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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

  1. Dealing:

    • Each player is dealt five cards face down.

    • Players may look at their own cards but should keep them hidden from other players.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Showdown:

    • After the second betting round, players reveal their hands.

    • The player with the best standard poker hand wins the pot.

Scoring:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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: Some versions of Chicago Poker split the pot between the high hand and the low hand.

  • Chicago Draw: Players may be allowed to draw different numbers of cards depending on house rules.

Strategy Tips:

  • High Hand Strategy: Aim to build the strongest poker hand possible and bet aggressively when holding strong hands.

  • Low Hand Strategy: Keep track of the lowest hands and consider how to discard to achieve a low hand.

  • Bluffing: 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.

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