How to play Chinese poker: Guide to the rules, scoring & strategy

Chinese poker, also known as Open-Face Chinese (OFC) poker, is an exhilarating variant of the classic card game that originated in China and has gained popularity throughout Southeast Asia. It offers a refreshing twist on the traditional poker gameplay, incorporating strategic decision-making and skilled card arrangement.

Learn all about this poker variant, such as its rules, scoring, Chaipo types and Chaipo how to win with this comprehensive guide on Chinese poker by Bitcasino.

What is Chinese poker (OFC)?

Image from Cardgames101

Chinese poker, or Chaipo, is known for its distinctive element of open-faced card placement. This means all players' cards are arranged face-up on the table throughout the game. This allows opponents to gain insights into each other's hands, adding an intriguing psychological aspect to the gameplay.

In Chinese poker, you are dealt 13 cards, which you must strategically arrange into three rows: the top, middle, and bottom hands. The objective here is to create the strongest possible hands. Notably, the bottom hand must be stronger than the middle hand, and the middle hand must be stronger than the top hand. 

This unique aspect adds an extra layer of strategy and decision-making since you must carefully distribute your cards to optimise the strength of each hand.

Thirteen Zhang method

Chinese poker is often played for points, with different scoring systems available, including the popular Thirteen Zhang method. In Thirteen Zhang, each row you win is worth one point, and additional bonuses can be earned for specific hand combinations, known as royalties. These royalties can significantly impact the final score in the game.

Chinese poker or Chaipo types

Chinese poker has different popular variations with unique Chaipo rules. These variations provide different strategic considerations and gameplay dynamics that separate them. 

Here are some common types of Chinese poker you can explore:

Open Face Chinese poker

In Open Face Chinese poker (OFC), you are initially dealt five cards face-up, then one card at a time until you have 13 cards. These cards are also arranged into three rows: the top, middle, and bottom hands.

Since the cards are face-up on the table, you can see your opponent's hands and vice versa. This means you must make strategic decisions while taking your opponents' hands into account. 

Scoring in OFC is typically based on a point system, with points awarded for winning each row and earning bonuses for certain hand combinations.

Pineapple Open Face Chinese poker

Pineapple Open Face Chinese poker is a variant of OFC where you are initially dealt five cards. But instead of receiving one card at a time, you will receive three cards in subsequent rounds.

You must choose which cards to place in your three hands from this pool of cards while discarding one unused card. This decision adds an extra strategic element as you have more cards to consider. However, you must carefully select which card to discard, as this can affect your hand combinations and potential scoring.

Pai Gow poker

Pai Gow Poker is a unique poker variant combining traditional poker elements with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. In this game, you are dealt seven cards and must create two separate poker hands: a five-card hand (known as the ‘bottom’ or ‘high’ hand) and a two-card hand (known as the ‘top’ or ‘low’ hand).

The objective here is to create two hands that are both stronger than the dealer's respective hands. The ranking of hands in Pai Gow Poker follows traditional poker hand rankings, except that the Ace-2-3-4-5 straight hand (known as the ‘wheel’) is considered the second-highest straight.

Here are Pai Gow Poker’s rules that you need to know: 

Chinese poker rules and requirements

In a virtual Chinese poker table, you can place bets using virtual chips and make decisions such as to ‘call’, ‘raise’, or ‘fold’.

The blind, flop, and river stages provide opportunities to make informed decisions and enhance your hand combinations. Ultimately, the objective is to outscore your opponents by skilfully organising your cards into powerful hands across the three rows (the top, middle, and bottom).

Number of Players: Chinese poker can be played with two to three players, but it is also possible to play with just two players.

Deck: A standard 52-card deck is used in Chinese poker. However, some variations may include a joker, making it a 54-card deck.

Hand Strength: The hand ranking follows the same rules as normal No-Limit Hold'em.

Game flow:

1. The position starts from Under the Gun (UTG), and the button (BTN) takes action last.
2. Each player is initially dealt five cards.
3. You must choose three cards from your received hand to place in the bottom row.
4. In subsequent rounds, players are dealt three cards each time, and you must choose two cards to place in either the middle or top row.
5. This process continues until each player has a total of 13 cards.

Hand hierarchy:

1. The bottom row should be stronger than or equal to the middle row (the same is acceptable).
2. The middle row should be stronger than or equal to the top row (the same is acceptable).
3. The order of winning combinations should strengthen from bottom row > middle row > top row.

Foul and Scoop:

1. If a player violates the hand hierarchy rule, it is considered a foul.
2. When a foul occurs, all royalties are reduced to zero, and the player is scooped (loses all three hands).

Scoring:

1. After completing all card-placement rounds, each player's three hands are compared to their opponents' corresponding hands.
2. Each hand is scored as a regular poker hand.
3. The hands in the bottom and middle rows are standard five-card hands.
4. The top row contains only three cards but is scored the same way.
5. You will win or lose points based on how your hands measure up against your opponents' hands.

Poker hands: Strength of role

Image from Cardgames101

In Chinese poker, the ‘Strength of Role’ refers to the ranking or hierarchy of the three hands. Adhering to this hierarchy is crucial to ensure a valid hand and scoring in the game. 

