How To Play French Roulette

French roulette offers a unique twist on a classic casino experience. This guide introduces the essentials of French roulette and may be useful for those who are unfamiliar with this version of the game.

With its distinctive table layout and betting options, French roulette may intrigue both newcomers and experienced players. Carefully understanding the rules, the wheel, and the features can make play run more smoothly.

Exploring this guide further may lead to a deeper appreciation of the nuances of French roulette.

What Is French Roulette?

French roulette is a popular variation of the classic game found in casinos, both online and offline. This version of roulette features a wheel with 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36.

One of the aspects that stand out in French roulette is the table layout. The betting options are clearly outlined in French, adding some authenticity to the game. This includes terms like “Impair” for odd numbers and “Passe” for higher numbers.

French roulette’s distinct features offer alternative options for those interested in different approaches to traditional roulette.

French Roulette Rules Explained

French roulette is played on a wheel with 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. Players place their bets on a table that reflects these numbers, using chips to mark their choices.

The croupier, or dealer, spins the wheel in one direction and a small ball in the other. The aim is to predict where the ball will land. Bets can be placed on individual numbers, groups of numbers, and other options, such as whether the number will be odd or even. Players may also choose to bet on larger sections, such as red or black.

French roulette features a few unique rules, including “La Partage” and “En Prison.” La Partage applies to even-money bets (such as red/black or odd/even), allowing players to receive half of their stake back if the ball lands on zero instead of losing it entirely.

The En Prison rule also applies to even-money bets – if the ball lands on zero, instead of losing the bet outright, the stake is “imprisoned” and carried over to the next spin.

If the bet wins on the following spin, the player gets their original stake back, but if it loses, the full amount is forfeited. These rules help to reduce the house edge to as little as 1.35%, making French roulette a more favourable option for some players.

What Is The Wheel Layout of French Roulette?

In French roulette, the wheel consists of 37 pockets. These pockets are numbered from 0 to 36. The numbers are alternately coloured in red and black, while the zero is coloured in green.

The sequence of numbers around the wheel does not follow a numerical order. This layout aims to balance the distribution of high and low numbers, odd and even numbers, as well as red and black sections.

Players might notice that the arrangement of the numbers is carefully designed. This layout maintains an evenness across the wheel, contributing to the dynamics of the game as the ball lands.

What Are The Odds and Payouts of French Roulette?

In French roulette, understanding the odds and payouts can contribute to making informed betting decisions. Each type of bet comes with its own odds and potential payouts.

A straight-up bet, where a player bets on a single number, has the highest payout at 35 to 1. However, such bets are also harder to win.

Split bets involve choosing two numbers next to each other on the table and provide a payout of 17 to 1. Street bets, which cover three numbers in a row, offer payouts of 11 to 1.

Other bets, such as corner, line, and column bets, progressively increase the coverage of numbers and offer different payouts, from 8 to 1 for corner bets to 2 to 1 for column bets.

Bets on even-money options, such as red/black or odd/even, provide a payout of 1 to 1 if successful. The chances of winning such bets are higher, but the payout is smaller.

Players should always consider their budget and choose bets that align with their preferences. Responsible gambling ensures that the game stays within the player’s limits.

What Is The Difference Between European, American and French Roulette?

European, American, and French roulette each have their distinct traits, making them unique in their own ways.

European roulette features a wheel with 37 pockets, including numbers 0 to 36. It is quite straightforward, with no additional rules impacting bets placed on even-money options.

American roulette adds an extra pocket, bringing the total to 38. This game includes a double zero (00) in addition to the single zero. The double zero increases the house edge to approximately 5.26%, which players might take into consideration when deciding on a version to play.

French roulette, like European, has 37 pockets. However, it introduces unique rules such as “La Partage” and “En Prison.” The “La Partage” rule affects even-money bets when the ball lands on zero, allowing players to recover half of their stake. The “En Prison” rule also applies to even-money bets and gives players the opportunity to save their stake for the next spin if a zero appears.

These differences may impact the odds and strategies players use in each game. Understanding these variations might help players decide which version aligns with their preferences.

Common French Roulette Bets

When playing French roulette, players can choose from a variety of betting options. Each type of bet involves different strategies and potential outcomes.

Inside bets include straight bets (a single number), split bets (two adjacent numbers), street bets (three numbers in a row), corner bets (four numbers forming a square), and line bets (six numbers across two rows).

