Thieves Poker is a game much like Poker where the players attempt to build the best hand. Rather then Use cards and a random dealing of a deck, we use gem sets and test a players skill of observation and their ability to pickpockets.

The Game is rather simple really. A Collection of sacks has been made each containing certain gems. We have 3 sets currently, 5 different gems of 10 gem types. For purposes of this game a CLEAR Tourmaline is a Different gem in every respect then a Pink Tourmaline.

For each of the sets we have one additional “wild card” sack, containing mixed gems matching those 10 gem types. The “wild card” sack will be the only colored sack in the set. Players can put gems INTO that sack or remove gems from that sack as they wish. The sack MUST remain on the ground and available to all. The gem a player disposes of might be a gem another looks for.

Players are divided into groups, by level and each assigned group decides amongst themselves how much silvers they wish to wager on the hand. Mentor responsible for that particular group (the Runner) will collect the silvers (in form of the notes) before the round. Players are NOT allowed to bring any gems or silvers in with them. Any violations of rules can be easily seen and will result in immediate disqualification.

Before the round starts, a leading mentor (the Dealer) will place a number of CLOSED sacks on the ground (counting for 1 sack for each player + a “wild card” sack). On the Dealer’s command thieves allowed to pick up one of the SMALL sacks leaving a colored “Wild Card” sack on the ground; after that the Dealer will announce beginning of the round, telling to players to open their sacks and to begin stealing. Those playing that hand then steal from one another attempting to build themselves a better hand. At the end of 5 minutes TIME is announced. NO gems added to a sack after announcement of TIME can be counted towards that player hand. Even though you may get a hand you like, you must not close your sack. The small sacks players have MUST remain opened during the whole round.

Prior to TIME being announced a warning will be given to allow players to put gems in hand into their sack. A Player may NOT drop any gems to the ground nor can the player put them into any container other then the sack we provide him. *

* This can lead to "Monkey Hands" where a player has a sack full, both his hands with gems and is unable to put any gems into his sack (Sacks hold 5 gems max). Said player must wait for someone to steal off him or for a room in the “Wild Card” sack before he can proceed.

 In short words, here are all the don’ts! :

• Don’t bring any coins or gems with you
• Don’t leave the room once game has started
• Don’t hide
• Don't close the sack we give you once the game has started
• Don’t drop any gems
• Don’t put gems in any other container besides your small sack and a “Wild Card” sack on the ground.

No more ties and much more excitement and strategy in play! The alphabet is being used as a ranking system to keep it easy thus an Amethyst would beat a Zircon (A high and Z is low) and a Clear Zircon would beat a Green Zircon (C over G).

! Remember a pink tourmaline and a clear tourmaline do NOT count as a pair.

Hand Rankings Lowest to Highest: *

• One Pair
• Two Pair
• Three of a Kind
• Full House (3 of a kind and a pair)
• Four of a kind
• Five of a Kind.

* Hands rate as poker hands do...High hand wins all and in case of a tie, the pot is split. For purposes of this game there are No straights and NO flushes (as in 5 gems of the same color – 5 CLEAR gems).
 
  So, bring in your friends, your coins to enjoy the time where you’re actually being rewarded for stealing and keep in mind – those 5 clear zircons could bring you a fortune!