French Roulette: A Beginner's Guide to the Classic Game
Experience the excitement of French roulette with every spin of the wheel. Learn its rules and strategies for an unforgettable game.
Updated January 27, 2025.
In this article
The French Roulette Wheel
French Roulette Table Layout
Types of French Roulette Bets
Rules That Affect French Roulette Gameplay
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French roulette is a classic casino game that's easy to learn and exciting to play. It combines the thrill of chance with elements of strategy and has captivated players around the globe for centuries. The game's unique "En Prison" rule, table layout, and betting options like "neighbours of zero" and "series bet" offer complexity and challenges that keep us all engaged.
This beginner's guide will teach you everything you need to know to get started, from the basic rules to smart betting strategies.
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The French Roulette Wheel
The distinctive wheel is at the core of French roulette. It features 37 numbered pockets, including a single green zero. This is a notable difference from the American version, which includes an extra double zero pocket, totalling 38 pockets.
The single zero in French roulette subtly improves players' odds. With fewer pockets, players have a slightly better chance of winning than American roulette. This difference may seem small, but it can greatly influence your gaming experience and potential returns.
Another unique aspect of the French roulette wheel is the ball itself, known as the "boule de roulette." This ball is larger and heavier than those used in other versions. This design ensures more consistent bounces and spins, contributing to the game's fairness.
» Learn more about how the roulette wheel works—explore the mechanics behind the game
French Roulette Table Layout
The French roulette table is known for its unique and intricate layout, which offers players a wide range of betting options. Let's explore some of the most distinctive sections you'll encounter:
- Voisins du zéro (Neighbours of zero): This section covers a group of 17 numbers surrounding the zero on the roulette wheel. Betting on the voisins du zéro is a popular choice among players who prefer to focus their bets on the area closest to the zero.
- Tiers du cylindre (Third of the wheel): As the name suggests, this section includes 12 numbers that form a third of the roulette wheel, located opposite the zero. Betting on the tiers du cylindre allows players to spread their bets across a specific portion of the wheel.
- Orphelins (Orphans): This section consists of eight numbers that aren't included in either the voisins du zéro or tiers du cylindre bets. These "orphan" numbers are split into two groups of four on opposite sides of the wheel, providing players with an opportunity to bet on numbers that are often overlooked.
- Zero sector: As the name implies, this area on the table is dedicated to bets placed solely on the single zero. Betting on the zero can be tempting, as it offers a higher payout than other bets.
- Double street (Split bet): This section allows players to place a bet on two adjacent numbers on the table, such as 1 and 2 or 10 and 11. These bets offer a balance between risk and potential payout.
» Here's everything you need to know about playing roulette
Types of French Roulette Bets
You can place various inside and outside bets, each with different odds, payouts, and risks:
| Bet Type | Allocation | Payout | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Straight Up (En Plein) | Bet on a single number | 35:1 | 2.7% |
| Split (Cheval) | Bet on two adjacent numbers | 17:1 | 5.4% |
| Street (Transversale Pleine) | Bet on three numbers in a row | 11:1 | 8.1% |
| Corner (Carré) | Bet on four numbers forming a square | 8:1 | 10.8% |
| Line (Sixain) | Bet on two rows of three numbers each | 5:1 | 16.2% |
| Red/Black (Rouge/Noir) | Bet on one colour | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Odd/Even (Impair/Pair) | Bet on either odd or even numbers | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| High/Low (Manque/Passe) | Bet on a high or low number range | 1:1 | 48.6% |
| Dozens (Douzaine) | Bet on one of three 12-number groups | 2:1 | 32.4% |
| Columns (Colonne) | Bet on one of three vertical 12-number columns | 2:1 | 32.4% |
» Understand roulette odds and payouts to find your wagering sweet spot
Rules That Affect French Roulette Gameplay
French roulette has two special rules that significantly benefit players: the "En Prison" and "La Partage" rules. These rules apply specifically to even-money bets and come into play when the ball lands on zero.
Let's examine these rules more closely and explore some practical tips for making the most of them at the table.
En Prison Rule
The En Prison rule keeps the bet for the next spin, returning it if the player wins.
Example: A player bets $100 on red. The ball lands on zero, and the $100 is imprisoned. On the next spin, if the ball lands on red, the player retrieves their $100 bet without any additional winnings. This rule benefits the player by offering a second chance to win or at least break even, minimizing potential losses.
La Partage Rule
The La Partage rule gives players half of their bet back when zero hits.
Example: A player bets $50 on odd numbers. The ball lands on zero. Under the La Partage rule, the player loses only $25 instead of the entire $50. This loss reduction allows players to extend their playtime and manage their bankroll more effectively, reducing the impact of the zero on their overall betting strategy.
