When most people consider the game of roulette, the American and European versions come to mind. These are the predominant forms of the game. However, unbeknownst to some individuals, both European and American roulette have a close cousin, French roulette. Each of the games is largely the same. Individuals bet on a single number or multiple numbers (colors or odds/evens) and hope that the roulette ball stops on their picks. There are some distinctions between French roulette and the other, more popular games. We will discuss them throughout this article.

At one time, it was only possible to play French roulette if you lived or visited France or Monte Carlo. Today, with the ability to play the game online, individuals in any country are now able to play this form of the game. French roulette is characterized by a single zero, like the European version of the game. The La Partage rule, call bets and there are also some aesthetic differences. Concerning the latter, the numbers on a French roulette table are red. This is a stylistic difference only. It doesn't have any effect on the game.

The numbers on the actual wheel alternate between red and black, just like the other tables. However, the lingo differs a great deal. The game’s terms will appear and be spoken in French. For those not familiar with the language or the terms, learning them may seem a bit overwhelming at first. However, they can be quickly picked up. Below, we have listed some of the most popular French roulette terms along with brief explanations of each.

Derniere 12 (D-12): Numbers 25 through 36.

Moyenne 12 (M-12): Numbers 13 through 24

Premiere 12 (P-12): Numbers 1 through 12

Manque: Numbers 1 through 18

Passe: Numbers 19-36

Pair: Even numbers

Impair: Odd numbers

One of the primary distinctions between French roulette and its American and European counterparts is the La Partage rule. It helps individuals save money and also decreases the house odds. If a person places an even-money bet and the ball stops on the number zero, individuals will only be out of half of their bet. Call bets are unique to the French version of the game as well. There are numerous call bets including neighbors of zero (Voisins du Zero), third of the wheel (Tiers du Cylindre), orphans, Finales en Plein and Finales a Cheval.

In a Neighbors of Zero (Voisins du Zero) wager, individuals bet on the 17 numbers that encompass the number 0. They include 0 2 3 4 7 12 15 18 19 21 22 25 26 28 29 32 and 35. The third of the wheel call bet is a wager of a dozen numbers that are on alternate sides of the wheel. They are 0 5 8 10 11 13 16 23 24 26 27 30 and 33. Orphans (Orphelins) are the numbers that are not part of the neighbors of 0 wager or third of the wheel bet. They include 1 6 9 14 17 20 31 and 34. Finales en Plein wagers are those on numbers that end in the same digit, for example, 2 12 22 32. Finales a Cheval bets are those on numbers that end in one of two digits. An example of this bet would be Finales a Cheval Finales a Cheval 3/4 and the numbers corresponding to that bet would be 3 4 13 14 23 24.

As mentioned above, at one time, if a person wanted to play French roulette they would either have to live in the country and visit a local casino or make a trip to the beautiful country. They could also fly in to Monte Carlo and p lay. While neither option is much of a problem for the natives of each respective country, both would be tougher for persons who can’t afford the trip. Thankfully, because of the internet travel is no longer a hurdle. Individuals that have an internet connection and access to an online casino that offers the game will be able to play.

French roulette differs from its American and European counterparts in major ways but it is also very similar. The games’ premises are the same. The primary differences includes specialty bets which are only available in French roulette (call bets), the La Partage rule and the color of the numbers on the table. The game’s terms being in French, is another departure. Individuals initially concerned with these differences will quickly find that they shouldn’t be. They can be quickly neutralized with a little study and practice. Printing out this page is a good start. Finding and keeping handy, a complete glossary along with definitions is a good idea as well. If individuals follow this advice, they will be up and running, playing French roulette in no time.