As fun as online slots are to play in an online casino Belgium, they don’t lend themselves well to exciting cinema. Table games such as roulette, baccarat, poker or blackjack are more popular in films and series. Few film series are as famous for its legendary casino scenes as James Bond. Which card games does James Bond actually play in these classic film moments? Find out more about the 007 agent and his preference for card games in the casino.
Baccarat
The most common card game in the James Bond films is baccarat. In this game, two players, the player and the banker, bet on which of the two hands will have a higher score or whether it will be a tie. This high-stakes game was perfect for James Bond, allowing the character to display his cool-headed and balanced demeanour.
In the very first James Bond film, Dr. No from 1962, we see Bond, then played by Sean Connery, sitting down at a casino table for a game of Baccarat. Bond’s opponent is Sylvia Trench, a sponsor of the casino and a recurring love interest of James Bond.
The scene is iconic because it is the first time we hear the character utter the famous phrase “Bond, James Bond”. He does so in style, after casually lighting a cigarette. Bond is also seen playing baccarat in several later films: Thunderball, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, For Your Eyes Only, and GoldenEye (starring Pierce Brosnan).
Poker in Casino Royale
In 2006, Daniel Craig took over the reins and stepped into the secret agent’s shoes for the first time in Casino Royale. Instead of joining the ranks of James Bonds who took their place at the baccarat table, his version of the character ventured into a game of poker.
This is despite the fact that Bond actually played baccarat in the 1953 book on which the film was based. Director Ian Fleming decided to change this to poker because poker was a much more popular game at the time the film was shot.
This choice also benefited the story, as it is a central scene in which Bond takes on bad guy Le Chiffre. Since poker is a more strategic game than baccarat, this allowed the filmmakers to add more strategy and tension. The bluffing that is part of poker fit perfectly into this legendary scene.
Unfortunately, casino scenes are no longer as prominent in the latest Bond films. Fortunately, you can always watch the old films again!
Play casino games online
If you want to feel like a true James Bond, you can also try baccarat and poker online. Online casinos now offer all their games on all devices, including your smartphone or tablet.
Try casino games for free
Not sure if you can measure up to James Bond? You can always practise in the demo version first. In the demo, you play with virtual credits instead of real money, so you can get to know the game risk-free.
betFIRST is committed to responsible gambling. Gambling should remain fun, and it is important to do it consciously and in moderation. We provide tools to help you manage your gaming experience, such as deposit limits, break options and personalised advice. Visit our Responsible Gaming page for more information.
