Mầu Binh Rules - Complete Guide 🎴

Quick Answer

What is Mậu Binh? Mậu Binh (also called Chinese Poker or Pusoy) is a strategic card game where you arrange 13 cards into 3 "limbs" (hands). No betting rounds, no bluffing - pure strategy.

How long does a game take? 3-5 minutes per round.

What is the difficulty level? Intermediate - requires logical thinking to optimize hand arrangements.

How many players? 2-4 players, optimal with 4 players.

What do you need to play? One standard 52-card deck (no jokers).

What is the main objective? Arrange your 13 cards into 3 hands (3-5-5 cards) that beat your opponents' corresponding hands while following strength rules (Back > Middle > Front).

What are the 3 limbs? Front Limb (3 cards, weakest), Middle Limb (5 cards), Back Limb (5 cards, strongest).

Overview

Mậu Binh (commonly known as Chinese Poker or Pusoy internationally) is a game of pure strategy. Unlike poker, there are no betting rounds during the hand and no bluffing—you simply receive 13 cards and must arrange them into three "limbs" (chi) to beat your opponents. It is widely considered the most "fair" game because skill always triumphs over luck in the long run.

Note: There is a simplified 3-card variant often played quickly for gambling, but true Mậu Binh is a 13-card game. This guide covers the traditional 13-card rules.

Quick Facts

• Players: 2-4 (optimal: 4)
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck
• Duration: 3-5 minutes per round
• Difficulty: Intermediate (Logic puzzle)
• Objective: Arrange 13 cards into 3 limbs (Front, Middle, Back) to win the most limbs.

The 3 Limbs (Chi) - Critical Concept

You must arrange your 13 cards into three hands:

1. Front Limb (Chi Đầu): 3 cards (Must be the weakest hand)
2. Middle Limb (Chi Giữa): 5 cards (Stronger than Front, weaker than Back)
3. Back Limb (Chi Cuối): 5 cards (Must be the strongest hand)

Ranking: Back > Middle > Front. Sập Hầm (Collapse): If you arrange them wrongly (e.g., Front is stronger than Middle), your hand is invalid ("Binh Lủng") and you automatically lose.

Hand Rankings (Low to High)

The ranking follows standard Poker rules, adapted for 3 cards.

1. High Card (Mậu Thầu / Rác)

• Definition: 3 cards with no relation.
• Ranking: Compare the highest card. If tie, compare the second, etc.
• Order: 2 < 3 < ... < K < A.
• Example: A♠-9♥-4♦ (Ace High) beats K♣-Q♦-J♠ (King High).

2. Pair (Đôi)

• Definition: 2 cards of the same rank.
• Ranking: Higher pair wins. If pairs are same, compare the kicker (3rd card).
• Example: 10♠-10♥-2♣ beats 9♠-9♦-A♣.

3. Straight (Sảnh / Liêng)

• Definition: 3 consecutive cards.
• Ranking: Q-K-A is highest. A-2-3 is usually lowest (check house rules).
• Example: 4-5-6 beats 2-3-4.

4. Flush (Thùng / Đồng Chất)

• Definition: 3 cards of the same suit.
• Ranking: Compare highest card in flush.
• Example: K♥-8♥-2♥ (Heart Flush).

5. Three of a Kind (Sám Cô / Xám)

• Definition: 3 cards of the same rank.
• Ranking: A-A-A > K-K-K > ... > 2-2-2.
• Power: Very strong, beats Straight and Flush.

6. Straight Flush (Sảnh Rồng / Thùng Phá Sảnh)

• Definition: 3 consecutive cards of the same suit.
• Power: The ultimate hand. Unbeatable.

Gameplay Flow

1. Dealing

• Each player places an initial bet (Ante).
• Dealer deals 3 cards to each player face-down.

2. Betting (Tố) - Optional Step

In "Liêng" style (Poker betting):

• Players look at cards and choose to:
  • Fold (Úp): Give up hand, lose ante.
  • Check (Theo): Match current bet.
  • Raise (Tố): Increase bet.
  • All-in (Tất tay): Bet everything.

In Simple "Showdown" style:

• No betting rounds. Just compare hands immediately.

3. Showdown (Lật Bài)

• Remaining players reveal hands.
• Highest ranking hand wins the pot.

Scoring

• Winner: Takes the entire pot.
• Special Wins (Tới Trắng):
  • If a player has A-A-A (or specifically 3 As), they might win a jackpot or bonus depending on house rules.

Suit Rankings (Important!)

Unlike Western Poker (where suits are equal), Vietnamese games usually rank suits:

♠ Spades > ♥ Hearts > ♦ Diamonds > ♣ Clubs

(Note: In some regions, Hearts is highest. Always clarify: "Bích hay Cơ lớn?" - Spades or Hearts high?)

Tie-Breaker: If two players have the exact same hand rank (e.g., both have A-K-J High Card), the player with the card of the highest suit wins.

Example Round

Players: A, B, C

1. Deal: Everyone gets 3 cards.
2. Player A: Holds 5♠-5♦-9♣ (Pair of 5s). Bets.
3. Player B: Holds J♥-Q♥-K♥ (Straight Flush - Amazing!). Raises.
4. Player C: Holds A♠-K♠-2♠ (Flush). Calls.
5. Showdown:
   • A: Pair
   • C: Flush (Beats Pair)
   • B: Straight Flush (Beats Flush)
   • Winner: Player B takes the pot.

Next Steps

• 📊 Strategy Guide - Betting tactics and probability.
• 🌏 Regional Variations - Liêng vs Bài Cào vs 3-Cay.
• ❓ FAQ - Common questions.

Last Updated: January 2026 Author: Card Games Academy Difficulty: ★☆☆☆☆ (Easy)