French roulette also features called bets, which cover specific sections of the wheel. These include Orphelins, a bet covering numbers that are not included in the other major sections; Le Tiers du Cylindre, which covers a third of the wheel; and Voisins du Zero, which includes numbers surrounding zero. Understanding these bet types allows players to choose an approach that best suits their strategy and risk preference.

Straight, Split and Street Bets

Straight, split, and street bets are basic options in French roulette. Each type offers different potential outcomes and strategies for players.

A straight bet is the simplest, where a player places a chip on a single number. This type might offer the highest potential payout but covers only one number on the wheel.

A split bet allows players to cover two adjacent numbers on the table. By placing a chip on the line between these numbers, they may have better chances compared to straight bets, though the payout is less.

Street bets involve betting on a row of three consecutive numbers. To make this bet, players place their chip at the end of the desired row. This type increases coverage and may enhance the probability of winning compared to single number bets.

Players should consider their betting style and budget when choosing among these options. Each bet type offers different opportunities within the game, and knowing the distinctions may help in making thoughtful decisions. Players are encouraged to maintain responsible gambling practices to contribute to a balanced experience.

Corner and Line Bets

In French roulette, corner and line bets are popular choices for players looking to cover more numbers with a single bet.

A corner bet, also known as a square bet, allows players to bet on four numbers at once. To place this bet, players position their chip at the intersection where the four numbers meet on the table. This type of bet might cover a small section of the table, increasing the probability of winning compared to straight or split bets.

A line bet, on the other hand, includes six numbers. This bet covers two adjacent rows with three numbers each. Players place their chip at the edge of the two rows they wish to include. This bet extends the coverage further while offering a different payout than the corner bet.

Orphelins

In French roulette, Orphelins is a bet covering a small group of numbers on the wheel. These numbers are not adjacent in any traditional sense but are grouped due to their position between other larger segments.

The Orphelins numbers include 1, 6, 9, 14, 17, 20, 31, and 34. With this bet, players use five chips: one on the number 1 and one on each of the splits (6/9, 14/17, 17/20, and 31/34).

This bet allows players to cover numbers spread across two sections of the wheel, providing another layer of strategy.

Le Tiers du Cylindre

Le Tiers du Cylindre is a popular betting option in French roulette. This bet covers a section of the wheel consisting of 12 numbers.

The numbers included in this bet are 27, 13, 36, 11, 30, 8, 23, 10, 5, 24, 16, and 33. They are situated on the opposite side of the wheel from the zero pocket.

To place a Le Tiers du Cylindre bet, players use six chips. Each chip is placed on a split between two adjacent numbers. This means each bet will cover two numbers at once.

Choosing Le Tiers du Cylindre allows players to engage with a larger portion of the wheel. 

Voisins du Zero

Voisins du Zero is a popular bet in French roulette, covering a group of numbers near the zero pocket on the wheel. This section includes the numbers placed between 22 and 25, covering a total of 17 spots.

To place a voisins du zero bet, players use nine chips. The chips are placed in specific positions: two chips on the 0, 2, 3 trio; one chip on each of these splits: 4/7, 12/15, 18/21, 19/22, and 32/35; and two chips on the corner of 25/26/28/29.

This betting option might appeal to players who wish to cover a significant part of the wheel in a single bet.

What Is The Best Strategy For French Roulette?

When considering strategies for French roulette, it’s essential to acknowledge that chance plays a significant role in the game. No strategy guarantees success, but players might improve their experience by understanding betting patterns and rules.

Players often start with even-money bets, such as red/black or odd/even. These options provide straightforward choices and might appeal to those preferring a balanced approach.

The “La Partage” rule can be beneficial when placing even-money bets, as it may help reduce potential losses if the ball lands on zero. Understanding this rule and incorporating it into a strategy might be beneficial.

Some players choose to use betting systems like the Martingale or Fibonacci, where bets are adjusted based on previous outcomes. While these systems offer structured ways to play if they are used, they should be employed thoughtfully and within one’s budget.

Ultimately, the best strategy is one that aligns with a player’s financial plan and comfort level. Setting limits and maintaining discipline is important to ensure responsible play. Strategies are guidelines, not guarantees, and should complement personal preferences and budgets to maintain a positive gaming experience.

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*The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.