Tag Archive: Chemin de Fer

As you're probably aware, the favourite casino game played by James Bond is the baccarat variation, Chemin de Fer. You can find him seated at the casino games table enjoying this game in Golden Eye, Dr No, Thunderball, and On Her Majesty's Secret Service. The big difference between Chemin de Fer and regular baccarat is that in the former, a player acts as the dealer. In the latter, it's a croupier or dealer who's an employee of the casino. Also, players are in a contest with with other.

Because gambling is mainly based on chance, it makes a great subject matter for directors the world over. Many characters involved with gambling are flawed in that they are relying on luck to turn their fortunes around. From the cheeky gunslingers to the mafia bosses, they all love the rush of the win and the passion of the loss. It's also possible to construct a great story around a sympathetic gambler, as elements of good or bad fortune play a central role in driving the narrative forwards.

James Bond is almost synonymous with bedding hot women, the Walther PPK and gambling at the casino. For over 60 years, we've watched him at the casino gaming tables. His favourite game is baccarat, yet we have seen him try his hand at poker. But the question is, was he any good at it? In Casino Royale, he plays head-to-head at Texas hold'em with the evil Le Chiffre. The game is really just a plot point, with little seen of the gameplay. But Bond does win, even if only by being reckless.

The traditional upmarket casino is the perfect setting for James Bond. Cool, collected and suave, they both epitomise the glitz and glamour of big money with an undercurrent of money laundering and criminal activity. So it's no surprise that Ian Fleming's protagonist can be found seated at the baccarat table, often face to face with his nemesis. With practice, you too can learn to play like 007.

Though much of James Bond's behaviour is considered out-dated today, you could always find him spending UK tax-payers money in a glamorous and elegant casino. Ever the cool-headed and suave looking player, Bond exuded both charm as well as his killer instinct as an 007 assassin with a licence to kill. Unfortunately, if you played as he does in the movies, you would quickly lose all your bankroll. Movie and real life are a world apart. Nevertheless, you could still adopt the Bond style of dress.