Tripoley

About this board game

Tripoley is a three-phase standard-deck card game for 2–9 players, typically played in about 60 minutes. Published in 1937, it combines elements known as Hearts, Poker, and Michigan Rummy in one hand.

All cards are dealt, including one extra hand that remains unseen. Players place poker chips on spaces for special card combinations, the Poker pot, and the Kitty before the hand’s three phases begin.

1. Hearts: Players receive payouts for holding cards or combinations matching spaces on the special playing layout.
2. Poker: Each player selects five cards from their hand for a poker hand. Players bet, adding chips to the Poker pot, and the winner takes that pot.
3. Michigan Rummy: Players follow a slight variation of Michigan, a game similar to Fan Tan. The first player to play all their cards wins the chips in the Kitty.

The board’s marked spaces cover the 10, Jack, Queen, King, and Ace of Hearts; the 8, 9, and 10 of one suit; the Queen and King of Hearts; and the Kitty. These spaces guide the opening payouts and give the layout a central role throughout play.

Tripoley is a modern version of Poch and re-implements Pochspiel. Historical references describe Poch’s evolution from Pope Joan, while the game’s third phase explains the name Michigan Rummy. This public-domain game should not be confused with Michigan Rum, a rummy-family variation of 500 Rum.