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Master the Game: A Guide to Chicago Poker Rules and Top Winning Hands
Chicago Poker is a fun and simple card game for 5 to 7 players. The goal is to make the best hand and win the pot. This game is similar to Seven Card Stud Poker, but with a twist. At the end, the pot is split half goes to the best hand, and the other half goes to the player with the highest (or lowest) Spade card that was dealt face-down. You can play Chicago High or Chicago Low, depending on which version you prefer.
What You Need to Play
- Players: 5 to 7
- Deck: One standard 52-card deck
- Card Rank: A (highest), K, Q, J, 10 down to 2 (lowest)
- Game Type: Casino or home game
- Audience: Adults
Game Setup
Before the game starts, every player puts in a small bet called an ante. This is needed to join the hand. It’s usually about 10% of the minimum bet.
How the Game Works
Third Street
- Each player gets three cards: two face-down and one face-up.
- The player with the lowest face-up card pays a bring-in bet (a small forced bet).
- Betting goes clockwise. Players can call, raise, or fold.
Fourth Street
- One more face-up card is dealt to every player.
- Another betting round begins, same as before.
From this point, bets go up to the maximum bet.
Fifth Street
- Each player gets a third face-up card.
- A new betting round starts.
Sixth Street
- A fourth face-up card is dealt.
- Another betting round happens. Betting stays at the max limit.
Seventh Street
- Players receive their final card face-up.
- This is the last round of betting.
Showdown: Who Wins?
Once all bets are in, all remaining players show their cards.
- The player with the best hand (using Poker Hand Rankings) wins half the pot.
- The player with the highest (or lowest) Spade among the two face-down cards wins the other half.
If one player has both the best hand and the top Spade card, they can win the full pot. If not, the second-best Spade may get the other half.
Also Read: Contract Bridge: A Beginner’s Guide To Playing
