The end score is obtaining by adding together the value of the cards minus 10 wherever possible (8 + 7 = 15 - 10 = 5). Aces count as one point, the picture cards and 10s count as zero and the other cards are worth the value shown on them. The aim of the game is to reach a score of 9 points or as near to 9 as possible by adding together the values of the two or three cards drawn. The game is played with six decks of fifty-two cards (six jeux de 52 cartes): three decks with card backs of one colour and three decks with card backs of a different colour. To do this the Changeur is entrusted with a stock of Casino chips. Their job is to assist the Croupier by helping to change up chips and banknotes. There is a fourth slot on the right of the Croupier, for the chips that constitute the Casino’s commission as we will see later.Ī steward called the “Changeur” always stands near the table. The two other openings, on the right and left of the sibyl are for tips. The main, largest one called the “sibyl” is where used cards are put at the end of every coup (round). In the centre of the table there are three baskets. The table has eight boxes drawn on it for the players, plus a special recess, which is where the Croupier sits. The table is kidney-shaped and seats nine people. The name of the game, “Chemin de Fer”, which means railway in French, comes from the fact that the grid drawn on the green baize Baccarat table resembles railway lines and the card shoe or sabot (a card holder that distributes the cards and is passed round the table from player to player) looks like a small train.Ĭasinó di Venezia holds a series of Chemin de Fer tournaments with prestigious prizes in the most exclusive salons of its elegant renaissance palazzo, Ca’ Vendramin Calergi The game reached France at the beginning of the sixteenth century, where before being introduced to the casinos, it first enjoyed a lengthy period as an exclusive game played only by the nobility. These special cards were considered magical and were often decorated by famous artists and used to tell fortunes. It seems that the origins of this game date back to the medieval period, when a game called “Baccarat” was played with Tarot cards.

Glamorous, magical and exciting, it is a game that has always thrilled the greatest gamblers the world over.

French card game casinos