An analysis of the card game Figgie (https://www.figgie.com) using console-based game simulation and analysis.
Screen.Recording.2025-02-17.at.6.24.12.PM.mp4
- Advanced trading User Interface
- Real-time gameplay
- Scaling up to large number of players / bots
Figgie is a card game developed by Jane Street in 2013 to emulate the dynamics of open-outcry commodities trading. The game accommodates 4 or 5 players, each starting with $350 in chips. Players trade cards representing four suits—spades (♠), clubs (♣), hearts (♥), and diamonds (♦)—with the objective of amassing the most wealth over multiple rounds.
Deck Composition:
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Total Cards: 40
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Suits Distribution:
- One suit with 12 cards
- One suit with 8 cards
- Two suits with 10 cards each
The specific distribution of suits is unknown to players at the start of each round.
Objective:
The primary goal is to identify and collect cards from the "goal suit," which is the suit that matches the color (red or black) of the 12-card suit. The goal suit contains either 8 or 10 cards and is the only suit with value at the end of the round.
Game Setup:
Ante: Each player contributes an equal share to form a communal pot of $200.
Dealing: All 40 cards are dealt evenly among the players.
Trading Phase:
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Duration: 4 minutes
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Mechanics: Players engage in open trading, placing bids and offers to buy or sell individual cards. Trading is unstructured, allowing for dynamic negotiation and strategy.
Round Conclusion:
Reveal: The goal suit is disclosed.
Payouts:
- Bonus: Players receive a $10 bonus from the pot for each goal suit card they possess.
- Majority Holder: The player(s) holding the most goal suit cards claim the remaining pot. If multiple players tie for the majority, they split the remainder evenly.
Strategic Considerations:
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Information Deduction: Observing trading behaviors and price movements can provide insights into the goal suit's identity.
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Risk Management: Balancing the acquisition of potential goal suit cards against the risk of overpaying is crucial.
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Market Making: Actively participating in trades, even without perfect information, can lead to profits through favorable deals.
Learning Mode:
For newcomers, Figgie offers a learning mode that extends the trading period to 20 minutes. This mode can display opponents' hands to facilitate understanding of game mechanics.
For a visual explanation and tutorial on how to play Figgie, you might find the following video helpful: