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Chinese Poker (Pusoy) Variations

Intermediate

Explore all Chinese Poker variants including Open-Face, Pineapple OFC, Progressive OFC, and traditional closed Chinese Poker with comparison tables and royalty schedules.

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

Quick answer: Chinese Poker has several popular variants including Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFCP), Pineapple OFC, Progressive OFC, and traditional closed Chinese Poker, each with unique rules and strategies.

You are viewing the variations section for Chinese Poker (Pusoy). The content below starts with key takeaways, then goes deeper with examples and common scenarios.

33 main sections on this page

Players

2-4

Duration

5-15 min

🎴

Chinese Poker Variations - OFCP, Pineapple, Progressive and More

Overview of Chinese Poker Variants

Chinese Poker has evolved significantly since its origins, spawning several distinct variants that cater to different play styles and risk preferences. From the traditional closed game to the dynamic Open-Face format and its Pineapple and Progressive derivatives, each variant offers unique strategic challenges and entertainment value.

Understanding the differences between these variants helps you choose the right game for your skill level and preferences. Below is a comprehensive comparison of all major Chinese Poker variants played today.

Variant Comparison Summary

Feature	Closed Chinese Poker	Open-Face (OFCP)

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Chinese Poker (Pusoy) Variations — Regional & House Rules | Card Games Academy

Aspect	Details
Deal	13 cards face-down, all at once
Arrangement	Private, unlimited time (usually)
Reveal	Simultaneous - all players show at once
Scoring	1 point per hand won, plus royalties
Scoop bonus	Usually 2x or 3x for winning all three

Round	Cards Dealt	Running Total
1	5 cards	5
2	3 cards	8
3	3 cards	11
4	2 cards	13

Aspect	Details
Deal	Cards dealt in stages (5-3-3-2)
Placement	Each card placed face-up immediately
Information	You see opponents face-up cards
Fantasy Land	Awarded for qualifying front hand
Fouling	Much more likely due to incomplete info

Trigger Hand	Requirement
Pair of Queens	Front hand (3 cards)
Pair of Kings	Front hand (3 cards)
Pair of Aces	Front hand (3 cards)
Three of a Kind	Front hand (3 cards)

Round	Cards Dealt	Cards Placed	Cards Discarded	Running Total
1	5	5	0	5
2	3	2	1	7
3	3	2	1	9
4	3	2	1	11
5	3	2	1	13

Feature	Standard OFCP	Pineapple OFC
Cards per round	5-3-3-2	5-3-3-3-3
Discards	None	1 per round (after round 1)
Total discards	0	4
Decision complexity	Place each card	Choose 2 of 3, then place
Game speed	Moderate	Slightly faster
Luck reduction	Standard	Lower (discards add control)

Trigger Hand	Standard OFCP	Pineapple (common)
Pair of Queens	Yes	Yes
Pair of Kings	Yes	Yes
Pair of Aces	Yes	Yes
Three of a Kind	Yes	Yes
Some rule sets	-	Require Kings+ for re-entry

Aspect	Details
Base rules	Same as standard OFCP
Royalty scaling	Royalties multiply over rounds
Progression trigger	Typically per hand or per set of hands
Maximum multiplier	Usually caps at 3x-5x
Fantasy Land	Enhanced value due to scaling royalties

Hand	Round 1	Round 5	Round 10	Round 15
Trips (front)	3 pts	6 pts	9 pts	12 pts
Four of a Kind (middle)	4 pts	8 pts	12 pts	16 pts
Straight Flush (back)	4 pts	8 pts	12 pts	16 pts

Hand	Closed	OFCP	Pineapple	Progressive (base)
Pair of Jacks	0	0	0	0
Pair of Queens	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1
Pair of Kings	0-1	0-1	0-1	0-1
Pair of Aces	+1	+1	+1	+1
Three of a Kind	+3	+3	+3	+3

Hand	Closed	OFCP	Pineapple	Progressive (base)
Full House	0-1	+1	+1	+1
Four of a Kind	+2-4	+4	+4	+4
Straight Flush	+4-6	+6	+6	+6
Royal Flush	+6-8	+8	+8	+8

Hand	Closed	OFCP	Pineapple	Progressive (base)
Four of a Kind	+2	+2	+2	+2
Straight Flush	+4	+4	+4	+4
Royal Flush	+8	+8	+8	+8

Player Type	Recommended Variant	Reason
Complete beginner	Closed Chinese Poker	Simplest, full information
Knows poker basics	Closed, then OFCP	Gradual complexity increase
OFCP experienced	Pineapple OFC	Added discard strategy
Advanced/tournament	Progressive OFC	Escalating skill expression
Speed enthusiast	Turbo variant	Fast decisions, high pressure
Casual/social	Closed Chinese Poker	Relaxed, social atmosphere

Cards received	All 13 at once	In stages (5-3-3-2)	5 + sets of 3 + discard	In stages
Information	Complete (private)	Partial (face-up)	Partial (face-up + discard)	Partial (face-up)
Skill level	Intermediate	Advanced	Advanced	Expert
Game speed	Fast (2-5 min)	Medium (5-15 min)	Medium (5-12 min)	Medium (5-15 min)
Fantasy Land	No	Yes	Yes	Yes (enhanced)
Luck factor	Higher	Moderate	Moderate	Lower
Popularity	Traditional/Asia	Very High	High	Growing
Best for	Beginners	Intermediate+	OFCP fans	Advanced players