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Download on Google Play- Place chips on each board compartment.
- Deal all cards evenly.
- Determine the trump suit.
- Collect from the board if you hold matching trump cards.
- Bet or fold in the Pochen round.
- Shed cards in sequence, aiming to go out first.
- Board compartments pay for matching cards.
- The shedding winner collects one chip per card remaining in opponents' hands.
Rules
Poch (also known as Pochen) is a classic German card game that combines three distinct phases: betting on specific card holdings, a poker-like bluffing phase, and a shedding phase. It is played on a special board with labeled compartments.
Objective
Win chips by collecting from the Poch board during the betting phase, winning the bluffing phase, and being the first to shed all your cards.
Setup
- Players: 3 to 6 players.
- Deck: 32 cards from a standard deck (7s through Aces) or a full 52-card deck.
- Deal: Players place one chip on each of the board compartments. All cards are dealt as evenly as possible.
Gameplay
- Step 1: In the first phase, players collect from board compartments if they hold the matching cards (Ace, King, Queen, Jack of the trump suit, or specific pairs and sequences).
- Step 2: In the second phase (Pochen), players bet on who has the best set of matching cards (pairs, triples, or four of a kind). Players may bluff, call, or fold.
- Step 3: The winner of the Pochen phase collects that compartment's chips.
- Step 4: In the third phase, players shed cards in sequence starting from the winner of the previous phase. The first player to empty their hand wins remaining chips.
Scoring
- Chips are won from each board compartment during the first phase.
- The Pochen pot goes to the best matching set or last player standing.
- The first player to shed all cards in the final phase wins a chip from each opponent per card they hold.
Variations
- Poch Board Styles: Different boards have different labeled compartments, changing which combinations pay out.
- Full Deck Poch: Using all 52 cards for larger groups and longer games.
Tips and Strategies
- Focus on the shedding phase, as it offers the biggest chip rewards.
- In the Pochen phase, only bet with genuinely strong sets.
- Keep track of which trump cards have been played during the first phase.
Tips & Strategy
Prioritize the shedding phase for maximum chip gains. Only bluff in the Pochen phase with moderate holdings to keep opponents guessing.
The shedding phase is where the biggest rewards lie. Plan your card play sequences in advance so you can empty your hand quickly.
Trivia & Fun Facts
Poch is widely believed to be the direct ancestor of the French game Poque, which in turn became poker.
What famous modern card game is Poch believed to have ultimately inspired?
History & Culture
Poch dates back to at least the 15th century in Germany and is considered one of the earliest games to combine betting with card play.
Poch is one of the oldest German card games still played today and represents a pivotal step in the evolution from pure gambling games to skill-based card play.
Variations & House Rules
Different Poch boards change the payout structure. A full 52-card deck version accommodates larger groups.
Create a simple Poch board from paper with labeled sections. Adjust chip values per compartment to suit your group's stakes.
