini-Games: Not applicable; the game focuses on core baccarat gameplay.
Other Notable Features:
Fixed Banker Card: The Banker’s first card is always an '8', influencing betting strategies.
Adjusted Payouts: To balance the fixed '8' advantage, payouts are modified:
Player win: 1.48:1
Banker win: 0.62:1
Tie: 9:1
Side Bets:
Player Pair: Pays 11:1
Banker Pair: Pays 10:1 (only when the second Banker card is also an '8')
Game Statistics
Release Date: October 23, 2024
Game Type: Live Casino Baccarat
Reels and Paylines: Not applicable
Max Win Potential: Up to 11:1 on side bets
RTP:
Banker bet: 98.29%
Player bet: 98.02%
Tie bet: 95.89%
Player Pair: 89.64%
Banker Pair: 84.62%
Volatility Level: Medium
Game Mechanics and Features
Unique Gameplay Elements: Always 8 Baccarat retains the core objective of predicting whether the Player or Banker hand will be closest to 9. The fixed '8' as the Banker’s first card introduces a new strategic layer, affecting the probabilities and encouraging players to reconsider traditional betting patterns.
Bonus Activation: While there are no traditional bonus rounds, the game offers side bets:
Player Pair: Wins if the Player's first two cards are of the same rank.
Banker Pair: Wins only if the Banker’s second card is also an '8', forming a pair with the fixed first '8'.
In-Game Functionality:
Betting Phase: Players place bets on Player, Banker, Tie, and/or side bets.
Dealing Phase: The Banker’s '8' is already on the table. The dealer deals two cards to the Player and one additional card to the Banker.
Outcome Determination: Standard baccarat rules apply to determine if a third card is drawn. The hand closest to 9 wins.
Player Strategies:
Banker Bet: Offers the highest RTP at 98.29%, but with a lower payout due to the fixed '8'.
Player Bet: Slightly lower RTP at 98.02%, but with a higher payout.
Tie Bet: Higher risk with a lower RTP; suitable for players seeking higher payouts.
Side Bets: Offer higher payouts but come with increased risk due to lower RTPs.
Comparison to Similar Games
Lightning Baccarat (Evolution Gaming):
Similarities: Both are live baccarat variants with unique twists and side bets.
Differences: Lightning Baccarat introduces random multipliers to winning hands, whereas Always 8 Baccarat features a fixed '8' for the Banker, altering base game probabilities.
No Commission Baccarat (Evolution Gaming):
Similarities: Both eliminate the standard 5% commission on Banker wins.
Differences: No Commission Baccarat adjusts payouts when the Banker wins with a '6', while Always 8 Baccarat modifies payouts across the board due to the fixed '8'.
Conclusion
Always 8 Baccarat offers a refreshing take on traditional baccarat, challenging players to adapt to the fixed '8' mechanic. The adjusted payouts and side bets provide new strategic opportunities, making it an appealing choice for both seasoned baccarat enthusiasts and newcomers seeking variety. While the fixed '8' gives the Banker an initial advantage, the modified payouts ensure balanced gameplay, maintaining the game's fairness and excitement.
Meta Description
Experience Evolution Gaming's Always 8 Baccarat—a live dealer game where the Banker always starts with an '8'. Adapt your strategy and enjoy unique payouts in this innovative baccarat variant.
