Po-Ke-No (1930) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Po-Ke-No is a popular card game that was first released in in 1930. It combines elements of poker and keno, hence the name. The game can be played by 2 to 13 players, with the optimal number being 4 to 6 players. Po-Ke-No has been published by various companies over the years, including Cadaco, Cardinal, and E. S. Lowe Company Inc.

Game Components of Po-Ke-No

12 Pokeno boards

200 Pokeno chips

1 Deck of Bicycle Jumbo Index Playing cards

Four cups for betting (labeled corners, centers, five in a row, and four of a kind).

How To Setup Po-Ke-No

To set up Po-Ke-No, each player receives a Pokeno board and a set of chips. Players decide on the chip value or the number of chips to be placed in each betting cup. The cups are labeled for different winning conditions: corners, centers, five in a row, and four of a kind. A player is chosen to be the dealer, who shuffles the deck and prepares to draw cards.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Drawing and calling out cards by the dealer.
– Players placing chips on their boards when the called card matches one on their board.
– Betting mechanism using the labeled cups.

Game Objective:
– The first player to cover the center space, the four corners, or get five cards in a row (horizontally or vertically), or achieve four cards of the same rank, shouts “Po-Ke-No” and wins the round.
– The winner collects the chips from the corresponding cup and becomes the next dealer.

Player Experience

Po-Ke-No is a fast-paced, fun-filled game suitable for families and parties. It is designed for quick play, lasting about 10 minutes per round. The game is easy to learn and appeals to both children and adults, making it an excellent choice for vacation or camping trips. The game’s simplicity and universal gameplay have kept it popular since its inception.

Pros

Quick and Fun: Ideal for short play sessions.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players aged 7 and above.

Family-Friendly: Suitable for groups of 2 to 13 players, with 4 to 6 players being the optimal number.

Portable: Great for vacations or camping trips due to its compact nature.

Cons

Limited Complexity: The game lacks depth and strategy, making it less appealing to serious gamers.

Luck-Based: Success heavily relies on luck rather than skill.

Repetitive: The gameplay can become repetitive after multiple rounds.

Personal Thoughts on Po-Ke-No

Po-Ke-No is perfect for those who enjoy quick-fire, casual games that are more about fun and less about strategy. It’s an excellent introduction to board games for children and a great way for adults to unwind with friends and family. While it may not offer the complexity that some gamers seek, its simplicity and fast-paced nature make it a timeless classic suitable for a wide range of players.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.