Variations of Baccarat: Chemin de Fer
“Baccarat Chemin de Fer” is one of the three major variations of Baccarat. The other two are “Punto Banco” or “American Baccarat” and “Baccarat Banque”. Although it’s called a variant, the truth is Chemin de Fer was create years before Baccarat. Still, many consider Chemin de Fer to be a variant (but we, however, now know the truth!)
Instead of betting against the house, Chemin de Fer players actually bet against each other. The house makes their profit by taking a commission. Chemin de Fer shares many rules with its American cousin. There are two hands: The Player’s hand and the Banker’s hand. The object is to bet on the winning outcome. Winning hands are closest to 9. So far it’s not any different from other Baccarat games you’ve played.
The major twist in Chemin de Fer is the option for the player to act as a banker. The “Croupier” (a sort of caller/supervisor) will shuffle the decks and pass the cars around to the players to shuffle if they wish. Then the new banker will place his or her bets and the other players will bet against his bank.
After the bets are made, the newly deputized banker deals four cards (some venues will have a true dealer doing this). Two go to the Player’s hand and two go to the Banker’s hand. These cards are dealt face down, unlike the face up option in “Punto Banco”. The non banker player with the highest bet has the Player’s hand.
As in other Baccarat games, there are strict rules in dealing additional cards. In Chemin de Fer, there is the option to choose or refuse cards. If the two initial cards equal an 8 or 9, the game is over and the winnings are passed out. No cards are passed out in this scenario. However, the game will likely continue with additional cards.
If the Player’s hand is a 6 or 7, they cannot get a third card. If the Player’s hand is 0 – 4 a third card will be dealt. A player can choose or refuse a card on a 5.
Bankers base their choice on the player’s third card decision. Since players have strict rules, this can give the banker solid information. If a player doesn’t take another card, he or she has a 5, 6, or 7. If the dealer has a high score, they may decide to refuse a card. If the dealer’s score is low, they’ll take another card since they’re trying to beat a 5, 6, or 7.
This is a little more of a game of skill, due to the “choice” option sometimes available in regards to taking another card. Thus, many who enjoy Baccarat will choose this game because of the skill factor.
Does Chemin de Fer sound like your type of Baccarat game? Next time you’re at the casino, give it a try!
