Chinese poker: rules of the 13-card game
Chinese poker is a game for 2–4 players where everyone receives 13 cards and arranges them into three poker hands. There’s usually no betting during the hand — players agree on a value per point (unit). It’s the ancestor of Open-Face Chinese (OFC).
Setting your hands
Section titled “Setting your hands”Arrange your 13 cards into:
| Row | Cards | Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Front (top) | 3 | Weakest hand; only high card, pair or three of a kind count |
| Middle | 5 | Must be at least as strong as the front |
| Back (bottom) | 5 | Must be the strongest hand |
If your rows are in the wrong order (e.g. the middle beats the back), your hand is fouled and you usually lose to everyone.
Scoring
Section titled “Scoring”Each player compares their three rows with each opponent:
- Win a row → +1 point, lose a row → −1.
- Win all three against one player (a scoop) → often a bonus point.
- Many games add royalties (bonus points) for strong hands, such as a full house or better in the back, or certain hands in the front. Agree on the scoring before you play.
Strategy tips
Section titled “Strategy tips”- Set the back first with your strongest five-card hand, then the middle, then the front.
- Don’t make the back too strong if it leaves the middle and front very weak — you need to win rows.
- A pair in the front is valuable: it beats many fronts.
- Always check the order before revealing to avoid fouling.
See also OFC rules, hand rankings and dealer’s choice games.
How many cards do you get in Chinese poker?
Section titled “How many cards do you get in Chinese poker?”Thirteen, arranged into a 3-card front and two 5-card hands.
Which row must be strongest in Chinese poker?
Section titled “Which row must be strongest in Chinese poker?”The back (bottom) row, then the middle, then the front.
What is a foul in Chinese poker?
Section titled “What is a foul in Chinese poker?”Setting the rows in the wrong order, which usually loses to everyone.
How is Chinese poker scored?
Section titled “How is Chinese poker scored?”By points: +1 for each row won against each opponent, often with scoop bonuses and royalties.