Chinese Poker Rules A Comprehensive Guide
Chinese poker is a popular card game that has gained immense popularity in the recent years. With its roots deeply embedded in Chinese culture and traditions, the game has managed to capture the interest of players from all over the world. The game may seem daunting to beginners, with its complex rules and scoring system, but once you get the hang of it, it can be highly entertaining and rewarding. In this article, we will take a closer look at the rules of Chinese poker and how to play the game.
Overview of Chinese Poker
Before diving into the specifics of Chinese poker rules, let’s first understand what the game is all about. Chinese poker, also known as Pusoy or Russian poker, is a variation of standard poker that originated in China. The game is usually played with four players, each dealt thirteen cards, and the objective is to arrange your cards into three poker hands – two five-card hands and one three-card hand. These hands are then compared to the corresponding hands of other players, and points are awarded accordingly. The player with the highest total points wins the game.
How to Play Chinese Poker?
Now that we have a basic understanding of the game, let’s delve into the rules of Chinese poker and learn how to play it step by step.
Step 1: Dealing the Cards
The dealer shuffles a deck of 52 cards and deals thirteen cards to each player, one at a time, clockwise. In some variations of the game, the dealer may deal all thirteen cards face down to each player and then deal another thirteen cards on top of the original ones, creating two piles of thirteen cards each. The players then decide which pile to use for their upper and lower hand, leaving the remaining pile for the middle hand.
Step 2: Setting the Hands
Once the cards are dealt, each player must arrange their thirteen cards into three hands – the upper, middle, and lower hand. The upper and lower hands must consist of five cards each, while the middle hand must have three cards.
Step 3: Comparing Hands
Once all players have set their hands, the dealer reveals their cards one at a time, starting with the player to their left. The hands are then compared in pairs, starting with the upper hands, then the middle hands, and finally the lower hands. The winner of each hand is awarded one point. In case of a tie, no points are awarded. The scoring system will be discussed in detail in the next section.
Step 4: Scoring and Winning the Game
After all hands have been compared, the total points for each player are calculated by adding up the points from each hand. The player with the highest number of points wins the game. In case of a tie, the player with the highest ranking card in their middle hand wins the tiebreaker.
Chinese Poker Scoring System
The scoring system in Chinese poker is perhaps the most complex part of the game. Players must familiarize themselves with various combinations and their corresponding points to effectively play the game. Let’s take a look at the different hands and the points they carry.
Upper Hand
The upper hand comprises five cards, and the standard poker hand rankings are used to determine the winner. The following is the hierarchy of poker hands from highest to lowest:
- Royal Flush – 9 points
- Straight Flush – 8 points
- Four of a Kind – 7 points
- Full House – 6 points
- Flush – 5 points
- Straight – 4 points
- Three of a Kind – 3 points
- Two Pair – 2 points
- One Pair – 1 point
- High Card – 0 points
Middle Hand
The middle hand consists of three cards and follows a slightly different scoring system. A flush is not possible in the middle hand, and the rankings are as follows:
- Three of a Kind – 6 points
- Straight – 5 points
- One Pair – 2 points
- High Card – 1 point
Lower Hand
The lower hand also consists of five cards, but the ranking system is different from the upper hand. The following is the hierarchy of hands for the lower hand:
- Five Pairs – 10 points
- Straight (A-5) – 8 points
- Four of a Kind – 7 points
- Full House – 5 points
- Flush – 4 points
- Three of a Kind – 3 points
- Two Pair – 2 points
- Ace-High or less – 1 point
Apart from these standard scoring systems, there are also some special combinations that carry bonus points. These include Dragon (13 cards of the same suit), Flush in all three hands, Straight in all three hands, and Three Straights (three Straights in one hand).
Strategies to Win at Chinese Poker
Chinese poker may seem like a game of luck, but there are certain strategies that players can use to increase their chances of winning. Here are a few tips to help you improve your gameplay.
Choose Your Starting Hands Wisely
The key to winning Chinese poker lies in setting strong starting hands. Since this variation of poker involves arranging three separate hands, it’s crucial to have a strong starting hand to begin with. Avoid splitting up pairs and high-ranking cards into different hands, as this can weaken your overall hand strength.
Keep an Eye on Your Opponents’ Hands
As the game progresses, it’s essential to keep track of the cards your opponents are discarding. This can give you an idea of what hands they are trying to form and what cards they may need to complete their hands. This information can be crucial in making your decisions during the game.
Pay Attention to Your Discards
Similarly, it’s essential to be mindful of the cards you are discarding and how they may benefit or hurt your opponents. If you have a strong hand, it may be worth discarding weaker cards that can potentially improve your opponents’ hands. On the other hand, if you have a weak hand, consider discarding high-ranking cards that may help your opponents.
Variations of Chinese Poker
Chinese poker has evolved over the years, and there are now several variations of the game that players can enjoy. Let’s take a look at some of the popular variations of Chinese poker.
Open-Face Chinese Poker
Open-face Chinese poker is a more recent variation of the game, and it has become increasingly popular in the past decade. The rules of the game are similar to traditional Chinese poker, with the only difference being that all thirteen cards are dealt face-up. This variation adds a layer of strategy to the game, as players can see their opponents’ cards and make decisions accordingly.
Pineapple Open-Face Chinese Poker
Pineapple open-face Chinese poker is another popular variation that combines elements of open-face Chinese poker and standard Chinese poker. In this variation, players are dealt fifteen cards instead of thirteen, and they must set three hands – two five-card hands and one three-card hand. However, unlike traditional Chinese poker, players must discard one card after setting their hands.
Turbo Chinese Poker
Turbo Chinese poker is a faster version of the game, where each player receives only eight cards instead of thirteen. The rest of the rules remain the same, but the smaller number of cards makes for quicker gameplay.
Benefits of Playing Chinese Poker
Apart from being an entertaining game, Chinese poker also offers several benefits to its players. Here are a few reasons why you should consider playing Chinese poker.
Improves Decision-Making Skills
Chinese poker is a game that requires players to make quick and calculated decisions. With multiple hands to set and different combinations to consider, players must think on their feet and make strategic choices. This can help improve decision-making skills that can be applied in real-life situations as well.
Enhances Memory and Concentration
Playing Chinese poker also improves memory and concentration levels, as players must remember the cards they have discarded and keep track of their opponents’ discards. This helps exercise the brain and can benefit individuals of all ages.
Promotes Social Interaction
Chinese poker is a social game that encourages communication and interaction between players. It’s a great way to connect with friends or meet new people, and it can also help improve social skills and build relationships.
Conclusion
Chinese poker may seem intimidating at first glance, but with this comprehensive guide, you should now have a better understanding of the game and its rules. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player looking for some variation in your poker games, Chinese poker is definitely worth giving a try. So gather your friends, grab a deck of cards, and start playing this exciting and rewarding game.
