James Bond, the iconic hero of Ian Fleming's books and numerous film adaptations, has many hobbies. Just his favorite cocktail with the catchphrase: "Stir, but do not shake". In the line of duty, the spy also found himself among the players in the casino. Including in the book and movie "Casino Royale", where the whole plot is built around gambling.
And James Bond plays baccarat. This is not surprising, because this card game is associated with luxury, wealth, "beautiful life". Although the spy is in the casino on duty, he sticks to his "posh" image of a handsome man, a conqueror of women's hearts.
In fact, Bond doesn't really play traditional baccarat. His choice was the French version - Chemin de Fer.
Chemin de Fer is a variation of the famous card game but with its own nuances.
How Chemin de Fer is played
Chemin de Fer is a gambling game that dates back to the Middle Ages, and to this day remains one of the most sophisticated casino gambling activities. This game attracts players with its battle against the banker and the need to demonstrate their skills and tactics. But despite all the strategic elements, luck also plays an important role in Chemin de fer.
Usually, a round table is chosen for the game. There is a clockwise movement. If it is a casino, the croupier is permanent, otherwise one of the players becomes the "banker".
The aim of the game is to score the highest number of points - 9. Points are determined by adding up the value of the cards. If the sum of the points exceeds ten, the tens are discarded. The maximum number of points is 9 and the minimum is 0 (or "baccarat").
In Schmen de fer, six decks of 52 cards each are used. The cards are shuffled and placed in a device called a "horseshoe" ("Sabot").
Players in a certain turn have the right to hold the "horseshoe" and act as bankers. They may retain this right after winning bets, but may also transfer it to another player. The banker deals two cards each to himself and another player, starting with the opponent. Players are allowed to draw a third card to determine the point total. Tens are always discarded when scoring points. A player with 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4 points must draw a third card. At 5 points, a player may decide to take one more card or stop. Players with 6 or 7 points must stop, and at 8 or 9 points they must show their cards. The banker then decides which cards to toss depending on the situation.
Bets can be placed by different players or by only one player. If both players score the same number of points, the game is declared a "draw" and a re-bid is made.
Why James Bond played at the Chemin de Fer.
First of all, it's a question of image and aesthetics. Any kind of baccarat is considered "elitist". People who appreciate not only excitement but also style and beauty choose this game. At the same time, in Schmen de fer you can win with a higher probability than, for example, in roulette. Like other types of baccarat, it does not give a definite advantage to the casino or any of the players.