Here are the strengths of Chinese poker hands:

• Royal Straight Flush: The highest-ranking hand consists of 10, J, Q, K, and A of the same suit. It's the rarest and most powerful hand in Chinese poker.
• Straight Flush: A sequence of five numbers of the same suit. This hand combines straight (consecutive numbers) and a flush (same suit), showcasing strong card coordination.
• Four of a Kind: A set of four cards with the same number. This hand demonstrates exceptional card strength, with four cards of equal rank.
• Full house: Made up of three-of-a-kind cards and a pair. This hand showcases a strong trio of cards and a solid pair, creating a powerful, balanced hand.
• Flush: Five cards of the same suit. This hand focuses on the suit rather than the numerical sequence, providing a strong possibility of a winning combination.
• Straight: A combination of five numbers in sequential order, regardless of suit. This hand emphasises numerical order, showcasing a consecutive sequence of cards.
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same number. This hand highlights a strong set of three cards, indicating notable card strength.
• Two Pair: Two sets of pairs with the same number. This hand demonstrates two pairs of cards, increasing the chances of completing a winning hand.
• One Pair: A pair of cards with the same number. While not as strong as other combinations, this hand still holds value with a pair that can potentially improve.
• High card: A hand where no other combinations have been completed. This is the lowest-ranking hand, often referred to as the ‘buta’ role, and relies on the strength of individual cards.

Chinese poker score: How does the scoring system work?

In Chinese poker, you earn points in online poker tournaments based on the strength of your hands compared to your opponents. It’s essential to know the importance of poker table positions to ensure your chances of winning the game. 

‘Fouls’ result in a score of zero, while valid hands earn points based on their ranking. ‘Scoop’ occurs when a player wins all three hands, which earns bonus points. Meanwhile, ‘Royalty’ refers to additional points awarded for specific hand combinations. Some variations may also include the use of a joker.

Upper Row

The upper row, or the ‘top row’, is the smallest section in Chinese poker, consisting of three cards. The upper row section requires strategic decision-making to create the best possible three-card hand, aiming for high-ranking combinations despite the limited number of cards:

Middle Section

The middle section is the intermediate row in the game, which consists of five cards. This section allows for more flexibility in hand creation and requires you to form stronger combinations than the upper row while still reserving your best hands for the bottom row:

Lower Tier

The lower tier, also known as the ‘bottom row’, is the largest section in Chinese poker, consisting of five cards. This section carries the most weight in determining the strength of your overall hand. The bottom row should be stronger than or equal to the middle section, and the middle section has to be stronger than or equal to the upper row:

How to play Chinese poker: A step-by-step guide

Here’s how to arrange your cards into three hands and create the strongest combinations while following the hierarchy rule of the game:

1. Initially 5 cards are distributed to all players: With each player being initially dealt five cards, you can freely arrange the cards face up in front of you. 
2. Players freely arrange these five cards face up: After everyone has their initial five cards, three additional cards are dealt to each player. From these three cards, you choose two to place face up and one to discard face down.
3. Once everyone has 5 cards, 3 cards are dealt to each player: This three-card draw is repeated four times, resulting in each player having 13 cards (five initial cards + eight drawn cards).
4. The player places two of the three cards face up and discards one face down: Every player arranges their 13 cards into three rows: three cards in the top row, five in the middle row, and five in the bottom row.
5. Drawing the three cards: This 3-card draw is repeated four times, and each player is dealt 13 cards (5 + 8).
6. Arranging 13 cards in three rows: Players arrange these 13 cards in 3 rows. (3 pieces in the upper row, 5 pieces in the middle row, 5 sheets in the lower row).
7. Scoring of hands: At this time, the strength of the hand is scored in the same way as a normal poker hand.
8. Passing of dealer role: Once the score is calculated, the role of the dealer passes to the player to the left, and the next game begins.

Online casino where you can play Chinese poker

Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing Chinese poker at a reputable online casino like Bitcasino:

• Register: At Bitcasino.io, you must register an account to begin playing. Provide the required information, such as your username, email address, and password. Then, check the privacy policy and age limit confirmation to complete the registration process.
• Fund your account: After creating your account, deposit your playing funds using the available payment methods. Bitcasino offers cryptocurrency options such as Tether, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. However, traditional options like credit/debit cards and bank transfers are also available at your disposal.
• Select the game: Navigate to the lobby and select a poker game variation.
• Make a wager: Once you open the game, make a wager and use your knowledge and skills to strategically create the best possible hands.
• Play and enjoy: Proceed with the game, taking turns with other players. Follow the rules and guidelines, arrange your cards and aim for the strongest combinations in each row.
• Win and be rewarded: As the game progresses, your hands will be scored, and the winner will be determined based on the strength of their hands. If your hands rank higher than your opponents, you'll win the round and receive payouts accordingly.

May the odds favour you in Chinese poker at Bitcasino 

Improve your ordinary Poker game, unleash your skills and test your luck in the professional and thrilling Chinese poker scene at Bitcasino. You can be immersed in this captivating card game with secure and enjoyable gameplay.

Maximise the potential of cryptocurrency as you compete against fellow players and aim to win big with various Chinese poker tips and Chaipo strategy. Don't miss out on the chance to experience the adrenaline rush of Chinese poker. Sign up today, learn poker by yourself, and strategise your way to winning at Bitcasino!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I play Chinese poker at online casinos?

Yes, Chinese poker can be played at certain online casinos like Bitcasino. It is a popular and exciting card game in various formats, allowing you to enjoy it from the comfort of your home or on the go.

Can I play Chinese poker for real money at Bitcasino?

Absolutely! At Bitcasino, you can play Chinese poker for real money. Simply register an account and fund it, and you'll be ready to place your bets and potentially win real cash prizes while enjoying the game's authenticity.

Words by: Andrea Dizon