- What Is Open Face Chinese Poker?
- Basic Rules of Open Face Chinese Poker
- Hand Placement Rules
- Hand Rankings Used in OFC
- Scoring in Open Face Chinese
- Fouling in OFC
- Where to Play Open Face Chinese Poker Online
- Final Takeaway
- FAQs: Open Face Chinese Poker Rules
What Is Open Face Chinese Poker?
Open Face Chinese Poker is a draw-less, turn-based game where players are dealt 13 cards in total and must place them into three separate hands:
- Top hand (3 cards)
- Middle hand (5 cards)
- Bottom hand (5 cards)
The goal is to beat your opponents’ hands in at least two of the three rows. Unlike most poker games, there’s no betting — just hand construction and point scoring.
Basic Rules of Open Face Chinese Poker
Game Format
- Played by 2 to 3 players (sometimes 4)
- No betting rounds
- Each player makes three hands from a total of 13 cards
- The top hand must be the weakest, the bottom hand the strongest
- Cards are placed face up, one at a time (after the first five)
- Once placed, cards cannot be moved
How a Hand of OFC Plays Out
- Each player is dealt 5 cards to start
- Players place their first five cards on the board
- One card at a time is dealt to each player (total of 13 cards per player)
- After each card, players add it to one of the three hands
- After all cards are placed, players compare hands row by row
- Points are awarded based on wins, losses, and bonuses
Hand Placement Rules
Hand Structure
- Top hand: 3 cards
- Middle hand: 5 cards
- Bottom hand: 5 cards
Strength Order Requirement
Hands must be ranked in ascending strength:
- Bottom hand ≥ Middle hand ≥ Top hand
- If this rule is broken, the hand is declared "fouled" and scores 0
Example
Legal:
- Bottom: Full House
- Middle: Straight
- Top: One Pair
Illegal (fouled):
- Bottom: Two Pair
- Middle: Three of a Kind
- Top: Full House
Hand Rankings Used in OFC
Open Face Chinese uses standard high-hand poker rankings:
Note: Only three-card hand types are allowed for the top hand. That means the highest possible top is three of a kind Aces.
Scoring in Open Face Chinese
Basic Point System
Each row is compared against each opponent’s corresponding row:
- Win = +1 point
- Loss = -1 point
- Tie = 0
Winning at least two out of three rows earns a bonus known as a “scoop”:
- Scoop bonus = +3 points (in addition to the +1 per row)
Royalties (Bonus Points)
Royalties are extra points awarded for making strong hands in each row.
Example Royalties
Top:
- Pair of 6s or better = 1+ point
- Trips = 10+ points (varies by app/site)
Middle:
- Straight = 2
- Flush = 4
- Full House = 6
- Four of a Kind = 10+
Bottom:
- Straight = 2
- Flush = 4
- Full House = 6
- Four of a Kind = 8
- Straight Flush = 15
Scoring systems can vary by platform, so check the rules where you play.
Fouling in OFC
What Is a Foul?
A foul occurs when the hand setup violates the top < middle < bottom rule.
What Happens When You Foul?
- You score zero points for the hand
- Your opponent may still earn scoop bonuses and royalties
- Fouling is common for new players, so always double-check your setup
Fantasyland (Optional Rule Variant)
Fantasyland is a bonus round triggered by making certain strong hands on the top row.
How to Enter Fantasyland
Make the following top hand in a regular round:
- Pair of Queens or better (some games require Kings)
- No fouling on the hand
What Happens in Fantasyland?
- On your next hand, you are dealt all 13 cards at once
- You place them without revealing them to opponents
- Strong Fantasyland hands can lead to huge royalties
Fantasyland scoring rules vary, and not all apps support it.
Where to Play Open Face Chinese Poker Online
Real Money and App-Based Platforms
Play Money and Social Options
- OFC Live (iOS app)
- Open Face Chinese Poker App (Android/iOS)
- Private home game setups or friendly live play
Final Takeaway
Open Face Chinese Poker offers a unique twist on traditional poker. With no betting, fouls instead of folds, and the possibility of Fantasyland bonuses, it's a game that blends hand-reading with card awareness and memory. If you’re new to the format, this rules guide will get you ready to build strong hands, avoid fouling, and enjoy the pace of OFC poker.
FAQs: Open Face Chinese Poker Rules
Can I move a card once it’s placed?
No. Once a card is placed in a row, it cannot be moved.
What happens if I foul?
Your hand scores zero. Your opponent gets all royalty and scoop bonuses.
Can three of a kind go in the top row?
Yes, and it's one of the best scoring combos in OFC—worth major royalties.
What is a scoop?
Winning all three rows against an opponent. It adds a bonus of +3 points to your score.
Is betting involved?
OFC has no betting rounds — it’s all about hand building and point scoring.