The classic OFC rules before the Pineapple variant
Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC) is the original variant that Pineapple OFC is based on. The core mechanics are the same—build three poker hands in ascending strength—but the dealing structure differs.
| Feature | Standard OFC | Pineapple OFC |
|---|---|---|
| Initial deal | 5 cards | 5 cards |
| Subsequent deals | 1 card at a time | 3 cards, discard 1 |
| Total rounds | 9 rounds (5+1+1+1+1+1+1+1+1) | 5 rounds (5+3+3+3+3) |
| Decision complexity | Lower | Higher (discard choice) |
Each player receives 5 cards face-down. Players set all 5 cards on their board before revealing. Once set, cards cannot be moved.
Players take turns drawing 1 card at a time from the deck. Each card must be immediately placed on the board. Continue until all 13 cards are placed.
Same as Pineapple OFC: Compare rows, calculate royalties, and determine the winner using the 1-6 scoring method.
While standard OFC is the original format, Pineapple OFC has become the preferred variant for several reasons: