Understanding the French Roulette Wheel Layout
Originating in 17th-century France, roulette has a rich history, with the French version often hailed as the original. The modern French roulette wheel is the most player-friendly variant, and understanding its layout is the first step to mastering the game. It features 37 pockets in total: numbers 1 through 36, colored in alternating red and black, plus a single green pocket for the number 0.
This single-zero layout immediately gives it an advantage over American roulette, which has an additional '00' pocket that increases the house edge. The number sequence on the French wheel is identical to its European counterpart, designed to create a balanced distribution of high, low, odd, and even numbers.
The French Roulette Table and Bet Types
The betting table, or layout, is where you place your wagers. It's divided into two primary sections for different types of bets: inside and outside bets. The names of the bets are often in French, adding a touch of classic casino flair.
Inside Bets
Inside bets are placed on specific numbers or small groups of numbers. They offer higher payouts but have lower odds of winning.
- Plein (Straight Up): A bet on a single number, including 0.
- Cheval (Split): A bet on two adjacent numbers on the table.
- Transversale (Street): A bet covering three numbers in a horizontal row.
- Carré (Corner): A bet on four numbers that form a square on the layout.
- Sixain (Line): A bet on six numbers, covering two adjacent rows of three.
Outside Bets
Outside bets cover larger sections of the wheel, offering lower payouts but a higher probability of winning. These are ideal for beginners.
- Colonne (Column): A bet on one of the three vertical columns of twelve numbers.
- Douzaine (Dozen): A bet on one of three sets of 12 numbers (1-12, 13-24, or 25-36).
- Rouge/Noir (Red/Black): A bet on whether the winning number will be red or black.
- Pair/Impair (Odd/Even): A bet on whether the number will be odd or even.
- Manque/Passe (Low/High): A bet on the low numbers (1-18) or the high numbers (19-36).
Unique Rules: La Partage and En Prison
What truly sets French roulette apart are two special rules that apply only to even-money outside bets (Red/Black, Odd/Even, Low/High) when the ball lands on zero.
The La Partage and En Prison rules are game-changers, effectively cutting the house edge on even-money bets to just 1.35%. This makes French roulette the most statistically favorable version of the game for players.
The La Partage rule (meaning 'the split') is the most common. If the ball lands on 0, you instantly receive half of your even-money bet back. The other half goes to the casino. The En Prison rule ('in prison') gives you another option. Your bet is 'imprisoned' for the next spin. If your original bet wins on that next spin, you get your entire stake back. If it loses, the house takes it.
Advanced Called Bets (Announced Bets)
For more experienced players, French roulette offers 'called' or 'announced' bets. These cover specific sections of the wheel itself, rather than the table layout.
- Voisins du Zéro (Neighbors of Zero): A bet covering the 17 numbers on the wheel surrounding the zero.
- Le Tiers du Cylindre (Thirds of the Wheel): This bet covers the 12 numbers directly opposite the Voisins du Zéro section.
- Jeu Zéro (Zero Game): A smaller bet covering the zero and the six numbers closest to it on the wheel.
- Orphelins (Orphans): This covers the eight numbers not included in the Voisins or Tiers bets.
French Roulette Odds, Payouts, and House Edge
The standard house edge in French roulette is 2.7%, the same as in European roulette. However, as mentioned, the La Partage and En Prison rules reduce this to 1.35% for even-money bets. This is a significant advantage compared to the 5.26% house edge in American roulette.
| Type of Bet | Payout | Probability |
|---|---|---|
| High/Low | 1 to 1 | 48.64% |
| Odd/Even | 1 to 1 | 48.64% |
| Red/Black | 1 to 1 | 48.64% |
| Dozens | 2 to 1 | 32.4% |
| Columns | 2 to 1 | 32.4% |
| Six Line | 5 to 1 | 16.2% |
| Corner | 8 to 1 | 10.81% |
| Street | 11 to 1 | 8.11% |
| Split | 17 to 1 | 5.41% |
| Straight Up | 35 to 1 | 2.70% |
Popular Betting Strategies
While roulette is a game of chance, betting strategies can help manage your bankroll. Remember, no strategy can guarantee a win.
The Martingale System
This is a simple but risky strategy. You double your bet after every loss on an even-money wager. When you eventually win, you recover all previous losses plus a small profit. This system requires a large bankroll, as a long losing streak can escalate bets very quickly.
The Fibonacci System
Based on the famous Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8...), this strategy involves moving up the sequence after a loss and moving back two steps after a win. It's a less aggressive progression than the Martingale but still requires careful bankroll management.
Is French Roulette the Best Version to Play?
For players focused on the best odds, the answer is a resounding yes. The combination of a single-zero French roulette wheel and the player-friendly La Partage and En Prison rules provides a mathematical advantage that no other variant can match. If you have the choice, playing French roulette is the smartest way to enjoy this classic casino game.
