RULES CHICAGO - THE BASIS OF THE GAME
| Moment | Description of the programme |
|---|---|
| Card game | 52 cards, no jokers |
| Number of players | 2-6 recommended |
| Dividends | Five cards are dealt to each player |
| Bytes | Usually up to three exchanges per round, any number of cards |
| Poker points | Pair (1), Two pair (2), Triss (3), Ladder (4), Colour (5), Cabin (6), Fours (7/8), Colour ladder (8/11), Royal flush (20/direct win) |
| Stick games | After exchanges, five tricks are played, following the colour. Only the last trick is scored: 5 p |
| Chicago announcement | Possible if you have at least 15 p. Whoever shouts "Chicago" must take all the tricks |
| Points for Chicago | Pass all tricks: +15, fail: -15. The round ends immediately |
| Game objectives | First to exactly 52 points wins (or when someone takes Chicago after 52) |
| A draw | In case of a tie, the next highest card ("kicker") is compared, otherwise points are shared |
| Bonus rules | Free in home games: extra points, variations, special rules |
Read more in detail about Chicago card game here Chicago card game
THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE GAME
Chicago has its roots in Sweden, and its popularity took off in the last decades of the 20th century. The game combines poker hands with stick games, making it both social and tactical. The simple but systematic scoring structure makes Chicago particularly accessible, and suitable for families and gambling enthusiasts alike.
SCORE COUNTING
In particular, only the player with the best poker hand after the exchanges scores. The remaining participants prepare the next round.
After the trick part, only the winner of the last trick gets bonus points. The opportunity to 'call Chicago' involves a round of chance where proper reward or loss of points determines the balance. Players should think strategically about when to switch, when to take a chance, and when to aim for small safe points rather than the grand slam.
VARIANTS
Home variations of Chicago are common; often additional bonus or minus points, changes to the number of exchanges or adjustments to the points table are used. In organised competitions, the table is fixed, but there may be discussion about, for example, tied hands. With digital tools and apps, scores can be kept quickly and securely for everyone.
THE RULES IN PRACTICE
In reality, Chicago is about combining luck, strategy and courage.
To play, you gather friends or family around the table with a standard deck of cards and a scoring pad.
After each round, the scores are carefully noted - and in case of disagreement, you go back to the rules table.
The social dynamic in Chicago is key, as different types of players come into their own, and no round is exactly like the last.
SOCIAL AND LEARNING
The Chicago line-up is simple, making the game popular in leisure centres and during family reunions.
The game trains you to think ahead, read other players and make quick decisions when scoring, exchanging and taking a trick.
