Open Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) is a popular variant of Chinese poker that started in Finland and Russia in the early 2000s.
It hit the poker scene in 2012 when Russian players brought it to the Aviation Club in Paris. The game’s all about making three poker hands – a three-card hand on top and two five-card hands below.
Unlike regular poker, there’s no betting or bluffing. Instead, players score points for winning hands and making special combos called royalties. What makes OFCP unique is that players build their hands one card at a time, face-up on the table.
This open-face style means everyone can see what’s happening, making for some nail-biting moments as hands take shape. It’s a game of skill and luck that’s become a hit with pro poker players looking for a fresh challenge.
Game Setup and Rules
Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC) is a fun card game that’s a bit different from regular poker. Let’s dive into how to set it up and play!
1. Number of Players
OFC is usually played with 2 to 4 players. It’s perfect for a small group of friends or a cozy game night. You can’t play with more than 4 because there aren’t enough cards to go around.
2. Deck and Card Distribution
The game uses a standard 52-card deck. No jokers are needed! At the start, each player gets 5 cards. Then, players take turns getting one card at a time until everyone has 13 cards total.
3. Hand Arrangement
Here’s where it gets interesting! You need to arrange your cards into three hands:
- Top hand: 3 cards
- Middle hand: 5 cards
- Bottom hand: 5 cards
The trick is, that your bottom hand must be the strongest, then the middle hand, and the top hand should be the weakest. It’s like building a pyramid of poker hands!
4. Scoring System
Points for Winning Hands
You can win points in a few ways:
- Win a hand: 1 point
- Win all three hands against one player (called a scoop): 3 bonus points
So, if you beat someone in all three hands, you’d get 6 points total (1+1+1+3). That’s a big win!
Royalties/Bonuses
You can also score extra points for making special hands. These are called royalties. Here are some examples:
Top hand royalties:
- Pair of 6s: 1 point
- Pair of Kings: 8 points
- Three of a kind: 10-22 points (depends on the rank)
Middle hand royalties:
- Three of a kind: 2 points
- Straight flush: 30 points
Bottom hand royalties:
- Straight: 2 points
- Royal flush: 25 points
There are lots more royalties, but these give you an idea. The better your hand, the more bonus points you get!
5. Fouling and Penalties
If you mess up and put your hands in the wrong order (like if your top hand is stronger than your middle hand), that’s called a foul. Oops! If you foul, you lose 6 points to each player who didn’t foul. That’s a big ouch!
6. Dealing and Gameplay Process
Here’s how a game of OFC goes down:
The dealer gives each player 5 cards face up.
Players take turns placing their cards in one of the three hands.
Once everyone has placed their first 5 cards, players get one card at a time.
When you get a card, you have to place it right away. No take-backs!
This continues until everyone has 13 cards (3 in top, 5 in middle, 5 in bottom).
Then, players compare hands and score points.
It’s like building a puzzle, but with poker hands!
Pro tip: Be careful when placing your early cards. You don’t want to paint yourself into a corner and end up fouling your hand!OFC is a game of skill, luck, and strategy.
You need to think ahead and make smart choices with each card. It’s a blast to play and can lead to some nail-biting finishes!
Remember, the key to winning is making strong hands while avoiding fouls. Keep an eye on what your opponents are doing, too. Their cards might affect your strategy. So gather your buddies, grab a deck of cards, and give OFC a try. It’s a whole new way to enjoy poker!
Hand Rankings and Scoring Details in OFC
Now let’s examine the hand rankings and scoring details of Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC). It’s a bit different from regular poker, so pay attention!
Standard Poker Hand Rankings
In OFC, we use the same hand rankings as in regular poker. Here’s a quick refresher, from best to worst:
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Remember, your bottom hand should be the strongest, then the middle hand, and the top hand should be the weakest.
