CHEMIN DE FER, nearly always called Chemmy, is the same game as Baccarat modified for social play, because in all games of chance the banker has an advantage to a greater or lesser degree, and his advantage at Chemin de fer is nothing like it is at Baccarat because he plays against one hand instead of against two.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS

Any reasonable number can play.

CARDS

The full pack of 52 cards is used, although two or three packs shuffled together is better. In a casino, a number of packs will be used.

THE PLAY

For all practical purposes the difference between Baccarat and Chemin de fer is that at the latter game the bank passes in rotation round the table, the banker holding the bank until he loses a coup, when it is passed to the player on his left; and the banker deals only one hand, not two, to the players, the hand being held by the one who has made the largest bet.

As the banker plays against only one hand, he may not use his judgment whether to draw or stand. The rules for play are precise and strick:

Above: Banker’s point is 6. Player has drawn a 6, so banker must draw.
Below: Banker’s point is only 4, but as player has drawn a 9 he must stand.

If this point is 8 or 9 he declares a natural.

If his point is 7 he stands whether the player draws any card or stands.

If his point is 6 or a 5, but stands if the online poker player draws any other card or stands.

If he holds a point of 5 he draws if the player draws a 7,6,5,4,3, or stands, but stands if he draws any other card.

If he holds a point of 3 or 4 he draws if the player draws a 7,6,5,4,3,2, or Ace or if he stands, but stands if he draws any other card.

If he holds a point of 0,1 or 2 he draws whether the player draws any card or standards.

Games for Five or More Players