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Official Chicago Poker Rules
Chicago Poker is a popular card game that combines elements of traditional poker with a unique scoring system.
Objective
Chicago Poker is a poker game that combines traditional poker with a unique scoring system. The goal is to win chips based on the highest and lowest hands in a standard poker game.
Setup
Players: The game is typically played with 4-8 players.
Chips: Each player starts with an equal amount of poker chips.
Dealer: Select a dealer, either by drawing cards or using another method. The dealer position rotates clockwise after each hand.
Gameplay
Dealing:
Each player is dealt five cards face down.
Players may look at their own cards but should keep them hidden from other players.
First Betting Round:
The player to the dealer’s left starts the betting.
Players can fold, call, or raise.
Betting continues clockwise around the table.
Drawing:
After the first betting round, players can choose to draw new cards to improve their hands.
Each player can discard up to three cards and draw the same number from the deck.
The dealer then deals the replacement cards.
Second Betting Round:
A second round of betting occurs after the draw.
Players again can fold, call, or raise.
Betting continues clockwise around the table.
Showdown:
After the second betting round, players reveal their hands.
The player with the best standard poker hand wins the pot.
Scoring:
Chicago High Hand:
At the end of the hand, the player with the highest poker hand (based on standard poker rankings) receives the Chicago High prize.
Chicago Low Hand:
The player with the lowest poker hand (which is the lowest possible hand in traditional poker) receives the Chicago Low prize.
Note: In some variations, the low hand might be defined differently, so clarify the rules before playing.
Winning Pots:
The Chicago High and Low prizes are typically awarded in chips and may be distributed based on the initial pot or a separate pot designated for these prizes.
Winning the Game
The game can continue for a set number of hands or until a player reaches a predetermined chip count.
The player with the most chips at the end of the game is the winner.
Variations/Strategy
Variations:
High-Low Split:Â Some versions of Chicago Poker split the pot between the high hand and the low hand.
Chicago Draw:Â Players may be allowed to draw different numbers of cards depending on house rules.
Strategy Tips:
High Hand Strategy:Â Aim to build the strongest poker hand possible and bet aggressively when holding strong hands.
Low Hand Strategy:Â Keep track of the lowest hands and consider how to discard to achieve a low hand.
Bluffing:Â Use bluffing strategically to mislead opponents about the strength of your hand.
Chicago Poker offers a dynamic and strategic gameplay experience, combining the excitement of poker with the potential for high payouts.
