Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC)

Introduction

Over the past few years, the popularity of Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFC), a variation of the Chinese Poker game, has grown significantly.

OFC Poker originated in the early 21st century in both Russia and Finland. It was initially introduced among professional poker players looking for a fresh and strategic variant of traditional Chinese Poker. The variation quickly gained popularity and spread across Europe, eventually reaching the United States. Since then, OFC Poker has become a widely played variant in live poker rooms and online card game platforms.

The game is known for its fascinating twists, such as ‘Big Two’ or ‘Deuces.’ Its unique rules offer casual players and seasoned gaming enthusiasts an exciting challenge.

Objective of OFC Game:

The objective of Open-Face Chinese Poker is to create three separate poker hands (two five-card hands and one three-card hand) from the 13 cards dealt to each participant. To win, a player has to arrange the hands in the following sequence:

• The front (top) hand is the weakest of all three and has 3 cards.
• The middle hand has five cards and is stronger than the top hand.
• The back (bottom) hand also has five cards and is stronger than both hands.

How to Play Open-Face Chinese Poker?

Card Dealing: Each participant receives 13 cards face down. Players arrange their cards into three hands: the front hand (three cards), the middle hand (five cards), and the backhand (five cards).

Example:

Player A: A♠ 2♣ 3♦ / 4♥ 5♦ 6♣ 7♦ 8♥ / 9♠ 10♠ J♣ Q♦

Player B: K♥ Q♣ J♥ / A♥ 2♦ 3♣ 4♦ 5♥ / 6♠ 7♠ 8♣ 9♦ 10♥

Gameplay: Starting with the player sitting left to the dealer, players take turns placing one card at a time face up on any of their three hands. Once a card is placed, it cannot be moved. The back hand is placed first, followed by the middle hand, and finally, the front hand.

Hands Comparison: Once all the cards are placed on the table, players compare their hands against each other. Each hand is compared separately against the opponent's corresponding hand.

Scoring Points: Points are awarded based on the outcome of each comparison.

Determining the Winner: The player who wins two out of the three hands against an opponent receives one unit of "win" points. If a player wins all three hands, they receive an additional three units of "scoop" points. At the end of the game, the player with the highest total points wins.

Top Hands:

The top hands in an OFC Poker game are similar to traditional poker hands. The back hand is the strongest, followed by the middle hand, and the front hand is the weakest. The hands must be arranged in descending order of strength. For example - a flush in the back hand cannot be stronger than a full house in the middle hand.

Open-Face Chinese Poker Terms:

Every game has its own set of terms commonly used during gameplay. For a player who has just started playing OFC poker real cash games, understanding its terminology is essential for developing effective strategies. Let's explore some of the key terms used in the game:

Royalties:

Royalties are an important element of scoring in OFC poker that can significantly impact the outcome of a game. Royalties are bonus points awarded to players for achieving specific premium hands, such as:

• Straight Flush: A straight flush is a hand where all the cards are in sequential order and of the same suit. Achieving a straight flush in any of the three hands (front, middle, or back) earns the royalty bonus.
• Four-of-a-Kind: A four-of-a-kind hand consists of four cards of the same rank. It is a powerful hand in online OFC Poker and rewards players with royalties. Four-of-a-kind in the front, middle, or backhand generates a significant bonus.
• Full House: A full house hand contains three cards of the same rank and a pair of other ranks—for example, three 9s and two Kings. Creating a full house in any of the three hands generates royalties.
• Flush: A flush hand consists of five cards of the same suit, but not in sequential order. Achieving a flush in any hand grants royalties.
• Straight: A straight hand contains five cards in sequential order, but they may not be of the same suit. Having a straight in any of the hands generates royalties.
• Three-of-a-Kind: A three-of-a-kind hand comprises three cards of the same rank. Having a three-of-a-kind in any of the hands earns royalties.

Royalties can vary in value depending on the specific rules used in the game. Some variations may assign fixed point values for royalties, while others might have a progressive system where the point value increases with the strength of the hand. Understanding the specific royalty structure before playing is important to calculate scores accurately.

Add a royalty points chart

Top Hand Points Table

Fantasyland:

Fantasyland is a special privilege earned when a player sets their top hand with at least a three-of-a-kind in the front row without fouling. In Fantasyland, the player receives all 14 cards face-down in the next round, allowing for greater control and potential for big hands.