Royalty Point System
Now, here’s where OFC gets really fun! You can score extra points called royalties for making special hands. Let’s break it down:
Top Hand Royalties
- Pair of 6s: 1 point
- Pair of 7s: 2 points
- Pair of 8s: 3 points
- …and so on up to…
- Pair of Aces: 9 points
- Three of a Kind: 10-22 points (depending on the rank)
Middle Hand Royalties
- Three of a Kind: 2 points
- Straight: 4 points
- Flush: 8 points
- Full House: 12 points
- Four of a Kind: 20 points
- Straight Flush: 30 points
- Royal Flush: 50 points
Bottom Hand Royalties
- Straight: 2 points
- Flush: 4 points
- Full House: 6 points
- Four of a Kind: 10 points
- Straight Flush: 15 points
- Royal Flush: 25 points
Scoring Calculations and Examples
Here’s how the scoring works:
You get 1 point for each hand you win against an opponent.
If you win all three hands against one player (a scoop), you get 3 bonus points.
Add any royalty points you’ve earned.
Let’s look at an example:
Player A:
Top: Q♠ Q♥ 8♣ (2 royalty points)
Middle: K♠ K♥ K♣ J♦ 10♠ (2 royalty points)
Bottom: A♠ A♥ A♣ A♦ 2♠ (10 royalty points)
Player B:
Top: J♠ J♥ 9♣ (0 royalty points)
Middle: Q♠ Q♥ Q♣ 10♦ 9♠ (2 royalty points)
Bottom: K♠ K♥ K♣ K♦ 3♠ (10 royalty points)
Player A wins all three hands, so they get:
- 3 points for winning each hand
- 3 bonus points for the scoop
- 14 royalty points
Total: 20 pointsPlayer B loses all hands and gets:
- -3 points for losing each hand
- -3 points for being scooped
- 12 royalty points
Total: 6 points
The difference is 14 points in Player A’s favor. If they were playing for $1 per point, Player A would win $14 from Player B.
Fantasyland in Open Face Chinese Poker
Fantasyland is like hitting the jackpot in Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC). To get there, you need to make a pair of Queens or better in your top hand. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it! Once you’re in, you get all 13 cards at once for the next hand.
That’s a huge advantage because you can see all your options and make the best hand possible. It’s like being dealt a royal flush in regular poker – you’re in a great spot to win big!
When you’re in Fantasyland, you get to arrange your cards before anyone else plays. This gives you a leg up on the competition.
You might even scoop all three hands, which means big points for you! But the fun doesn’t have to stop there.
If you make a really strong hand in Fantasyland, you can stay there for another round. To do this, you need to get four of a kind or better in any row, or three of a kind in the top row. It’s like getting a free spin on a slot machine!
Some OFC games have even cooler Fantasyland rules. For example, if you get Kings in the top row, you might get 14 cards next time. Aces could get you 15 cards, and trips (three of a kind) could land you 16 cards!
That’s a ton of options to make an awesome hand. Just remember, if you don’t make a strong enough hand to stay, you’re back to regular play next round. But don’t worry – you can always try to get back to Fantasyland again!
Popular Variations of Open-Face Chinese Poker
Let’s explore some fun variations of Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC). These variations spice up the game and keep things interesting!
1. Pineapple OFCP
Pineapple OFC is like regular OFC on steroids. Here’s how it works:
Players start with 5 cards, just like in regular OFC.
But here’s the kicker: instead of getting one card at a time, you get three cards each turn!
You pick two to keep and toss one away.
This keeps going until everyone has their full 13-card hand.
Pineapple OFC is a real nail-biter because you see so many more cards. It’s easier to make big hands, but you also have to be extra careful not to foul. Here’s a cool twist: In Pineapple Fantasyland, you get 14 cards instead of 13. Talk about options!
Pro tip: Keep an eye on what cards your opponents are tossing. It might give you a clue about what they’re trying to build!
2. Progressive Pineapple OFCP
This version is like Pineapple OFC with a turbo boost. Here’s the scoop:
You start with 5 cards, like usual.
