Oicho-Kabu おいちょかぶ
Oicho-Kabu is Japan's baccarat: aim for 9 with a kabufuda deck. Hand total is the last digit only (modulo 10). The worst hand—8-9-3 (ya-ku-za)—is the folk origin of the word "yakuza."
Rules
Kabufuda: 40 cards (1–10 × 4). Values: 1–9 face value, 10 = 0. Total = last digit only (modulo 10). Dealer deals two or three cards; 3 or under must draw, 7+ stand, 4–6 optional. Arashi: three of a kind counts as 9 and beats everything. Ya-Ku-Za (8-9-3) is the worst possible hand—the folk etymology of "yakuza." Payouts by house rules; betting happens before the deal. The game is fast and relies entirely on the draw.
History
Oicho-Kabu derives from the Portuguese "Oito-Cabo" (eight-cap, referring to a similar game). Edo-period gambling culture adopted it; kabufuda decks were designed specifically for this game. The word "yakuza" comes from 8-9-3 (ya-ku-za), the worst hand—meaning a "useless person," later applied to organised crime. Meiji parlours and tatami gambling rooms; today legal only in certain venues (hot-spring resorts, private clubs). Yakuza films almost always feature Oicho-Kabu in gambling scenes.
Tips for beginners
House edge is fixed by modulo-10; avoid drawing on 5 or 6 unless dealer shows weakness. Arashi (three of a kind) is rare and decisive—play for it only with a very strong hand.
Cultural context
Inseparable from yakuza culture; the word "yakuza" derives from this game. Tatami gambling rooms; every yakuza film. Legal in some hot-spring resorts and clubs. Kabufuda decks (40 cards) are designed for Oicho-Kabu; the game is rarely played outside Japan. Arashi (three of a kind) is the best hand; Ya-Ku-Za (8-9-3) is the worst—and the folk origin of the yakuza name. The game is fast and entirely luck-based.
Where to Buy or Play
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- 🃏 Kabufuda Deck (1–10 number cards) Traditional kabufuda deck used for Oicho-Kabu
- 🃏 Hanafuda Deck (can substitute for Oicho-Kabu) Remove November and December suits to use hanafuda as kabufuda