Open-Face Chinese poker (OFC) rules for beginners
Open-Face Chinese (OFC) is a poker game where each player builds three hands from 13 cards: a top row of 3 cards, a middle row of 5 and a bottom row of 5. The bottom must be the strongest, the middle stronger than the top. You score points against each opponent row by row. There is no betting, so it’s a game of planning, not bluffing.
How a hand is played
Section titled “How a hand is played”- Each player gets 5 cards and places them face up in their rows.
- Then you get cards one round at a time (in common versions 3 cards, place 2, discard 1) until all 13 spots are filled.
- Once a card is placed, it can’t be moved.
The three rows
Section titled “The three rows”| Row | Cards | Must be |
|---|---|---|
| Top | 3 | The weakest hand (only pairs and three of a kind count) |
| Middle | 5 | Stronger than or equal to the top |
| Bottom | 5 | Stronger than or equal to the middle |
If your rows are in the wrong order, you foul (also called “busting”) and lose all rows.
Scoring (common rules)
Section titled “Scoring (common rules)”- Win a row against an opponent: +1 point. Win all three: a scoop, usually +3 bonus points.
- Royalties are bonus points for strong hands, for example a pair of 6s or better on top, or a straight or better in the middle or bottom.
- Points are often converted into money by an agreed value per point.
Fantasyland
Section titled “Fantasyland”If you make queens or better on top without fouling, you enter Fantasyland in many versions: next hand you get all your cards at once, which makes big royalties easier.
Tips for beginners
Section titled “Tips for beginners”- Don’t foul. A safe, legal board is better than chasing big royalties.
- Build the bottom first with strong cards; keep the top weak unless you have a good pair.
- Count the cards still live before chasing a flush or straight.
KKPoker offers OFC with Aggressive, Ultimate and Joker modes. See KKPoker games. Scoring details differ by mode and room, so read the in-app rules.
What is OFC poker?
Section titled “What is OFC poker?”Open-Face Chinese poker: each player sets 13 cards into a 3-card top row and two 5-card rows, and scores points against each opponent.
What is fouling in OFC?
Section titled “What is fouling in OFC?”Setting rows in the wrong order of strength, which loses all rows.
What is Fantasyland in OFC?
Section titled “What is Fantasyland in OFC?”A bonus round, usually earned with queens or better on top, where you get all your cards at once.
Does OFC have betting?
Section titled “Does OFC have betting?”No. You play for points, often worth an agreed amount each.