Chicago (poker card game)

Chicago is a poker-based card game that combines elements of chance and strategy. It is often played as a casual game, suitable for players of varying skill levels. The game is known by various other names, including "Hollywood Gin" (although it's distinct from traditional Gin Rummy) and sometimes simply "Acey Deucey".

The objective of Chicago is to accumulate the lowest score over a predetermined number of rounds. Points are awarded based on the player's hand at the end of each round, with high cards generally resulting in penalty points.

Gameplay:

The game typically involves a standard 52-card deck. A dealer is chosen and rotates clockwise after each round. The number of rounds played is agreed upon beforehand, often corresponding to the number of players.

Each round proceeds as follows:

1. Dealing: The dealer deals a fixed number of cards to each player, typically five or seven cards, depending on the specific variation being played.

2. Initial Hand Assessment: Players examine their hands.

3. The Play: Play proceeds with players discarding and drawing cards, aiming to improve their hand. This typically involves a discard pile and a draw pile. The specific rules for discarding and drawing can vary; a common variant involves drawing from the top of either the discard pile or the draw pile after discarding a card. Other variations might allow for multiple draws or discards within a single turn.

4. Ending the Round: A round typically ends when a player "knocks" or declares they have a hand they believe is low enough to win the round. The rules for knocking vary. Some variations require a player to have a certain minimum point value to knock. In other versions, the last player to act may be required to play regardless.

5. Scoring: After a player knocks, all players reveal their hands. Points are awarded based on the value of each player's hand. Typically, face cards (Kings, Queens, Jacks) have a value of 10, Aces have a value of 1 or 11 (depending on the variation and the player's strategy), and number cards are worth their face value. The player with the lowest score for the round wins (or, more accurately, loses the fewest points, since lower is better).

6. Ties: Rules for resolving ties vary; common methods include splitting the difference in points or playing another, smaller round to break the tie.

Scoring:

The scoring is central to Chicago. The goal is to have the lowest cumulative score at the end of all rounds.

• Number cards (2-10) are typically scored at their face value.
• Jack, Queen, and King are typically scored at 10 points each.
• Aces are typically scored at 1 or 11 points each, depending on the specific rules and the player's strategy. The specific value might be determined at the end of the hand by the player holding the Ace.

Variations:

Numerous variations of Chicago exist, altering the number of cards dealt, the rules for drawing and discarding, the scoring system, and the conditions for knocking. Some variations introduce elements like "buying" cards or special bonuses for certain hand combinations.

Strategy:

Strategy in Chicago involves balancing the risk of holding onto high-value cards with the potential reward of improving one's hand. Players must assess the probability of drawing desirable cards, anticipate their opponents' moves, and manage their hand accordingly. The element of bluffing also exists, as players may attempt to deceive their opponents about the strength of their hand.