If you're ever in France, you might want to try your luck at a traditional gambling card game that's been played in French towns for centuries. This game is called "Bouillotte," and it's a simple yet exciting game that's easy to learn and fun to play. In this article, we'll explore the history of Bouillotte and how to play it.
The History of Bouillotte
Bouillotte originated in France in the 18th century and was played by the French aristocracy. The game quickly became popular among the working-class people and was played in many French towns. The game was eventually banned in France in 1837 because it was seen as a form of gambling, but it continued to be played in secret.
How to Play Bouillotte
Bouillotte is a game for four players, and each player is dealt five cards. The dealer then deals four cards face up in the center of the table. The player to the left of the dealer starts the betting by placing a bet or passing. Each player takes turns placing bets or passing until all bets are equal.
Once the betting is done, the dealer turns over the fifth card from the deck and starts another round of betting. The player with the highest hand wins the pot. The hands are ranked in the same way as in poker, with the highest hand being a royal flush and the lowest hand being a high card.
The Rules of Bouillotte
The rules of Bouillotte are simple and easy to follow. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and the jokers are removed. The game is played in rounds, and each round consists of a betting phase and a playing phase.
The player with the highest hand at the end of each round wins the pot. If two or more players have the same hand, the pot is split between them. If no one has a hand, the pot is carried over to the next round.
The Strategy of Bouillotte
Like any card game, Bouillotte requires some strategy to win. One key strategy is to know when to fold. If you have a weak hand, it's best to fold and wait for the next round.
Another strategy is to watch the other players. If they seem to be bluffing, you can call their bluff and win the pot. If they seem to have a strong hand, it's best to fold.
The Popularity of Bouillotte
Bouillotte is still played in many French towns today, and it's a popular game among locals and tourists alike. The game has also spread to other countries, such as Belgium and Switzerland.
So if you're ever in France, be sure to try your luck at Bouillotte. It's a fun and exciting game that's steeped in history and tradition.
