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Your Complete Guide to the Chemin de Fer Card Game

Looking to play some old traditional game for the nobility? Chemin de Fer is your best bet. As one of the established casino title existing, the Chemin de Fer card game has its roots in the popular Baccarat. It is considered as the French Baccarat.

In this article, we explore the Chemin de Fer game and the banker’s role. Find out the strategies aristocrats use to remain at the table.

🔑 Key Takeaways

  • Soak up the spirit of Chemin de Fer, the French variation of the Baccarat.
  • Learn the rules and all the winning strategies.
  • Differentiate between Chemin de Fer and other popular Baccarat variations.

What Is Chemin de Fer?

Chemin de Fer, a name that was coined from the French word for ‘railway‘, is a sophisticated card game that was first introduced in France. Also known as Baccarat Chemin de Fer, what differentiates it from the original Baccarat is that players bet against each other as they take turns being the banker, whereas traditional Baccarat has only one dedicated banker (the casino) throughout the game.

Sometimes confused with the traditional Baccarat card game, this version is a faster model, being an ode to ‘railway‘. Chemin de Fer offers a blend of strategies and a good shot at social interaction.

The Origins of Chemin de Fer

The Chemin de Fer Card Game dates back to 19th Century France. The exact origins of the game are still unclear, but it is known to have emanated from the traditional Baccarat, which was once reserved for aristocrats only.

Chemin de Fer gradually started to gain popularity among the French nobility and then spread across Europe. It is now a major offering in modern casinos.

Fun fact: The featuring of Chemin de Fer in the James Bond series cements the intrigue of the game.

Rules of Chemin de Fer

Here are the basics of playing Chemin de Fer:

  1. Set Up the Game
    • Chemin de Fer is typically played with six decks of cards.
    • Up to 12 players can join the game, competing against each other rather than the house.
  2. Understand the Objective
    • The goal is to have a hand with a point value closest to 9.
  3. Assign Roles
    • One player is designated as “The Banker.”
    • The banker shuffles the decks and deals the cards.
    • The dealer manages the flow of the game.
  4. Dealing Cards
    • The banker deals four cards:
      • Two cards to themselves.
      • Two cards to the punters (the other players) as a communal hand.
  5. Calculate Hand Values
    • Only the last digit of the total card value is counted.
    • For example, if the total value is 16, it counts as 6.
  6. Play the Game
    • Players compare their hand values to determine who is closest to 9.
    • The player with the hand closest to 9 wins the round.

Card Values and Scoring

Here is the value and scoring for each Chemin de Fer card:

  • Cards 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 = Their face values (2 = 2 or 7 = 7)
  • Aces = 1
  • Figures: Kings, Queens and Jacks = 0 (No point value)

The sum of each card value in a hand gives the total score of the hand.

How to Play Chemin de Fer

Let’s see how you can play this variation of online baccarat:

  • Start the Game
    • The banker places a bet and deals four cards. Players then place their wagers, with the highest bet making decisions for the group.
  • Place Your Bets
    • The banker’s bet sets the standard. Players can bet up to the bank’s value.
    • If the banker wins, they collect all losing bets
    • If they lose, they must replenish their bank to continue.
  • Deal the Cards
    • The banker deals four cards: two for themselves and two for the players. If any hand is a natural 8 or 9, the cards are revealed, ending the round.
  • Determine the Winner
    • Hands are compared after the deal. The higher hand wins, and the banker either collects bets or pays out winnings.

Chemin de Fer Strategy

No matter your experience level, playing Chemin de Fer is a game of strategies. Understanding these techniques helps your gameplay.

Basic Strategy Tips

As with every other card game, practice is critical for players to improve their gameplay. Familiarizing yourself with the game strategy will give you an edge. The banker has the advantage of drawing a third card last, so don’t be too quick to challenge the bank.

As a beginner, you need to be cautious when placing bets. Since Chemin de Fer is a game played against other players, placing large bets can deplete your funds reserve quickly. Start with placing smaller bets, and gradually work your way up as you get familiar with the game.

Advanced Betting Strategies

For a more experienced player, you must understand when to hit and when to stand. Strategies that work with a single player may not necessarily work when there’s more than a single opponent involved.

It is also an important strategy to know when to bet on the player or on the banker. Expert analyses have shown that when playing against a single punter, betting on the banker is best, as it betters your chances of winning.

When playing against multiple opponents, however, betting on the player is the best, as this increases the winning odds of every player.

Variations of Chemin de Fer

There are two major variations of the Chemin de Fer game: the mini Chemin de Fer and the live casino version.

Mini Chemin de Fer

Just like mini baccarat, the mini Chemin de Fer is a smaller, more optimized version of the full game. It is played using eight decks, with players still being able to bet against each other, either on the banker or the player.

Moreover, in mini Chemin de Fer, the betting limit is much lower, so players can get the same satisfaction as the main game. Experts have said that this variation is great for beginners just starting out on this journey.

Live Casino Chemin de Fer

Baccarat players can enjoy the thrill of the Chemin de Fer game live, with live dealers and players.

Live casino Chemin de Fer follows the same rules as that of the traditional casino, and it affords players the opportunity to interact via a live-streaming feed. This would usually come in the form of an online app. Players love this variation as they can enjoy it from the comfort of their screens.

So, Will You Play Chemin de Fer Tonight?

Chemin de Fer has been around for ages, being beloved by many. The more modern versions of the traditional game have paved the way for new and fresh titles. With our professional strategies, improve your next gaming session.

To discover another great variation of baccarat, check out our guide to Punto Banco.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chemin de Fer Different from Baccarat?

Chemin de Fer has similar rules to the traditional Baccarat. However, it has its own unique gameplay. For instance, according to the game guide, the role of the banker rotates among players, rather than one player having it in other variations.

Can I Play Chemin de Fer for Free?

The Chemin de Fer online casino game can be played for free at any online casino that offers a demo mode. Many online casinos offer free baccarat tables like Chemin de Fer.