Open Face Chinese Poker is a relatively new variant of the classic poker game. It has gained immense popularity in recent years, particularly among high-stakes players, due to its unique gameplay and the opportunities it provides for skilful play.

Unlike traditional poker games, Open Face Chinese Poker is played without any betting rounds. Instead, the game involves each player receiving thirteen cards, which they must arrange into three hands - two five-card hands and one three-card hand. The hands are then compared to the hands of the other players, and points are awarded based on who has the stronger hands.

What makes Open Face Chinese Poker so popular?

Open Face Chinese Poker also provides players with the opportunity to play against their opponents on an individual basis. This makes the game particularly appealing for high-stakes players, allowing them to showcase their skills and strategy against their opponents rather than simply relying on luck.

The game has gained immense popularity recently, particularly among the poker-playing community. Many professional poker players have spoken of their love for the game, with several even going as far as to claim that it is the future of poker.

Part of the appeal of Open Face Chinese Poker is its relatively low house edge, which makes it a popular choice for players looking to take on their opponents on an individual basis. The game also offers a high level of skill and strategy, which is rare in traditional poker games.

The popularity of Open Face Chinese Poker has also been aided by the development of mobile apps, which allow players to play the game on the go. These apps have helped to increase the accessibility of the game, making it easier for players to get involved and enjoy the unique gameplay experience that it provides.

How to play Open-Face Chinese Poker?

The game aims to score more points than your opponents by creating three poker hands with your 13 cards. Here are the steps to play Open Face Chinese Poker:

Step 1: Deal the cards

Each player is dealt 13 cards face down, one at a time.

Step 2: Set the hands

Players must then set their cards into three poker hands: two five-card hands and one three-card hand. The three-card hand must be weaker than both five-card hands. Players must set their hands to face up on the table as they create them.

Step 3: Scoring

Once all the players have set their hands, they compare their hands with each other. Points are then awarded based on the strength of each hand, with the highest hand earning the most points. There are different scoring systems, but the most common is a 1-6 scoring system. In this system, players get one point for winning the three-card hand, two points for winning a five-card hand, and six points for winning both.

Step 4: Royalties

Players can also earn royalties for making certain hands, such as a flush or a straight flush. Royalties are awarded in addition to the regular points and can be worth a significant amount.

Step 5: Fouling

If a player sets their hands incorrectly, such as having a stronger three-card hand than a five-card hand, they foul and lose all points for that hand.

Step 6: Repeat

The process is repeated for each round until the agreed-upon number of rounds has been played or until one player has reached a predetermined number of points.

In conclusion, Open Face Chinese Poker is a unique and exciting variant of the classic poker game. With the development of mobile apps, the game will likely continue to grow in popularity in the years to come, particularly among high-stakes players looking for a new challenge.