Most casino table games have been around in some form for centuries, affording people plenty of opportunity to put their own spins on these classic games. Baccarat has been part of this evolution with the emergence of variations like Chemin de Fer over the years.
People who are just learning how to play baccarat and those who have hundreds of hours of experience under their belts alike love Chemin de Fer for many reasons. Among those reasons are the unique setup and the greater array of options that players can choose from as they try their luck.
Before placing your first bet, it’s important to understand how these differences alter the odds compared to other types of baccarat. BetMGM Casino is a great place to explore Chemin de Fer for yourself.
What Is Chemin De Fer Baccarat?
As the name suggests, Chemin de Fer owes its origins to people in France who adapted earlier versions of baccarat during the 19th century. The history of baccarat suggests that the French nobility may have learned the game from Roman traditions or merchants from Asia.
Since then, the development of the best strategies for Chemin de Fer has focused on the game’s similarities to other variants of baccarat and what makes the Chemin de Fer card game stand out. Like in other variations, the ideal score for each hand is nine.
Beyond that, there are some substantial differences. The strongest deviations are in the game’s setup.
How Is It Different from Other Types of Baccarat?
Among all baccarat variations, Chemin de Fer is the most popular among players who prioritize flexibility in gameplay. Unlike versions like Punto Banco, bettors take turns acting as the banker in Chemin de Fer.
Chemin de Fer can be a higher-stakes game than other variants like mini baccarat as well. This is because the gambler acting as the banker can set the stakes of the coup (another term for hand or game in baccarat) to see if the other players will accept.
Chemin de Fer stands out among other baccarat games because it involves six decks, whereas games like Baccarat Banque involve three decks. The unique components of Chemin de Fer become easy to understand as the game plays out.
How To Play Baccarat Chemin De Fer
People learning how to play baccarat Chemin de Fer often focus on the progression of the banker role, but many other aspects of the game are equally important. The game is set up to give everyone a chance to win, but only one participant can claim each coup.
Each coup starts with the player whose turn it is deciding whether they want to act as the banker for that hand. If they do, they must start negotiating with other players on the stakes for the coup. Players can choose to counter, exceed, or match the banker’s offer.
The player at the table who is willing to take the biggest risk wins the “bidding” to be the player of record in each coup. However, in most games, any excess over the banker’s offer is ignored because the banker controls the stakes.
After players agree on the stakes, the dealer distributes the first two cards for the banker’s and the players’ hands. Normally, these are dealt face down.
At that point, if either hand is a natural (a total of eight or nine), that hand wins and a new coup begins. If neither hand is a natural, the banker and the player who won the bidding have decisions to make.
Based on the total of their first two cards, both participants can take the risk of drawing a third card to try to get closer to a total of nine. After any additional cards are dealt, participants reveal their hands, and the higher total wins.
This process then repeats with the next player in a clockwise circuit deciding whether or not to take on the banker role. While many people prefer to play Chemin de Fer at physical casinos, some of the most exciting baccarat games to play at BetMGM offer similar opportunities.
Live baccarat games at BetMGM bring authentic table experiences right to your screen. Those experiences can sharpen your expertise in Chemin de Fer.
Tips for Playing Chemin De Fer Baccarat
Becoming a better baccarat player is all about managing reward and risk. In Chemin de Fer, smart play begins with managing your baccarat bankroll.
Before you choose a game or take a seat at a table, you need to set a budget and determine how many coups you want to play. Then, you’ll need to decide how you want to allocate that budget among those desired plays.
Protecting your gambling bankroll starts with never exceeding your allocations to play a coup. If the stakes are over your budget, try a different game or table, or come back at another time.
Other baccarat strategies to help you master the game include remembering that the banker in Chemin de Fer has the advantage. For that reason, you might consider allocating more of your budget to the coups in which you’ll play as the banker.
Regardless of the size of your budget or how much experience you have with Chemin de Fer, BetMGM is the best online casino for baccarat fans. The value of BetMGM’s bonuses and the extent of players’ choices are two big reasons why BetMGM is the best.
Play Baccarat the Way You Like It at BetMGM Casino
Whether you’re excited to try Chemin de Fer or you don’t think it’s for you, there are many ways to level up your baccarat experience at BetMGM. You’ll find a huge library of digital versions of baccarat and live dealer baccarat games ready whenever you are.
All of these games become more fun to play when you take advantage of BetMGM’s offers, like a special casino welcome bonus for new players. Those bonus funds give you a way to try out Chemin de Fer and other variations of baccarat with diminished risk.
A bevy of bonuses and many Chemin de Fer coups are at your fingertips as soon as you register for BetMGM. In a matter of minutes, you might discover your new favorite way to play baccarat.
