What exactly is "Natural Eight" in Baccarat?

[ProGambler]

In Baccarat, a "Natural Eight" refers to a specific hand that consists of two cards with a total point value of eight. It is one of the highest-ranking hands in the game, second only to the Natural Nine.

A Natural Eight occurs when the first two cards dealt to either the Player or Banker hand add up to a total of eight. The point values assigned to the cards are as follows:

Ace is worth 1 point.
Cards 2 to 9 have face value (2 is worth 2 points, 3 is worth 3 points, and so on).
10s and face cards (King, Queen, and Jack) are worth 0 points.
When a player or the Banker is dealt a Natural Eight, it is considered a strong hand. Unlike the Natural Nine, a Natural Eight does not automatically result in an immediate win. Instead, the game continues, and additional cards may be drawn according to the specific rules of the Baccarat variation being played.

 

[CR7]

In most Baccarat variations, a Natural Eight is not drawn frequently compared to other hands. The probability of receiving a Natural Eight is relatively low, as there are only a limited number of card combinations that can result in this hand. However, when a Natural Eight does occur, it is generally seen as a favorable outcome for the player or the Banker.

In terms of hand rankings, a Natural Eight is considered to be higher than a hand with a total point value of nine, ten, etc. For example, if the Banker is dealt a Natural Eight and the Player has a hand with a total of six, the Banker would win the round.

It is worth noting that some Baccarat variations implement certain rules that determine whether additional cards will be drawn in the event of a Natural Eight. These rules may vary between casinos and can affect the overall gameplay. For instance, in some variations, a Natural Eight results in a stand-off, meaning no more cards are drawn.

In summary, a Natural Eight is a hand in Baccarat that consists of two cards with a total point value of eight. While it is not as strong as a Natural Nine, it is still considered a favorable hand and can lead to winning outcomes in the game.