Master the art of card placement
In OFC, your three hands must be in ascending order of strength:
Top (weakest) ≤ Middle ≤ Bottom (strongest)
Violating this rule is a foul and results in automatic loss. Every placement decision must keep this constraint in mind.
This must be your strongest hand. Common targets:
Tip: Lock in your bottom row first. It's the foundation for everything else.
Must be weaker than bottom but stronger than top. The "tricky" row.
Tip: Middle row royalties are doubled, making trips/straights/flushes very valuable here.
Only 3 cards, so options are limited. Possible hands:
QQ+ qualifies for Fantasyland. Trips lets you stay in Fantasyland.
Start with a pair in the bottom row and build up. Safe and flexible. Leave high cards uncommitted for later decisions.
Keep 3+ suited cards in the same row to chase a flush. Usually bottom row, since flush beats most other 5-card hands.
If you have QQ+, consider front row immediately for Fantasyland. Only if your remaining cards support strong middle/bottom.
Distribute strength across rows rather than concentrating. Example: Pair in back, pair in middle, high cards in front.
Before confirming each placement, mentally verify: "Can my top still be weaker than middle? Can middle be weaker than bottom?"
Don't put strong cards in top too early. If your top becomes stronger than your developing middle, you're heading for a foul.
If you realize you're in foul danger, stop chasing royalties. Accept a weaker hand to survive. A weak hand beats a foul.