Although it may not be played as much as other versions of Baccarat, Chemin de Fer still has popularity in many online casinos, especially those in France and the rest of Europe. The main draw for Chemin De Fer Baccarat is the way that it is played. Instead of betting against the dealer or house, players bet against each other. This dynamic can make the game much more interesting and multifaceted, as players need to pay attention to everyone around the table.
Keep reading for our full guide on how to play Baccarat Chemin de Fer.
Chemin de Fer Baccarat History
Chemin de Fer first came about as a variant of Baccarat in France in the 1800s during the Napoleonic Era. The name when translated into English means “railway”, and when you start to play it and notice the fast pace of the game, it is easy to see why it earned its moniker. You may also hear it being referred to as “chemmy”, “shimmy”, or “chernay” for short.
How to Play Chemin de Fer Baccarat?
Chemin de Fer is played at a kidney-shaped table and can have a minimum of 8, and a maximum of 12 players. The additional role is the banker, who sits between the first and last players, and opposite the two dealers.
Instead of betting against the house banker, a player will act as the banker. They are responsible for collecting bets, making bets, and also paying them out. The other players are not able to influence the banker, and instead just have to make a bet on what they think will be the winning hand. Usually, each player will take a turn at being the banker, alternating between rounds. The first player to be the banker is usually the one that is sat on the right-hand side of the dealer.
The table is designed with two squares for bets. Banque is used for bets against the banker, and Reliquat is for the remaining part of the Banker’s bet that is not covered by the other players at the table. There is also a Panier for used cards, and the Cagnote, where the casino’s commission will be placed.
The game uses a 6-deck shoe, which is passed around the table from player to player in a clockwise motion.
Each round starts with the player who is the banker placing a wager. From here, the other players can then choose to go all in against the banker’s wager by calling “Banco”, or make an alternative wager. In the event that more than one player calls “Banco”, priority goes to the player closest to the banker’s right, as “banco prime”.
If no one has called “Banco”, and the bets wagered by the rest of the players don’t meet the banker’s wager, spectators watching the game can pitch in to cover it. In the event that the wagers placed by other players exceeds the banker’s wager, the banker can raise the bank or have any excess wagers removed from play on the table.
The round starts when the bank draws 4 cards, 2 for the banker, and 2 for the player with the highest wager. The rest of the players at the table essentially bet behind the highest betting player, as their representative at the table.
The aim is to get to a card value of 9, which amounts to a winning score. If either the player or the banker have a score of 8 or 9 right away from their two cards, they can announce it immediately and the round will be over, with the highest number winning. If both hands are less than this number, additional cards are drawn until a winning score is reached.
Baccarat Card Tables
Hand Values
The card values for Chemin de Fer Baccarat differ from those found in other card games. The Ace is worth 1, and the cards from 2-9 hold their numerical value. However, face cards (K, Q, J) have a value of 0.
Evaluating Banker’s and Player’s Hands
Depending upon the card value in their hand, both the player and the banker may choose to draw another card or stand. This choice is initiated by the banker after they have reviewed both of the hands on the table.
Third Card Draw
If a player wishes to draw a third card, they will call “carte”. The player will then reveal their cards after the banker has revealed theirs. If the banker has a card value of 6 or 7 with their two cards on the table, they are forced to stand.
Evaluating the Result
If the total value of the player's cards is higher than the banker's after drawing all cards, including any additional ones, players receive a 1:1 payout. If the game ends in a tie, all bets stay on the table and carry over to the next round. If the banker wins, the players' losing bets are handed over to the bank. The banker can choose to continue in the role of the bank or relinquish it by declaring "Pass" at any moment. If no one wishes to take on the role of the banker by calling “banco” then the next player along will become the banker.
Baccarat Table Bet
Chemin de Fer Player’s and Banker’s Rules
There are separate rules for both the player and the banker when it comes to whether the decision is made, or allowed to be made for a third card. We have detailed them in these two tables below.
| Player’s Rules |
| Card Total | Action |
| 0-4 | Draws |
| 5 | Draws or Stands |
| 6 or 7 | Stands |
| 8 or 9 | Wins |
| Total Hand Value | The Banker Must Draw if Able (* If the Player stands, the Banker draws a third card if his/her total is 0–5 and stands at 6 or 7.) | The Banker Must Stand if Able (* If the Player stands, the Banker draws a third card if his/her total is 0–5 and stands at 6 or 7.) | The Banker Can Use their Discretion when Drawing or Standing |
| 0 – 2 | always draws | ||
| 3 | 1–7 or 10 | 8 | 9 |
| 4 | 2-7 | 1, 8, 9 or 10 | |
| 5 | 5-7 | 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 or 10 | 4 |
| 6 | 6 or 7 | 1–5, 8, 9 or 10 | 10% |
| 7 | always stands | ||
| 8 or 9 | wins |
Chemin de Fer Baccarat Basic Strategy
The main thing to remember when playing Chemin de Fer Baccarat is to think carefully about whether to stand or draw from your initial 2 cards. Usually, if the total of your cards is 5 or lower, it is best to draw another card. If you have a 6 or a 7, then standing is the best option as it is likely you will beat the banker, or at least force them to draw again and potentially bust. There are plenty of baccarat decision charts out there which can help guide you.
If you are not the active player, then a good option can be to bet against the banker as this option has a fractionally higher RTP percentage.
Baccarat Gambling
Difference between Chemin de Fer and Baccarat
The Baccarat that most players know is Punto Banco, which emerged in the US casinos in the 1950s and quickly became the standard for many casinos around the world. Literally translating to player (punto) and banker (banco), as a rule of thumb, if a Baccarat game does not specify the variant, then you can safely assume it will be Punto Banco.
The primary difference between Chemin de Fer and other variants of Baccarat is that a player acts as the banker. In Punto Banco for example, the house stands in as the banker for every round.
Final Thoughts
Baccarat is always a fan favourite at online casinos, and Chemin de Fer helps to spice things up with its interesting dynamic between the players. So, if you have ever wanted to play the banker, then Chemin de Fer may be the Baccarat game for you. Check our definitive list at Gambling Zone for the best Baccarat sites out there.
