Kuhn Poker Rules

Kuhn poker was devised by the mathematician Harold W. Kuhn in 1950 as a simple two-player, zero-sum game of imperfect information. It is used to study poker strategy and game theory rather than played for serious stakes.

The game is for exactly two players and uses a deck of three cards: a king, a queen and a jack. The king is highest and the jack lowest. Suits do not matter.

The object is to win chips from the opponent, either at showdown with the higher card or by betting when the opponent folds.

Each player antes one chip, making a pot of two.

Each player is dealt one card face down. The third card is set aside unseen and takes no part in the hand.

The first player may check or bet one chip.

If the first player bets, the second player may fold, losing the ante, or call by adding one chip, which leads to a showdown for a pot of four.

If the first player checks, the second player may check, which leads to a showdown for a pot of two, or bet one chip.

If the first player checks and the second player bets, the first player may fold or call. A call leads to a showdown for a pot of four.

At showdown, the player with the higher card wins the pot. Ties are impossible.