Chemin de Fer
Definition
An older version of baccarat where players take turns being the banker and can choose whether to draw a third card. Popular in Europe, especially France. More strategic than punto banco but rarely found in modern casinos.
Chemin de Fer is the original European form of baccarat, popular in France since the 19th century. Unlike Punto Banco (the version played in most modern casinos), Chemin de Fer involves player decisions and the role of the banker rotates among the players.
In Chemin de Fer, the banker position moves counter-clockwise around the table. The banker risks their own money, and other players bet against the banker. Critically, both the player and the banker have some decision-making power over whether to draw a third card, adding a strategic element absent from Punto Banco.
Chemin de Fer is rarely found in modern casinos because Punto Banco generates faster action and more consistent revenue. However, it remains available at some high-end European casinos and private gaming clubs. James Bond's casino scenes in early films feature Chemin de Fer, not the more common Punto Banco.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chemin de Fer?
An older version of baccarat where players take turns being the banker and can choose whether to draw a third card. Popular in Europe, especially France. More strategic than punto banco but rarely found in modern casinos.
What terms are related to Chemin de Fer?
Related concepts include: Punto Banco. Understanding these terms together gives you a more complete picture of the concept.
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