Chemla was born in Tunis. He studied at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris where he took up playing bridge. His wins include three European Pairs Championships (1976 with Michel Lebel, 1985 with Michel Perron, and 1999 with Alain Lévy), two World Team Olympiads (1980 and 1992), and the 1997 Bermuda Bowl. Chemla is noted for his girth and his large cigars.
