The game is played by up to 10 players, on a kidney-shaped table. Six or more full decks of cards are used, displayed by the croupier on the table, at the presence of a supervisor. A second supervisor, called ‘changeur’, stands in front of the first and hands over the chips and smaller change, when required. The croupier mixes the cards with the so-called ‘chemmy’ shuffle, and after grouping them in one deck (sixain), asks the player seated at number 9 (or 10) to cut with a blank card. Afterwards the croupier separates the last 7 cards from the rest of the deck with a second blank card; the cards are replaced in the box and the game begins. The player on the left side of the dealer has a right to be the first banker and therefore must put his bet on the table, according to the minimum standard. All the players to the right of the banker have a right to bet against him.
Any punter, beginning with the player on the immediate right of the dealer, is entitled to say ‘Banco’, meaning to ‘go bank’; to play against the whole of the banker's stake. If the punter intends to bet half the banker’s stake he must declare ‘banco col tavolo’ or simply ‘col tavolo’. In the eventuality of more players ‘going bank’ the rule is to proceed counter-clockwise, the players nearest to the Banker have the preference over the rest of the players. If the total so staked by the seated players is not equal to the amount for the time being in the bank, other persons standing round may stake in addition. When the sum is reached the croupier announces ‘rien ne va plus’.

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