Chinese Poker, also known as Pusoy or Open Face Chinese Poker, is famous worldwide. The game is unique because it is played with an open hand, meaning each player can see their opponent’s cards. In this blog, we will explore the rules and variations of Chinese Poker.
The Basics:
Chinese Poker is typically played with 2-4 players, each receiving 13 cards. The game aims to arrange your cards into three hands: a backhand of five cards, a middle hand of five cards, and a front hand of three cards. The backhand must be the most substantial hand, followed by the middle and front hands.
Once all players have arranged their hands, the hands are compared, and points are awarded based on who has the more substantial hand. A point is awarded for each hand more potent than the opponent’s corresponding hand in most game variations.
Scoring:
The scoring system in Chinese Poker varies depending on the variation being played. In some games, points are awarded for each hand stronger than the opponent’s corresponding hand. For example, if a player’s backhand is stronger than their opponent’s, they receive one point. They receive another point if their middle hand is stronger than their opponent’s. They receive a third point if their front hand is more substantial than their opponent’s.
In other variations of Chinese Poker, the scoring system is based on units. In this system, each unit is worth a certain amount of money, and players can win or lose units based on the strength of their hands. For example, a player might win or lose one unit for each hand stronger or weaker than their opponent’s corresponding hand.
Variations:
There are several variations of Chinese Poker, each with unique rules and scoring systems. The following is a list of the most frequent variations:
1. Classic Chinese Poker:
Classic Chinese Poker is the most popular variation of the game, played with 2-4 players. In this variation, each player is dealt 13 cards, and they must arrange them into a backhand of five cards, a middle hand of five cards, and a front hand of three cards. Points are awarded based on who has the more substantial hand, and the player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner.
2. Pineapple Chinese Poker:
Pineapple Chinese Poker is a variation of the game played with 2-3 players. In this variation, each player is dealt three cards instead of 13, and they must arrange them into a backhand of five cards, a middle hand of five cards, and a front hand of three cards. The remaining cards are dealt face down, and the player must choose one of them to discard. The game is then played like Classic Chinese Poker, with points awarded based on the strength of the hands.
3. Open Face Chinese Poker:
Open Face Chinese Poker is a popular game variation played with 2-4 players. In this variation, each player is dealt five cards face down, and they must arrange them into a backhand of three cards, a middle hand of five cards, and a front hand of five cards. Once the hands are arranged, the players reveal their cards, and points are awarded based on the strength of the hands.
Open Face Chinese Poker is unique in that players must set their hands in a specific order and cannot change the order once they have set them. In addition, players must play their cards in a specific order, starting with the backhand and working their way up to the front hand.
4. Progressive Pineapple:
Progressive Pineapple is a Chinese Poker variation that combines Pineapple and Open Face Chinese Poker elements. In this game, each player is dealt three cards, and they must arrange them into a backhand of five cards, a middle hand of five cards, and a front hand of three cards. The remaining cards are dealt face down, and the player must choose one of them to discard.
After arranging hands, the game is played like Open Face Chinese Poker. However, if a player makes a specific hand (such as a flush or a whole house) in their front hand, they are rewarded with extra points. The requirements for these bonus points vary depending on the house rules.
Conclusion:
Chinese Poker is a fascinating game that requires strategy, skill, and a bit of luck. Its unique open-hand gameplay and multiple variations offer endless entertainment for players of all skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Chinese Poker is a game worth exploring. So why not try it with some friends? You might discover your new favorite game.
