french roulette table

Introduction French Roulette is one of the most popular variants of the classic casino game, Roulette. Known for its unique rules and lower house edge, the French Roulette table offers a thrilling experience for both novice and seasoned players. This article delves into the intricacies of the French Roulette table, its layout, rules, and strategies to help you maximize your gaming experience. Layout of the French Roulette Table Wheel and Layout The French Roulette wheel is divided into 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36.

french roulette vs european

Roulette is one of the most iconic casino games, with its origins tracing back to 18th-century France. Over the years, various versions of the game have emerged, each with its unique rules and gameplay mechanics. Two of the most popular variants are French Roulette and European Roulette. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences that can significantly impact your gaming experience. This article delves into the key aspects of both games to help you understand which might be more suited to your preferences.

Table Layout and Design

European Roulette

  • Wheel Layout: The European Roulette wheel features 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The numbers are arranged in a specific sequence, alternating between red and black.
  • Table Layout: The table layout includes all the standard betting options, with the numbers arranged in three columns of 12 numbers each. The zero (0) is positioned at the top of the columns.

French Roulette

  • Wheel Layout: Similar to European Roulette, the French Roulette wheel also has 37 pockets, numbered from 0 to 36. The arrangement of numbers and colors is identical.
  • Table Layout: The French Roulette table layout is more elaborate, featuring both the standard betting options and additional French terms for specific bets. The numbers are arranged in a similar three-column format, but the table often includes French words like “Tiers du Cylindre” and “Orphelins.”

Key Differences in Rules and Betting

European Roulette

  • Betting Options: Offers a wide range of betting options, including inside bets (single number, split, street, etc.) and outside bets (red/black, odd/even, etc.).
  • Payouts: Standard payouts apply, with a straight-up bet (single number) paying 35:1, and even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) paying 1:1.
  • House Edge: The house edge is 2.70%, which is relatively low compared to other casino games.

French Roulette

  • Betting Options: Includes all the standard European Roulette bets but also features unique French bets like “Voisins du Zero” (neighbors of zero) and “Jeu Zero” (zero game).
  • Payouts: Payouts are the same as in European Roulette, but French Roulette offers additional rules that can reduce the house edge.
  • House Edge: The house edge can be as low as 1.35% due to the presence of the “La Partage” and “En Prison” rules, which apply to even-money bets.

Special Rules in French Roulette

La Partage

  • Description: If the ball lands on zero (0), players with even-money bets (red/black, odd/even) only lose half of their bet instead of the entire amount.
  • Impact: This rule effectively reduces the house edge from 2.70% to 1.35%.

En Prison

  • Description: If the ball lands on zero (0), players with even-money bets can choose to leave their bet “in prison” for the next spin. If they win on the next spin, they get their original bet back without any additional winnings.
  • Impact: Similar to La Partage, this rule also reduces the house edge to 1.35%.

Which One Should You Choose?

European Roulette

  • Pros:
    • Simple and straightforward gameplay.
    • Wide variety of betting options.
    • Low house edge of 2.70%.
  • Cons:
    • Lacks the special rules that reduce the house edge further.

French Roulette

  • Pros:
    • Offers additional betting options and unique French terms.
    • Special rules (La Partage and En Prison) significantly reduce the house edge to 1.35%.
    • More strategic and potentially more rewarding for players.
  • Cons:
    • May have a steeper learning curve due to the additional rules and terms.

Both French Roulette and European Roulette offer thrilling gameplay and the chance to win big. However, French Roulette stands out with its unique betting options and special rules that can significantly reduce the house edge. If you’re looking for a more strategic and potentially more rewarding roulette experience, French Roulette might be the better choice. On the other hand, if you prefer a simpler, more straightforward game, European Roulette is a solid option. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your personal preferences and gaming style.

french roulette vs english roulette

French roulette wheel

Introduction to French Roulette

French Roulette is one of the oldest and most elegant forms of roulette, a staple in casinos worldwide. Unlike its American and European counterparts, French Roulette offers unique features that enhance the gaming experience, making it a favorite among seasoned gamblers.

