Chinese Poker is a fun and strategic card game that has gained popularity in both casual and competitive gambling circles. Unlike traditional poker variants that involve bluffing and betting rounds, Chinese Poker focuses more on hand building and smart placement. It’s fast-paced, easy to learn, and surprisingly addictive once you get the hang of it.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Chinese Poker — including how to play, hand rankings, scoring, and the winning strategies that can set you apart.
What Is Chinese Poker?
Chinese Poker is a poker variant where each player is dealt 13 cards and must arrange them into three poker hands:
- Front hand (3 cards): Weakest
- Middle hand (5 cards): Medium strength
- Back hand (5 cards): Strongest
The goal is to win more of these hands against your opponents. Unlike Texas Hold’em or Omaha, there’s no bluffing or betting — only strategic card arrangement and comparison.
How to Play Chinese Poker
Step 1: Dealing the Cards
Each player receives 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck. The game is typically played with 2 to 4 players.
Step 2: Set Your Hands
Players must divide their 13 cards into the following:
- Back hand: Your strongest five-card poker hand
- Middle hand: A five-card hand that must be weaker than the back hand
- Front hand: A three-card hand, typically your weakest
Important: If your hand setup does not follow this order (e.g., middle hand stronger than the back hand), you commit a foul, and your hand is disqualified for that round.
Step 3: Compare Hands
Once all players set their hands:
- Compare each hand (front vs. front, middle vs. middle, back vs. back)
- You score 1 point for each hand won
- If you win all three hands against an opponent, it’s a scoop, usually worth a bonus (+3 points total)
Step 4: Add Royalties (Optional Rule)
In some versions, royalty points (bonus points) are awarded for strong hands. For example:
- Three of a kind in front = +3
- Full house or better in middle = +2 to +8
- Straight flush or royal flush in back = +4 to +25
Hand Rankings in Chinese Poker
Chinese Poker uses standard poker hand rankings, listed here from strongest to weakest:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Note: The front hand (3 cards) only allows high card, pair, or three of a kind.
Popular Variations of Chinese Poker
Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFC)
Instead of receiving all 13 cards at once, players get cards gradually and set them face-up. This adds a layer of open strategy and risk.
Pineapple OFC
A variant of OFC where players receive more cards per turn but must discard extras. This format is common in online poker apps and tournaments.
Winning Strategies for Chinese Poker
1. Avoid Fouling at All Costs
Mis-setting your hands is the biggest mistake you can make. Always double-check the order before confirming your setup.
2. Spread Strength Across Hands
Don’t overload your back hand while leaving the front and middle weak. You’ll likely win one hand and lose two. Try to balance all three for better overall scores.
3. Target the Scoop
If your hand is very strong, set up to win all three hands. Scooping an opponent gives you bonus points and a huge advantage.
4. Use Royalties to Your Advantage
In games that allow royalties, set your hands to trigger bonuses — even if that means a slightly riskier distribution.
5. Pay Attention to Opponents
In multiplayer games, watching how others play gives you insight into which hands to strengthen. Card memory also helps, especially in longer sessions.
Why Play Chinese Poker?
- Quick gameplay: Faster than traditional poker games
- Low barrier to entry: Easy for beginners to learn
- No bluffing required: Focuses more on strategy and luck
- Perfect for casual games or serious strategy sessions
Chinese Poker is also ideal for players who love poker but want a fresh take on it — one that’s based more on logic and card arrangement than mind games.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or a poker pro looking for a new challenge, Chinese Poker offers an exciting, strategic experience. From understanding hand setups to mastering the art of scooping, there’s always something to learn and improve.
If you’ve been searching for a card game that’s easy to pick up but tough to master, Chinese Poker might just be the perfect fit. Grab a deck (or log into a crypto casino), learn how to play Chinese Poker, and get ready to challenge your poker instincts in a whole new way.
