A Beginner’s Guide to French Roulette

A Beginner's Guide to French Roulette

French Roulette stands out as one of the most elegant and historically rich versions of roulette, offering players unique rules and a lower house edge compared to other roulette variations. This game is a staple in casinos around the world and is particularly favored for its player-friendly odds. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering playing French Roulette.

Basic Rules and Gameplay

French Roulette is played on a standard European roulette wheel, which features 37 pockets: numbers 1 to 36, colored red and black, and one green pocket numbered 0. The layout of the table is slightly different from other versions, with all betting terms traditionally in French.

Unique Betting Options

French Roulette is known for its unique betting options, which include:

  • Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): Covers a total of 17 numbers with 9 chips. These numbers are those closest to 0 on the wheel.
  • Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): Covers a third of the wheel, the 12 numbers opposite 0.
  • Orphelins (Orphans): Covers the numbers not included in the Voisins or Tiers, which are in two splits on the wheel.

Players can also place standard inside and outside bets as in other roulette games.

Special Rules

French Roulette includes two specific rules that are particularly favorable to players:

  • La Partage: If the ball lands on zero, players who have placed even-money bets (like red/black, odd/even) will get half their stake back. This rule significantly reduces the house edge on these bets.
  • En Prison: Instead of losing half their bet with the La Partage rule, the player’s bet is “imprisoned” when the ball lands on zero. If the imprisoned bet wins on the next spin, the player recovers it without any earnings. If it loses, the bet is forfeited.

House Edge

Thanks to the La Partage and En Prison rules, French Roulette offers a lower house edge on even-money bets than other roulette types. The house edge in French Roulette is approximately 1.35% on these bets, compared to 2.70% on all bets in European Roulette and 5.26% on most bets in American Roulette.

Strategies and Tips

  • Understanding Odds: Knowing the payouts and odds for the various bets can help you make smarter decisions.
  • Conservative Betting: The low house edge on even-money bets makes them a safer, though not necessarily more profitable, choice.
  • Bet Diversification: Combining bets, such as placing a straight bet together with a color bet, can balance risk and reward.

Atmosphere and Experience

French Roulette is often associated with a more formal and elegant gambling experience. The French terminology and distinctive layout add an element of sophistication, making it a popular choice for those looking for more than just a game of chance.

Whether you are at a casino table or playing online, French Roulette offers a unique blend of tradition and favorable odds. Its special rules not only add a strategic component but also enhance the chances of extending your play and enjoyment. This version of roulette is recommended for players who appreciate a bit of history and culture with their gaming experience.

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Sebastian Phun

Professional Casino Blog Author at BK88Slots

Sebastian Phun is a gambling blog author with almost 10 years of experience in the field. He is best known for his prowess as an online live casino & slot machine games in Asia. He has published lots of articles on various online casino games.