OpenFiggie

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

Future Work

• Advanced trading User Interface
• Real-time gameplay
• Scaling up to large number of players / bots

Introduction

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:

• Total Cards: 40

• 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:

• Duration: 4 minutes

• 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:

• Information Deduction: Observing trading behaviors and price movements can provide insights into the goal suit's identity.

• Risk Management: Balancing the acquisition of potential goal suit cards against the risk of overpaying is crucial.

• 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:

How to Play Figgie | Jane Street Card Game Tutorial