The complete guide to Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker
Pineapple Open Face Chinese Poker (Pineapple OFC) is a strategic poker variant where players build three separate poker hands from dealt cards. Unlike traditional poker, there's no betting or bluffing—the game is purely about optimal card placement.
The "Pineapple" variation adds an exciting twist: after the initial deal, players receive three cards at a time but must discard one, adding a layer of decision-making to every turn.
Each player has a board with three rows:
The dealer is determined randomly. The dealer position alternates each hand. Both players are dealt 5 cards face-down to start.
Both players receive 5 cards and must place all 5 on their board. Cards can be placed in any row, but once placed, they cannot be moved. Players set their cards simultaneously before revealing.
For the next 8 cards, players receive 3 cards at a time (the "pineapple" mechanic). From each set of 3:
This continues until each player has placed 13 cards total (8 rounds of 3 cards = 24 cards, but only 16 are placed: 5 initial + 8 placements, with 8 discards).
Your hands must be in ascending order of strength: Bottom must beat Middle, and Middle must beat Top. Violating this rule is called "fouling" and results in an automatic loss.
After all cards are placed, compare each row:
Win all three rows = 6 points total (3 for the rows + 3 bonus). This is called a "scoop."
Bonus points are awarded for premium hands in any row. Both players collect royalties regardless of who wins the row. See the full royalties chart →
Player A wins Top (+1), loses Middle (-1), wins Bottom (+1)
Base: +1 point
Player A has flush on bottom (+4 royalty)
Player B has pair of Aces on top (+9 royalty)
Net: +1 + 4 - 9 = -4 points for Player A
Set QQ or better in your top row without fouling, and you enter Fantasyland on your next hand.
In Fantasyland, you receive all 14 cards at once (instead of 5 + 3+3+3). You set your entire 13-card board, then discard 1 card. Your opponent plays normally without seeing your cards until you're both done.
To stay in Fantasyland for another hand, achieve one of:
A foul occurs when your hands are not in ascending order. For example:
If you foul, you automatically lose all three rows (6 points + opponent's royalties). You receive no royalties, even for premium hands.
No points are exchanged. Neither player receives royalties. The hand is essentially a tie.
In Pineapple variants, players receive 3 cards but must discard 1. This adds decision-making as you choose which cards to keep based on your developing hand.
Standard poker rankings apply. The best possible hands are Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, etc. In OFC, having trips on top is extremely valuable for the royalty bonus.
No. Once a card is placed on your board, it cannot be moved. This is why strategic planning from the first deal is crucial.