• Qualifying for Fantasyland: To enter Fantasyland, a player must have a valid hand of Queens or better in the top (back) hand when playing the previous hand. If a player achieves this, he is rewarded with the privilege of receiving all their cards face down in the next hand while their opponents play their hands in the normal open-face manner.
• Extended Time: When a player is in Fantasyland, they have an extended amount of time to set their hand as they have to arrange all their cards simultaneously.
• Potential for making higher scores: Being in Fantasyland not only grants the advantage of seeing all the opponent's cards face up but also increases the potential for a higher-scoring hand. With all the cards face down, players can strategically set their cards to achieve premium combinations and earn bonus points.
• Continuation rules: To continue staying in Fantasyland from one hand to the next, a player must make a valid hand of Three-of-a-Kind or better in the top hand during their Fantasyland hand. If a player achieves this requirement, they will again receive all their cards face down in the next hand.
• Breaking Fantasyland: If a player fails to make a valid hand of Three-of-a-Kind or better in the top hand while in Fantasyland, they lose the privilege and return to playing regular games in the following hand.
• Fouling: Fouling occurs when players incorrectly set their hands, violating the game's rules. When a foul occurs, the player forfeits their chance to earn points for that round. Fouling can significantly impact the game's outcome, as the player receives a penalty for their action.
• Dead Hand: A dead hand refers to a hand that is fouled or set incorrectly, resulting in the player's hand being disqualified for that particular round. The player receives zero points for that hand.
• Set: Setting refers to arranging the cards in the correct order and position according to the game's rules. Players must carefully decide how to distribute their cards into the front, middle, and backhands.
• Position: Position refers to the order in which players take turns setting their cards. It rotates clockwise after each hand. The later the position, the more information a player has about their opponents' cards and playing style.
• Scooping: Scooping occurs when a player wins all three hands in a single round. Scooping allows players to earn additional bonus points and gain a significant advantage over opponents.
• Back Hand, Middle Hand, and Front Hand refer to the three separate hands players must set in the game. The backhand consists of five cards, the middle hand consists of five cards and the front hand consists of three cards. Each hand has its own set of rules and requirements for setting.

Point Structure:

The point structure in Open-Face Chinese Poker can vary depending on the scoring system used. A common point structure is as follows:

• Winning – You get 1 point.
• Scoop – You get an additional 3 points.
• Fouling - You pay a penalty of 6 points.
• Royalty Points- You get bonus points for specific hand combinations.

Types of OFC Poker Game:

One of the reasons for the popularity of OFC poker online is the wide range of variations available out there to play. Players can participate in real money poker games online and receive cash rewards. Here are some of the most popular variations of the game:

Pineapple

In Pineapple OFC, the participants receive three cards instead of one in each round. They must set two cards in the front and back hands and discard one. This variation adds more complexity and strategic decisions to the game.

Progressive

Progressive OFC introduces a dynamic scoring system, where points are awarded based on the player's hand strength. Hands consisting of premium cards, such as pairs or trips, are ranked higher, and the point value increases as the game progresses.

Turbo

Turbo OFC is a variation designed for players who prefer quick-paced gameplay. In Turbo, the time limit for each player to set their cards is reduced, increasing the pace and intensity of the game.

2-7 Pineapple

This variation follows the same rules as Pineapple OFC, with a twist. 2-7 Pineapple aims to create the lowest possible hand, with aces considered high cards. The player has to form the weakest hand to win the game.

Criss Cross

Criss Cross OFC is a variation where players must create two hands- a five-card hand in the middle and two three-card hands on the top and bottom rows. The middle hand must be the strongest, followed by the top and bottom hands in descending order.

OFC Poker Rules

Here are some Open Face Poker rules:

• Before the game begins, everyone should agree on the common point value.
• All the players must follow the sequence of turns and not interrupt a player while playing.
• You cannot change cards once they are placed.
• The game begins after the dealer gives a heads-up.

Additional Rules

• You can win royalty points when you make premium hands. These points are added to your final score.
• The top row gets 2 royalty points. This includes hands like three of a kind and higher.
• The middle row gets 4 royalty points. This includes an entire house or higher.
• The Bottom row gets 6 royalty points and starts from straight and higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC)?

Open Face Chinese Poker is a variant of Chinese poker, where you will get five cards to begin the game and one card at a time until you have 13 cards.

What is the scoring system for OFC poker?

OFC uses a 1-6 scoring method. You get 1 unit for each and win 3 units if you win all three hands.

What is 2 7 Open Face Chinese Poker?

2-7 OFC is a turn-based card game, played heads-up or sometimes three-handedly. You take turns drawing and placing cards in three poker hands.

How are cards dealt in OFC Poker?

Each player gets five cards initially, then one card until everyone has 13.

What is the Pineapple variant of OFC Poker?

Pineapple Open-Face Chinese Poker is a variant of Chinese poker. You get 13 cards and must make three hands: two with five cards and one with three cards.

Conclusion

Open Face Chinese poker is a popular and exciting card game. To win, you must arrange cards in three poker hands (two five-card hands and one three-card hand). The game is easy to learn and play, even if you are a beginner. LLearn the nitty-gritty of the game, and practice online before playing for cash.