Chicago – Rules

Play Chicago against the computer

1. Overview

What is it about? Despite its name, Chicago is a Swedish game and one of the most popular there. Each round has three parts: twice you exchange cards and the best poker hand scores. Then five tricks follow, and whoever takes the last one scores 5 points. Finally the poker hand counts one last time.

2. Cards and material

• Pack: 52 French cards, ace high.
• Poker hands and points:

• Face up and face down: Hands concealed; the poker hand is shown when scoring.

3. Preparation and start

1. Dealing: Everyone gets 5 cards.
2. Start: The player left of the dealer begins the exchange.

Start example: You hold two kings, an 8, a 5 and a 2. You keep the kings and exchange three cards.

4. Goal and winning

• Goal: Whoever has 52 points or more at the end of a round wins.
• Short version: Target 30 points.

5. Play in detail

Part 1 – exchange twice.

1. In turn, everyone discards any number of cards (or none) and receives as many new ones.
2. Then players show their strength with a poker hand: only the best hand scores.
3. This happens twice.

Part 2 – five tricks.

1. No trumps. Following suit is compulsory.
2. The highest card of the suit led wins.
3. Only the last trick counts: 5 points.

Part 3 – final scoring.

The best poker hand of the five cards scores once more.

Example with Players 1 to 4.

1. After the first exchange Player 1 has three kings, Player 2 two pair: Player 1 scores 3 points.
2. After the second exchange Player 4 has a straight: Player 4 scores 4 points.
3. In the tricks Player 1 plays the king of hearts last and wins: 5 points.
4. At the end Player 4's straight is the best hand: another 4 points for him.

6. Scoring

• Recording: Points per player.
• Not below zero: Scores can't fall below 0.

7. Special rules and situations

• From 46 points you may no longer exchange.
• Chicago (variant): A player with at least 15 points may announce before the first trick to take all five tricks: success +15, failure −15.
• Equal hands: The higher cards decide; otherwise nobody scores.
• Common mistakes: sacrificing good trick cards for the poker hand; forgetting the 46-point limit.

8. Variants

Standard in this description: 4 players, two exchanges, last trick 5, target 52.

When playing against the computer on cardgames.zone you play against one to three computer opponents (standard: four players); the target is 52 or 30 points.

9. Tips for beginners

1. Keep pairs: A pair often turns into three of a kind when exchanging.
2. Plan the last trick: Keep a high card for the fifth trick.
3. Don't exchange everything: Sometimes trick strength matters more than the poker hand.
4. Remember suits: The tricks reveal who is out of a suit.
5. Careful from 46: Then you have to live with your cards.
6. Flush and straight: Score 4–5 points but are hard to get.
7. Watch opponents: Whoever exchanges few cards has a good hand.

10. Summary in 10 steps

1. 52 cards, 5 cards each.
2. First exchange, best poker hand scores.
3. Second exchange, best poker hand scores.
4. Five tricks without trumps.
5. Follow suit.
6. Last trick: 5 points.
7. Final scoring of the poker hand.
8. Pair 1 … straight flush 8, royal flush 52.
9. From 46 points no more exchanging.
10. Reaching 52 points wins.

11. Frequently asked questions

Why is it called Chicago?

The name is traditional, but the game comes from Sweden.

How often do you exchange?

Twice per round.

Do all tricks count?

No, only the last – it scores 5 points.

Do several players score for poker hands?

No, always only the best hand.

What is a royal flush worth?

52 points – an instant win.

How long does a game take?

To 52 points about 30 to 45 minutes.

Origin & history

The Swedish Chicago combines poker hands with a short trick game. Where the name comes from is unclear – the game has nothing to do with the US city.