98.29%Banker RTP
98.02%Player RTP
95.89%Tie RTP
8DecksCSM -- continuously shuffled
9:1Tie Payout
What is Always 8 Baccarat?
Always 8 Baccarat uses eight standard 52-card decks with a Continuous Shuffling Machine (CSM). The defining rule: the Banker's first card is always a preset 8. This fundamentally shifts probability dynamics compared to standard Baccarat. Card counting is not applicable -- the CSM ensures continuous reshuffling with no shoe penetration.
CSM -- not countable. Cards are returned to the shuffle after every hand. There is no shoe penetration and no running count that persists across hands.
Rules
8-Deck CSM
Eight decks, continuously shuffled. No shoe penetration.
Banker Starts with 8
The Banker first card is always a preset 8. The dealer deals two Player cards and one additional Banker card before applying the Third Card Rule.
Card Values
Aces = 1, 2-9 = face value, 10s and face cards = 0.
Third Card Rule
Standard baccarat Third Card Rule applies. Player acts first. Banker drawing conditions depend on Banker total and Player third card if drawn.
Banker Starts with 8
Structural impact: A Banker first card of 8 means the Banker starts near-natural. If the Banker second card is 0 or 1, the Banker has 8 or 9 -- a natural. If the second card is 2-9, the Banker total wraps (e.g., 8+5=13 counts as 3). This creates a highly non-standard probability distribution for all outcomes.
Payouts and RTP
| Bet | RTP | Payout / Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Banker | 98.29% | 0.62:1 | |
| Player | 98.02% | 1.48:1 | |
| Tie | 95.89% | 9:1 |
Inverted payouts: Player pays 1.48:1 and Banker pays 0.62:1 -- inverted from standard Baccarat because the Banker wins significantly more often due to starting with an 8.
Side Bets
| Bet | RTP | Payout / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| P Pair | 89.64% | 11:1 |
| B Pair | 84.62% | 10:1 |
Banker Pair note: The Banker first card is always an 8. The only winning B Pair is a pair of 8s -- specifically, the Banker second card must also be an 8. This makes B Pair significantly harder to hit than in standard Baccarat, reflected in its 84.62% RTP.
FAQ
Why does Banker pay less than Player?
The Banker starts with an 8, giving it a structural advantage and winning more often. Payouts are adjusted accordingly -- Banker pays 0.62:1 while Player pays 1.48:1.
Can I count cards in Always 8 Baccarat?
No. The game uses a Continuous Shuffling Machine. Cards are returned to the shuffle after every hand.
What is the only winning Banker Pair?
A pair of 8s -- since the Banker first card is always an 8, the second card must also be an 8 for B Pair to win.