Then, you get 3 cards and keep 2, just like in Pineapple.
But wait, there’s more! On the next turn, you get 4 cards and keep 3.
It keeps going up: 5 cards (keep 4), then 6 cards (keep 5).
In the last round, you get 7 cards and keep 5 to finish your hand.
Progressive Pineapple is crazy fast and leads to some monster hands. It’s perfect if you want a quick game with lots of action.
Fun fact: Some players call this version “Escalator” because the number of cards keeps going up!
3. Pineapple 2-7 OFCP
This variation is for players who like a brain-teaser. It mixes Pineapple OFC with 2-7 Lowball poker. Here’s how it shakes out:
The top and bottom hands are scored like regular OFC.
But the middle hand? That’s where it gets tricky. It’s scored as a 2-7 Lowball hand.
In 2-7 Lowball, the worst hand wins. So, 7-5-4-3-2 is the best possible hand.
Aces are always high, and straights and flushes count against you.
To get into Fantasyland in this game, you need either:
- KK or better on top (just like regular OFC)
- A perfect 7-5-4-3-2 in the middle
Pineapple 2-7 OFC really keeps you on your toes. You’re trying to make good hands on top and bottom, but a bad hand in the middle. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your belly at the same time!
4. Turbo OFCP
If you’re in a hurry or just love fast-paced action, Turbo OFC might be your jam. Here’s the lowdown:
Everyone gets all 13 cards right off the bat.
You set your hand all at once, face down.
When everyone’s ready, you flip ’em over and see who won!
Turbo OFC is lightning fast. A whole game can be over in just a few minutes. It’s great for quick rounds between friends or when you’re short on time. Pro tip: In Turbo OFC, you really need to think fast and trust your gut. There’s no time for second-guessing!
All these variations keep Open Face Chinese Poker fresh and exciting. Each one adds a new twist that challenges players in different ways.
Whether you like the extra options in Pineapple, the mind-bending challenge of 2-7, or the speed of Turbo, there’s a version of OFC for everyone.
Remember, no matter which version you play, the key is to have fun and stay sharp. Keep an eye on your opponents’ hands, think ahead, and don’t be afraid to take some risks.
After all, that’s what makes OFC such a blast! So gather your buddies, pick your favorite variation, and get ready for some serious poker action. Who knows? You might just end up in Fantasyland!
Strategy and Skill Elements in Open Face Chinese Poker
Let’s take a closer look at the strategy and skill elements of Open Face Chinese Poker (OFC). This game is like a puzzle where you need to think ahead and make smart choices.
1. Hand Setting Strategies
When you start your hand in OFC, you want to set yourself up for success. Here are some key tips:
- Live cards are gold: Always keep an eye on which cards are still available. If you see a lot of hearts on the table, don’t chase a heart flush!
- Bottom’s up: Your bottom hand should be the strongest. Try to put pairs or flush draws here. For example, if you have 7♠ 7♣, they should go on the bottom.
- Middle ground: The middle hand is tricky. Aim for two pair or better. If you have A♥ K♥, they might work well here.
- Top it off: The top hand only needs to be decent. High cards or small pairs are good. Q♦ J♦ could be a solid top hand start.
Remember, once you place a card, you can’t move it. So think carefully before you act!
2. Risk Management
OFC is all about balancing risk and reward. Here’s how to keep your head above water:
- Don’t foul: Fouling (when your hands are in the wrong order) is a big no-no. It’s like shooting yourself in the foot. Always double-check your hand order.
- Know when to fold ’em: Sometimes, it’s better to play it safe than go for a big hand. If you’re chasing a flush and see too many of your suit out there, it might be time to switch gears.
- Watch your opponents: Keep an eye on what others are doing. If you see someone going for a big hand, you might need to adjust your strategy.
- Point awareness: Remember, it’s not just about winning hands. Royalties (bonus points) can make a big difference. A full house on the bottom is worth 6 points!
