The traditional 13-card poker game
Chinese Poker (also known as Pusoy or Russian Poker) is the original game that Open Face Chinese Poker evolved from. Players receive all 13 cards at once and arrange them into three poker hands.
| Feature | Chinese Poker | Open Face Chinese |
|---|---|---|
| Card dealing | All 13 at once | Gradually (5 then more) |
| Cards visible | Hidden until showdown | Placed face-up |
| Strategy type | Pure hand setting | Progressive + reads |
| Players | 2-4 players | 2-3 players |
Each player receives all 13 cards face-down. Players arrange their cards privately without seeing opponents' hands.
Arrange your 13 cards into three hands:
Once all players have set their hands, cards are revealed simultaneously. Hands are compared row by row against each opponent.
Same 1-6 method as OFC: win a row = +1 point, scoop all three = +6 points total. Royalties apply for premium hands.
Open Face Chinese evolved from traditional Chinese Poker to add more strategic depth and reduce the element of luck:
In OFC, you see opponents' cards as they're placed. This adds information and allows for reads and counter-strategies.
Placing cards one at a time creates a sequence of interconnected decisions. Early choices constrain later options, rewarding foresight.
The Fantasyland bonus (not present in traditional Chinese Poker) rewards aggressive play and creates exciting high-stakes moments.