Chicago Poker Rules

Chicago Poker Rule Guide

Chicago Poker is basically Seven Card Stud.  The only difference is that in Chicago the highest spade hole card will take half of the pot, leaving the best hand to take the other half of the pot.  Another similar game is San Francisco Poker, which is the same as Chicago, except that the highest heart takes half of the pot.

Basic Chicago Poker Hand

1. Two down cards and one up card are dealt to each player.
2. The player with the lowest up card must make a bring-in bet or make a full bet.  The round of betting continues from here.
3. The players receive their fourth card, which is dealt face up.
4. The next round of betting occurs.  This round begins with the player who has the best exposed hand.  If they have a pair, they can bet twice the regular amount.  These betting rules remain in effect for the rest of the hand.
5. The players receive their fifth card, which is dealt face up.
6. Another round of betting.
7. The players receive their sixth card, which is dealt face up.
8. Another round of betting.
9. The seventh and final card is dealt face down.
10. Last round of betting.
11. The players reveal their hole cards, and the player with the best hand takes half of the pot and the player with the highest spade among the hole cards takes the other half.  If no one has a spade hole card, the best hand wins the entire pot.

Chicago Poker Strategy

As Chicago poker is a variant of Seven Card Stud, most Seven Card Stud strategies apply to Chicago.  However, players need to be especially aware of the spades, so if they have a high spade in the hole, they’ll want to bet strongly.  Players need to be aware of what spades have been exposed, as this will lower the number of spades that can beat their hole spade.

Where to Play Chicago Poker

Chicago Poker tends to be a home poker game that is typically played when a poker game turns into a dealer's choice game. With this in mind, we haven't been able to find any online poker rooms that offer Chicago Poker. If you know of one, please contact us and let us know.