3. Fantasyland Considerations
Fantasyland is like the promised land in OFC. Here’s what you need to know:
- Getting there: To enter Fantasyland, you need QQ or better on top without fouling. It’s not easy, but it’s worth the risk.
- Risk vs. reward: Sometimes, it’s worth risking a foul to get to Fantasyland. The extra cards you get can be a game-changer.
- Staying there: Once in Fantasyland, you can stay if you make a monster hand. Quads on the bottom or trips on top will do the trick.
- Opponent in Fantasyland: If your opponent is in Fantasyland, you might need to take bigger risks to keep up.
Let’s look at an example: You’re dealt Q♠ Q♥ 8♣ 7♦ 3♠. This is a great start for Fantasyland! You could set it like this:
- Top: Q♠ Q♥
- Middle: 8♣ 7♦
- Bottom: 3♠
This gives you a shot at Fantasyland, but it’s risky. You need to improve your middle and bottom hands to avoid fouling. Remember, OFC is a game of skill and luck. Even the best players only win about 60% of the time. So don’t get discouraged if things don’t always go your way.
Practice these strategies, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an OFC pro. Just remember to have fun and enjoy the ride. After all, that’s what poker is all about!
Online and Mobile OFCP
Open Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) has made a big splash in the online and mobile gaming world. Let’s check out some popular ways to play and how it’s different from live games.
Popular Platforms and Apps
You can play OFCP on several cool platforms:
PokerStars: A big name in poker, they offer OFCP with neat features like Fantasyland.
Zynga Poker: Known for its fun vibe and VIP program.
888poker: Offers a user-friendly interface for OFCP fans.
Open Face Chinese Poker by Rakeback.com: This app lets you play multiple tables at once!
Differences from Live Play
Playing OFCP online is a whole new ball game:
- Speed: Online games are way faster. You can play more hands in less time.
- Multi-tabling: Unlike live games, you can play at several tables at once online.
- No physical tells: You can’t see your opponents, so you need to focus on betting patterns instead.
- Easier tracking: Many apps help you keep score and track your stats.
- Fantasyland access: Some apps make it easier to get into and stay in Fantasyland.
Online OFCP is perfect for players who want to sharpen their skills anytime, anywhere. It’s like having a poker room in your pocket!
Tournaments and Competitive Play
Open Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) has made a splash in the tournament scene. Big events like the World Series of Poker and European Poker Tour now feature OFCP tournaments. These tourneys draw top pros and big crowds.
The PokerStars Caribbean Adventure even had a $10,000 buy-in OFCP event! In tournament play, OFCP gets a makeover.
Players start with a stack of chips, usually around 20,000. Each point you win or lose is worth a certain number of chips. For example, one point might equal 100 chips.
Tournaments use a level system, where the point values increase over time. This keeps the action hot! Most OFCP tourneys use the Pineapple version, which is faster and more exciting.
They often play three-handed, meaning three players per table. The final table is usually four-handed, with one player sitting out each hand.
Fantasyland rules can vary. Some tourneys let you stay in Fantasyland if you make a monster hand. Others kick you out after one round.
This keeps players on their toes!OFCP tournaments are a real nail-biter. With chips flying and Fantasyland in play, they’re a whole new ball game compared to cash games. It’s no wonder they’re becoming a hit on the poker circuit!
Conclusion
Open Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) has taken the poker world by storm. Its unique blend of skill and luck has drawn in players from all walks of life.
The game’s growth has been nothing short of amazing, with major tournaments now featuring OFCP events. Looking ahead, the future of OFCP seems bright.
We’re likely to see more online platforms offering the game, and maybe even virtual reality versions popping up.
The Fantasyland feature keeps players coming back for more, and new variations like Pineapple OFC keep things fresh.
As more folks discover the thrill of setting hands and chasing royalties, OFCP is sure to become a staple in the poker community. It’s not just a game; it’s a whole new way to enjoy poker!
