Frequently Asked Questions about Mau Binh (Chinese Poker)
Hand Arrangement & Rules
1. What is a "Foul Hand" (Binh Lủng)?
Answer: A "Foul Hand" occurs when you arrange your three limbs (chi) in the wrong order of strength. Rule: Back (Chi 1) must be stronger than Middle (Chi 2), and Middle (Chi 2) must be stronger than Front (Chi 3). Example: Placing a Flush in the Middle and a Full House in the Front is a foul because a Full House beats a Flush. Penalty: You automatically lose all 3 limbs to every player, often with a double penalty (scooped).
2. Does A-2-3-4-5 count as a Straight?
Answer: Yes. This is called a "Small Straight" (Sảnh Hạ). Ranking: In Mau Binh, A-2-3-4-5 is usually the second strongest straight (after 10-J-Q-K-A), unlike in Western Poker where it is the weakest. Always check house rules as this varies by region.
3. Can I put a Full House in the Middle (Chi 2)?
Answer: Yes. This is a very strong strategy called "Double Full House" (Cù Lũ Hấp). Arrangement: You place your stronger Full House in the Back (Chi 1) and your weaker Full House in the Middle (Chi 2). This often wins bonus points.
Scoring & Bonuses
4. What does "Scooped" / "Collapsed" (Sập Hầm) mean?
Answer: Getting "Scooped" means you lose all 3 limbs to a single player. Penalty: You pay double the betting amount (Lose 3 limbs x 2 = 6 units). If you get scooped by everyone at the table, it's a financial disaster.
5. What are the "Dragon" bonuses?
Answer: "Dragon" (Rồng) is the ultimate instant win hand in Mau Binh.
- Dragon Hall (Sảnh Rồng): A sequence from 2 to Ace (2-3-4...K-A). Instant win, usually 60-100 units.
- Dragon Flush (Rồng Cuốn): All 13 cards of the same suit. The rarest hand, pays massive bonuses.
6. How are Aces (A) scored?
Answer: Aces are critical in Mau Binh.
- Winning with Aces: Many variations award extra money (+1 unit) for each Ace you hold in a winning limb.
- Blind Ace: Some rules penalize players who have no Aces in their 13 cards ("Mù A").
7. What is the "3 Flushes" (3 Thùng) instant win?
Answer: If your hand contains 3 distinct flushes (one in each limb), you win instantly without playing. Example: 5 Hearts in Back, 5 Spades in Middle, 3 Clubs in Front. This is a "special hand" (Mậu Binh Tới Trắng).