Gambling has been known for a long time. But they flourished at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. This is the time of Napoleon's reign. Then playing cards became the most popular. Everyone played at court: both courtiers and higher echelons of power. Simple French people also liked to play cards.
During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, cards were not just a game. They became part of culture and even politics. After all, very often, gathering for a game, the powers of this world could make some important decisions. At that time, almost all gambling rules were established and poker, blackjack, baccarat, and roulette were very popular. The last one left precisely from France. After all, it comes from "roulette", which means a wheel. It is said that it was invented by the mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 17th century. But the scientist did not come up with a game, but only roulette, that is, a device with which you can play it. Back in 1796, roulette was already being played in France. She was also described in novels.
At the beginning of the 19th century, the "little wheel of Paris", as roulette was called, became very popular. It became famous not only in France, but also in Europe, and also spread to America. In France with roulette during the time of Napoleon, everything was not so simple. the thing is that he allowed to play it only where there are resorts with mineral waters. That is why casinos flourished in Monte Carlo.
Games in France
Until 1837, the French played gambling, but it was in this year that they were banned. But at the same time, people played other games. What did the French choose during Napoleon's time:
- played goose is an ancient game that can be played by 4-15 people. In order to play it, you need a field with a goose garden, which can be spread or hung somewhere. According to the draw, one of the players goes first. The game involves playing dice and special chips. In fact, here you need to walk through the cells, of which there are 63. The first to reach the "goose garden" cell wins. From the same game, all similar ones left.
- played with words - this game is very difficult. It consists of one hundred and forty flat dice. Something like dominoes. Forty of them have letters printed on both sides. At the beginning of the game, a word is thought up, which the players have to make up at the end. Usually, the words came out very funny.
- played hermit - it can be played even alone. She came from America, although the rules were developed by a Frenchman. There are 37 recesses and 37 chips on the wooden board. The point of the game is to collect all the chips and finish with one.
- playing compass is an entertaining and educational game at the same time. It is played with the help of the sides "Eagle" and "Bee". Still need tokens. It is necessary to bet on the direction of the wind. In the end, a good player is always satisfied.
- participated in the popular children's lottery. It could have been intended for several children. Pictures are cut and put in a box. Then they are pulled out. And they receive as much "money" from the cash register as is written on the picture. The one who first pulls out the Gallic rooster wins and takes all the money.
- lend - in this game, everyone lends to each other. This is a card game. The cards are dealt to the players, only 4 of them remain in the deck. When the first player puts a card of the corresponding suit, the next player must put the same one. If he doesn't have it, he borrows it. The player who starts first has the biggest advantage.
What other entertainments were there during Napoleon's time?
The French, who lived during the turbulent times of the Napoleonic Wars, not only played cards endlessly. They had other more sophisticated and intellectual games. For example, chess. And one of those who adored them was Napoleon himself. He played chess all his life. For example, from 1794 to 1795, he went to the Café des Regence every day, where he either watched the game or played himself. There are many descriptions, caricatures, memories about it. By the way, during his lifetime, few people said that the emperor was fond of this game. But after his death, many memories appeared that testify that Napoleon was an avid chess player. How well the warlike ruler played chess is hard to say, but almost all records of it were made after the emperor was gone. Therefore, most likely they were true. Some said that the man was quite mediocre at chess, while others, on the contrary, said that he often won various games. At the same time, he often played with his courtiers. For example, with the socialite Claire de Remus, General Bertrand.
The table on which Napoleon played in 1798 is still preserved in the Cafe de Regence. It is made of gray marble. Many engravings have also been preserved, on which the emperor plays chess with his courtiers.