How to Benefit When Both Rules Are in Play
When the En Prison and La Partage rules are in play in French roulette, they offer benefits that can enhance your betting strategy. By understanding and utilizing these rules, you can reduce the house edge and improve your results. Here's how you can take advantage of these rules:
- Focus on even-money bets: Concentrate your bets on even-money options like red/black, odd/even, or high/low. These bets benefit directly from the En Prison and La Partage rules, effectively lowering the house edge and enhancing your winning potential.
- Adjust bet sizes: Consider increasing your bet sizes slightly on even-money bets. But be mindful of your bankroll to ensure you can handle potential losses without significant financial strain.
- Long-term play: Adopt a long-term playing strategy. The benefits of En Prison and La Partage become more apparent over numerous spins. By consistently applying these rules, you can better manage losses and increase your chances of gradual, sustainable wins.
» Learn more about the black and red outcomes in roulette
Online vs. Traditional French Roulette
While the fundamental rules of French roulette are the same, there are some differences between playing online and in a traditional casino. These variations can affect your overall experience, the speed of the game, and how accessible it is.
Here, we'll look at the main differences between online and traditional French roulette:
| Key Differences | Online French Roulette | Traditional French Roulette |
|---|---|---|
| Gameplay Pace | Faster, with quick digital betting | Slower, with physical chips and croupier interaction |
| Accessibility | 24/7 availability, various versions and stakes | Limited to casino hours and location |
| Special Features | Auto-play, statistics, customizable interfaces, live dealer options | Traditional physical elements and personal interaction |
| Advantages | • Convenience and flexibility • Game variety and stake levels • Casino bonuses and promotions | • Authentic casino experience • Social interaction and excitement • Immersive atmosphere |
| Disadvantages | • Lack of social atmosphere • Potential technical issues | • Travel requirements and time constraints • Limited game and stake options |
Both online and traditional French roulette offer unique experiences. But playing online comes with many advantages that make it an attractive option for both beginners and seasoned players. The convenience, flexibility, and variety online casinos offer allows you to enjoy this classic game anytime, anywhere, without the constraints of physical casino hours or locations.
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Managing Your Bankroll When Playing French Roulette
Managing your bankroll effectively is crucial for a successful and enjoyable French roulette experience. By implementing smart strategies and adhering to strict budgeting, you can maximize your playtime, minimize risks, and make the most of the game's unique rules.
Follow these tips when playing French roulette to manage your bankroll:
- Set a daily budget based on what you can afford, considering the reduced house edge. Stick to it strictly.
- Focus on even-money bets that benefit from the special rules to extend playtime and manage risk.
- Record each session's wagers, bet types, and outcomes to monitor your bankroll and evaluate your strategy's effectiveness.
» Find out what are the best roulette numbers to bet on to maximize your gameplay and potential returns
How Do You Play French Roulette?
A typical French roulette game round involves:
- Placing bets: Players place chips on the layout, choosing inside and outside bets using French terms. Multiple bets are allowed before the croupier closes betting with "Rien ne va plus."
- Spinning the wheel: The croupier spins the wheel and ball in opposite directions. Then, the ball settles into one of the 37 pockets (numbers 1-36 and zero).
- Announcing results: The croupier calls the winning number and colour in French. They also mark results on the table and electronic board. En Prison and La Partage are applied for even-money bets if zero hits.
- Payouts and bet collection: The croupier collects losing bets, applies special rules, and pays out winning bets at standard rates. Players then place new bets for the next round.
» Read our beginners guide to learn how to play roulette
Play With Proper French Roulette Table Etiquette
Table etiquette is important in French roulette as it helps ensure a smooth and pleasant experience for everyone involved. By respecting the croupier and other players, you contribute to a positive atmosphere, support fair play, and avoid misunderstandings or conflicts. Observing proper etiquette also shows respect for the game and the casino setting:
Do
- Place bets promptly before "Rien ne va plus"
- Use one hand for chips
- Respect the croupier
Don't
- Touch chips after betting closes
- Distract the croupier during spins or results
- Hog table space
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Step up to the French Roulette Table
French roulette provides an engaging and refined gambling experience for newcomers and experienced players alike. By learning the basic French roulette rules, understanding the unique table layout, and exploring the various betting options, you'll be ready to enjoy this classic casino game.
Just be sure to manage your bankroll carefully, make use of the beneficial En Prison and La Partage rules, and remember to enjoy yourself. Whether playing online or in a traditional casino, French roulette offers a memorable experience—if you play responsibly.
So, step up to the table, place your bets, and watch the wheel spin. With some luck and the knowledge you've gained from this guide, you might just walk away as a winner.
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