The Layout of the French Roulette Wheel

Wheel Structure

The French Roulette wheel is divided into 37 numbered pockets, ranging from 0 to 36. The numbers are not arranged in numerical order but are instead distributed to ensure a balanced mix of red and black, odd and even numbers. The wheel’s design is meticulously crafted to ensure randomness and fairness.

Table Layout

The French Roulette table layout is characterized by its single zero (0) pocket, which distinguishes it from the American Roulette’s double zero (00) and the European Roulette’s single zero (0). The table features both the inside and outside betting areas, allowing players to place a variety of bets.

Unique Features of French Roulette

La Partage Rule

One of the most appealing aspects of French Roulette is the “La Partage” rule. This rule applies to even-money bets (red/black, odd/even, high/low) and states that if the ball lands on zero (0), the player loses only half of their bet instead of the entire amount. This significantly reduces the house edge, making French Roulette more player-friendly.

En Prison Rule

Another unique feature is the “En Prison” rule, which is similar to La Partage but with a slight variation. If the ball lands on zero (0), the player’s even-money bet is “imprisoned” for the next spin. If the bet wins on the next spin, the player gets their original bet back without any winnings. If it loses, the bet is forfeited. This rule also reduces the house edge.

Betting Strategies in French Roulette

Inside Bets

  • Straight Up: Bet on a single number.
  • Split: Bet on two adjacent numbers.
  • Street: Bet on a row of three numbers.
  • Corner: Bet on four numbers that meet at a corner.
  • Six Line: Bet on two adjacent rows of three numbers each.

Outside Bets

  • Red/Black: Bet on the color of the winning number.
  • Odd/Even: Bet on whether the winning number is odd or even.
  • High/Low: Bet on whether the winning number is between 1-18 (low) or 19-36 (high).
  • Dozens: Bet on the first (1-12), second (13-24), or third (25-36) dozen of numbers.
  • Columns: Bet on one of the three vertical columns of numbers.

Popularity and Appeal

French Roulette’s combination of elegance, low house edge, and unique rules makes it a preferred choice for many casino enthusiasts. Its strategic depth and the thrill of the game continue to attract both novice and experienced players.

French Roulette, with its sophisticated wheel and table layout, coupled with the La Partage and En Prison rules, offers a unique and engaging gaming experience. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a newcomer to the world of roulette, French Roulette provides a blend of strategy and excitement that is hard to resist.

french roulette table - FAQs

How does a French roulette table differ from other types of roulette tables?

A French roulette table differs from other types of roulette tables primarily in its layout and rules. It features a single zero (0) on the wheel, similar to European roulette, but the table layout includes both French and English terms. The 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules are unique to French roulette, offering players a better chance of recovering half their bet if the ball lands on zero. These rules reduce the house edge to 1.35%, making it more favorable for players compared to American roulette's double zero (00) and higher house edge. The wheel is also positioned on the opposite side of the table, contributing to its distinctive gameplay.

What are the key features of a French roulette table?

A French roulette table features a single zero wheel, enhancing player odds compared to double zero American roulette. The layout includes a racetrack for 'call bets,' allowing players to place specific, traditional wagers. The table uses French terminology, such as 'En Prison' and 'La Partage,' which offer better rules for even-money bets. The wheel is typically green, with numbers 1-36 alternating between red and black, and the single zero in green. This setup creates a more favorable house edge, making French roulette a popular choice for strategic gamblers.

How do French roulette bets differ from other roulette variations?

French roulette bets differ significantly from other roulette variations due to its unique table layout and specific betting rules. Unlike American roulette, which has both a single and double zero, French roulette typically features a single zero, reducing the house edge. The 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules further differentiate French roulette; under 'La Partage,' players lose only half their bet if the ball lands on zero, while 'En Prison' allows players to keep their bet for another spin. These rules enhance player odds, making French roulette a preferred choice for those seeking a more favorable game balance compared to American or European roulette.

