Q1: What is Chinese Poker?

A: Chinese Poker (also known as Pusoy or Russian Poker) is a card game where each player receives 13 cards from a standard 52-card deck and must arrange them into three separate poker hands: a 3-card front hand, a 5-card middle hand, and a 5-card back hand. The hands must be arranged in ascending strength (front is weakest, back is strongest). Players then compare their hands against each opponent, earning one point for each hand they win.

Q2: How many players can play Chinese Poker?

A: Chinese Poker is best played with 2 to 4 players using a single standard 52-card deck. With 4 players, each receives exactly 13 cards (4 x 13 = 52). With fewer players, unused cards are set aside. The game works well heads-up (2 players) but is most engaging with 3-4 players.

Q3: Is Chinese Poker the same as Texas Hold'em?

A: No. Chinese Poker is fundamentally different from Texas Hold'em. There are no community cards, no betting rounds, and no bluffing. Chinese Poker is a pure strategy game focused on hand optimization - you arrange your 13 cards to beat opponents in head-to-head comparisons. Texas Hold'em involves betting strategy, position play, and psychological elements.

Q4: How long does a typical game take?

A: A single hand of Chinese Poker typically takes 2-5 minutes to arrange and resolve. An Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) hand takes longer, usually 5-15 minutes, because cards are placed one at a time. A full session can last 30 minutes to several hours depending on the number of hands played. ---

Q5: What is the correct hand structure?

A: The standard hand structure is called 3-5-5: Front Hand (Top): 3 cards - must be the weakest of the three hands Middle Hand: 5 cards - must be stronger than or equal to the front hand Back Hand (Bottom): 5 cards - must be the strongest of the three hands The critical rule is that each hand must be weaker than or equal to the hand below it: Front < Middle < Back.

Q6: What hands are possible in the 3-card front hand?

A: With only 3 cards, the possible hand types are limited: High Card: No matching cards, ranked by highest card One Pair: Two cards of the same rank Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (very rare and valuable) Note: 3-card straights and 3-card flushes do not count in the front hand. Only pairs and trips matter for the 3-card hand.

Q7: What happens if I arrange my hands incorrectly?

A: If your hands are not in ascending strength order (front < middle < back), this is called a foul (also known as "Binh Lungs" in Vietnamese). When you foul: You automatically lose all three hand comparisons against every opponent You pay all applicable royalties to opponents You receive no royalties even if you have qualifying hands Fouling is the worst possible outcome, so always double-check your arrangement before revealing. ---

Q8: What are royalties in Chinese Poker?

A: Royalties (also called bonuses) are extra points awarded for making particularly strong hands. They reward premium arrangements and can significantly affect scoring. Royalties are earned in addition to the regular comparison points.

Q9: What are the most common royalty hands?

A: The most commonly used royalty schedule includes: Front Hand (3 cards): Three of a Kind: +3 points Pair of Queens or better: +1 point (varies by rule set) Middle Hand (5 cards): Full House: +1 point Four of a Kind: +4 points Straight Flush: +6 points Back Hand (5 cards): Four of a Kind: +2 points Straight Flush: +4 points Royal Flush: +8 points Royalty schedules vary between casual and tournament play, so always confirm the schedule before starting.

Q10: Are there special 13-card bonuses?

A: Yes. Some rule sets award bonuses for special 13-card combinations: Dragon (13-card straight): Massive bonus, typically automatic win Six Pairs: +6 bonus points Three Straights: +3 bonus points Three Flushes: +3 bonus points These are rare but extremely valuable when they occur. ---

Q11: How does scoring work?

A: Scoring in Chinese Poker works as follows: 1. Compare each hand position (front, middle, back) against each opponent separately. 2. Earn 1 point for each hand you win. 3. Lose 1 point for each hand you lose. 4. Ties result in no points exchanged for that position. 5. Add royalties for any qualifying bonus hands. 6. Apply foul penalty if any player fouled. In a 4-player game, you compare against each of the 3 other players, so up to 9 comparison points plus royalties per hand.

Q12: What is a scoop?

A: A scoop occurs when you win all three hand comparisons against an opponent (front, middle, and back). Many rule sets award a bonus for scooping, typically doubling the comparison points. Instead of earning 3 points, you earn 6 points. Scooping is the best regular outcome in Chinese Poker.

Card Games

Chinese Poker (Pusoy)

Q: Q6: What hands are possible in the 3-card front hand?

A: With only 3 cards, the possible hand types are limited: High Card: No matching cards, ranked by highest card One Pair: Two cards of the same rank Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank (very rare and valuable) Note: 3-card straights and 3-card flushes do not count in the front hand. Only pairs and trips matter for the 3-card hand.

Q: Q7: What happens if I arrange my hands incorrectly?

A: If your hands are not in ascending strength order (front < middle < back), this is called a foul (also known as "Binh Lungs" in Vietnamese). When you foul: You automatically lose all three hand comparisons against every opponent You pay all applicable royalties to opponents You receive no royalties even if you have qualifying hands Fouling is the worst possible outcome, so always double-check your arrangement before revealing. ---

Q: Q8: What are royalties in Chinese Poker?

A: Royalties (also called bonuses) are extra points awarded for making particularly strong hands. They reward premium arrangements and can significantly affect scoring. Royalties are earned in addition to the regular comparison points.

Q: Q9: What are the most common royalty hands?

A: The most commonly used royalty schedule includes: Front Hand (3 cards): Three of a Kind: +3 points Pair of Queens or better: +1 point (varies by rule set) Middle Hand (5 cards): Full House: +1 point Four of a Kind: +4 points Straight Flush: +6 points Back Hand (5 cards): Four of a Kind: +2 points Straight Flush: +4 points Royal Flush: +8 points Royalty schedules vary between casual and tournament play, so always confirm the schedule before starting.

Q: Q10: Are there special 13-card bonuses?

A: Yes. Some rule sets award bonuses for special 13-card combinations: Dragon (13-card straight): Massive bonus, typically automatic win Six Pairs: +6 bonus points Three Straights: +3 bonus points Three Flushes: +3 bonus points These are rare but extremely valuable when they occur. ---

Intermediate

13-Card Hand Arrangement Game

Expert Reviewedby Card Games Academy Editorial Team

A card game where each player receives 13 cards and must arrange them into three poker hands: two 5-card hands and one 3-card hand. Hands must be set in descending strength. Popular across Asia and in poker tournament side games.

Reviewed by Card Games Academy Editorial Team · Asian Card Games Researchers

Last Updated: January 1, 2024

Chinese Poker is a card game where each player receives 13 cards and arranges them into three poker hands: front (3 cards), middle (5 cards), and back (5 cards), with each hand stronger than the one before it.

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