Chemin De Fer Baccarat Online
Audrey | June 24, 2022 | Updated on: June 24th, 2022
Recently updated on June 24th, 2022
Chemin de fer is one of the many variations of baccarat that you can play both online and at land-based casinos. Like the same suggests, this particular version has its roots in French culture, and its gameplay is influenced by players from that region.
Now, you might be wondering what the difference is between chemin de fer and traditional baccarat. Fortunately, you don’t have to search far because we cover all that and more, in this guide.
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Traditional Baccarat vs Chemin de Fer
If you regularly play baccarat then you’re probably used to playing the traditional version of the game. Traditionally, the game uses 8 decks of playing cards, and your goal is to beat the house by correctly guessing what the outcome or winning hand will be.
Chemin de fer however, uses six decks of cards instead of 8 and instead of playing to beat the house, here, you are competing against other players. In this version the role of the banker can be played by any player, whereas in traditional baccarat that role is reserved for the house.
Chemin de fer is also the less commonly found game at casinos. Its not as popular as Punto Banco or Banque, so you will have a harder time finding a casino that does offer this version. Nonetheless, those casinos do exist and are more than ready to welcome you for a game.
Chemin de fer Rules
Before we explain how the game is played, its useful to first touch on the various rules that exist in the game. There are rules that pertain to the banker and how bankers ought to play, and there are rules pertaining to players and how they ought to play.
One of the key differences is that players get right of play first and they get to decide what their next move is before the banker gets that privilege. So, if you have a hand that equals 5, you get to decide if you want to hit or stand before the dealers cards are revealed and the options becomes open to him.
There are also unique rules when it comes to drawing additional cards. Only certain instances justifies the drawing of additional cards for both player and banker and we’ll get into that next.
| Total | Move |
|---|---|
| 8 or 9 | Wins |
| 6 or 7 | Stands |
| 0 to 4 | Draws |
| 5 | Draw or Stand |
Now, you’ll notice that the rules for bankers drawing additional cards is a bit more regulated. The general rule is that when the player stands, the banker may draw if hes total is between 0 and 5, but the banker should stand if he has a total of 6 or 7.
How to Play Chemin de Fer Online
Lets get into the actual gameplay. Of course, playing the game online will work a little differently to playing the game at a land-based casino but the rules and manner in which you play stays the same for the most part. The only major difference is the format of the game.
- The game will begin with the player to the immediate right of the banker. This player will be the banker for that round if he/she chooses to be. Every other player is simply a player. Being a banker is a choice and can be passed on to the next player.
- Next, the banker must bet, followed by the betting of all other players.
- Once all bets are in, if the total amount in bets is more than what the banker is prepared to stake, he can either raise the amount to match the other players, or simply stick to the agreement.
- The player who has wagered the most money will be given the opportunity to bet against the banker. All other players only have the option of betting in a player win. If two or more players have an equally high bet then the player who placed their wager first will be the one to get the privilege.
- The game will continue with the dealing of cards. Both players and the banker will receive 2 cards each face down. Both are allowed to view their cards privately and can refrain from revealing them to any one at this time.
- How hands are valued and ranked in this version of the game works the same as in other versions. Aces are worth 1 point, and the number 10 and picture cards are worth 0 points. All other cards e.g., 2s, 3s and 5s are worth face value.
- If the total of your hand reaches double digits like 15 or 18, then the new total of your hand will be the value of your second digit. So, with a total of 18, your new value will be 8 and so on. Nine is the best valued hand, so it your total is 19, your new hand value will be 9 which is still a win for you.
- If it happens that between the two of you one has a total of 8, and the other a total of 9 then whoever has the higher total will win.