Chicago Poker is a fascinating variation of Seven Card Stud that adds an exciting twist: the highest spade in the hole wins half the pot (in High Chicago), or the lowest spade in the hole does (in Low Chicago). This rule drastically changes hand values and strategy. To succeed, players must not only aim for the best five-card poker hand but also be mindful of hidden spade cards to secure the bonus pot.

Understanding how to build a strong Stud hand while capitalizing on the Chicago twist is key to increasing your win rate in this hybrid format.

Know the Structure of Chicago Poker

Chicago Poker follows the same structure as traditional Seven Card Stud:

• Players are dealt 2 hole cards face-down and 1 face-up (Third Street)

• Then 3 more face-up cards (Fourth, Fifth, Sixth Streets)

• And a final face-down card (Seventh Street or the River)

In High Chicago, the highest spade in the hole wins half the pot regardless of the best hand. In Low Chicago, the lowest spade in the hole wins half. The other half still goes to the best five-card poker hand.

This split-pot format means you must build a strategy that can target both the traditional high hand and the hidden spade reward.

Evaluate Starting Hands Carefully

Building a strong Stud hand begins with selecting the right starting three cards. Ideally, you want:

• Connected cards for straights

• Suited cards for flushes

• Pairs for set potential

In Chicago Poker, if one of your two hole cards is a spade—especially an Ace, King, or Deuce (depending on High or Low Chicago)—your hand value increases significantly.

Best starting hand examples:

• A♠ A♦ 10♠ (Pair with potential for High Chicago and flush)

• 2♠ 3♠ 5♦ (Straight and Low Chicago potential)

• K♠ K♥ 8♠ (Strong pair and High Chicago spade backup)

Read the Board and Opponents

One of the biggest edges in Stud games is visible information. With four cards exposed per player by the end, you can make educated guesses about opponents’ holdings.

Key tips:

• Pay attention to how many spades are showing across the table. Fewer visible spades increase your chances of holding the highest or lowest in the hole.

• If opponents are chasing flushes or straights, reassess your odds of winning the high hand and pivot toward the spade pot if applicable.

• Track the betting patterns—aggression often signals strong visible or hidden hands.

Balance Between High Hand and Chicago Pot

One of the main challenges in Chicago Poker is deciding whether to chase the high poker hand or rely on a spade in the hole. A balanced approach is best.

When to prioritize the Chicago pot:

• You hold a high (A♠, K♠) or low (2♠, 3♠) spade in the hole

• The board shows few or no spades, reducing competition

• Your main hand development is weak

When to go for the main pot:

• You’re building a strong five-card hand (e.g., a flush or straight)

• You don’t have a viable spade in the hole

• Betting indicates others may not be chasing the Chicago portion

Maximize Value on Later Streets

As more cards are revealed:

• Build pressure with strong visible boards

• Semi-bluff with developing hands, especially if you also hold a powerful spade in the hole

• Slow-play hidden monsters if no threats are showing on opponents’ boards

On Seventh Street, if you’ve hit your hand or feel confident in your spade advantage, don’t be afraid to value bet or raise to maximize both sides of the pot.

FAQ

1. How do I know if I should play for the Chicago pot or the best poker hand?
It depends on your hole cards and board texture. If you have a strong spade in the hole and little chance of a solid five-card hand, lean into the Chicago pot. If your hand has high potential, focus on building the best poker combination.

2. Is it better to have multiple spades or just one strong one?
One hidden strong spade is better for the Chicago pot, especially since only the highest (or lowest) spade in the hole matters. Multiple spades can be useful for building flushes, though.

3. Can a player win both the Chicago pot and the high hand?
Yes, and it’s one of the most powerful outcomes. If your five-card hand wins and you also hold the highest (or lowest) spade in the hole, you take the entire pot without splitting.