What are the Key Differences Between French Roulette and European Roulette?

French Roulette and European Roulette share similarities but have key differences. Both feature a single zero wheel, reducing the house edge compared to American Roulette. However, French Roulette includes unique rules like 'La Partage' and 'En Prison,' which further lower the house edge by returning half the bet or allowing it to remain for the next spin on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. European Roulette lacks these rules, making it less favorable for players. Additionally, French Roulette often uses a different table layout with only one betting area, while European Roulette typically has two. These distinctions make French Roulette a more player-friendly option.

How does the layout of a French roulette table differ from other types?

The layout of a French roulette table is distinct due to its single zero wheel and unique betting options. Unlike American roulette, which features a double zero, French roulette offers better odds with its single zero. The table layout includes a racetrack betting area for 'called bets,' such as 'Voisins du Zero' and 'Tiers du Cylindre,' which cover specific sections of the wheel. Additionally, French roulette often includes the 'La Partage' rule, where players lose only half their bet on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero, reducing the house edge. These features make French roulette a preferred choice for many players seeking a more strategic and potentially rewarding game.

How do French roulette bets differ from other roulette variations?

French roulette bets differ significantly from other roulette variations due to its unique table layout and specific betting rules. Unlike American roulette, which has both a single and double zero, French roulette typically features a single zero, reducing the house edge. The 'La Partage' and 'En Prison' rules further differentiate French roulette; under 'La Partage,' players lose only half their bet if the ball lands on zero, while 'En Prison' allows players to keep their bet for another spin. These rules enhance player odds, making French roulette a preferred choice for those seeking a more favorable game balance compared to American or European roulette.

How do you understand the terminology in French Roulette?

Understanding French Roulette terminology involves familiarizing yourself with key terms like 'La Partage' and 'En Prison.' 'La Partage' means players lose only half their bet on even-money wagers if the ball lands on zero. 'En Prison' allows players to leave their bet on the table for another spin if zero hits. Other terms include 'Rien ne va plus,' signaling no more bets, and 'Croupier,' the dealer. Knowing these terms enhances gameplay, making it easier to follow the action and make informed decisions. Mastering these terms ensures a smoother, more enjoyable experience at the French Roulette table.

What are the key features of a French roulette table?

A French roulette table features a single zero wheel, enhancing player odds compared to double zero American roulette. The layout includes a racetrack for 'call bets,' allowing players to place specific, traditional wagers. The table uses French terminology, such as 'En Prison' and 'La Partage,' which offer better rules for even-money bets. The wheel is typically green, with numbers 1-36 alternating between red and black, and the single zero in green. This setup creates a more favorable house edge, making French roulette a popular choice for strategic gamblers.

How does 1718 roulette differ from traditional roulette?

1718 roulette, also known as French roulette, differs from traditional roulette in several key aspects. Firstly, it features a single zero wheel, reducing the house edge compared to the double zero wheel found in American roulette. Secondly, the table layout includes both French and English terms, adding a unique flair. Notably, the 'La Partage' rule is in effect, allowing players to recover half their bet if the ball lands on zero, enhancing player advantage. Additionally, the game often includes the 'En Prison' rule, where bets remain on the table for another spin if zero hits. These features make 1718 roulette a more player-friendly option.

What are the Key Differences Between French Roulette and European Roulette?

French Roulette and European Roulette share similarities but have key differences. Both feature a single zero wheel, reducing the house edge compared to American Roulette. However, French Roulette includes unique rules like 'La Partage' and 'En Prison,' which further lower the house edge by returning half the bet or allowing it to remain for the next spin on even-money bets if the ball lands on zero. European Roulette lacks these rules, making it less favorable for players. Additionally, French Roulette often uses a different table layout with only one betting area, while European Roulette typically has two. These distinctions make French Roulette a more player-friendly option.