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What is Chinese Poker?

Unlike most poker games, Chinese Poker is a unique card game in which players play against each other by sorting the cards they are dealt into three different hands. The game combines strategic elements with simple rules, making it enjoyable for both beginners and advanced players.
basic rule
1. number of players
- Can be played by 2 to 4 players.
2. cards to be dealt
- Each player is dealt 13 cards.
3. composition of hand
- Players divide their 13 cards into the following three hands
- Front hand (3 pieces)
- Middle hand (5 sheets)
- Backhand (5 sheets)
- Front hand < middle hand < back hand < back hand should make a strong role in that order.
Strength of role

As in poker, hands are made based on the strength of the following roles:
rank | Role Name | Description. |
---|---|---|
1 | royal flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 same suit |
2 | straight flush | Same suit of consecutive numbers |
3 | four-card | 4 cards of the same number |
4 | full house (esp. in card games such as poker) | 3 same numbers + 2 same numbers |
5 | flush | All five suits are identical. |
6 | straight | Cards with consecutive numbers (no suit involved) |
7 | three-card game | 3 cards with the same number |
8 | two pair (poker) | Two pairs of two identical numbers |
9 | one pair (poker) | Two cards with the same number |
10 | high card | If no role, highest card |
list of marks
Below is a basic scoring table for the outcome of each hand. This may vary depending on the house rules, but the general rules are listed:
Normal Score
- You get **+1 point** for each winning hand.
- Each hand lost will be **-1 point**.
- In case of a tie, the score will not change.
Scoop (bonus for all wins)
- Winning against an opponent on all hands – front, middle and back – earns you an additional **+3 points**.
Bonus due to special roles
Creating certain roles may earn you additional points as follows
hand | Role Name | Bonus Points |
---|---|---|
front hand | three-card game | +2 |
middle hand | full house (esp. in card games such as poker) | +1 |
middle hand | four-card | +8 |
middle hand | straight flush | +10 |
backhand | four-card | +4 |
backhand | straight flush | +5 |
backhand | royal flush | +10 |
Game Flow
1. distribution of cards
- Each player is dealt 13 cards.
2. hand assignment
- Players divide their 13 cards into three hands (front, middle, and back).
- Depending on the strength of the role, place the hands so that the back hands make stronger roles.
3. showdown
- When everyone has finished placing their hands, each player reveals his or her hand.
- The front hand, middle hand, and back hand are compared to determine the winner.
4. point calculation
- Points are scored for each winning hand, and bonuses are added for any special roles.
- The final result is determined by calculating the total score.
Winning Advice
- Balance is key: Place cards in a balanced manner in the front, middle, and back.
- Anticipate your opponents’ hands: It is important to read other players’ strategies as well as your own placements.
- Avoid Falls: Be sure to follow the placement rules, as you will lose all points if you violate the rules.
Why Beginners Can Enjoy
Chinese poker has simple rules and deep strategy. As long as you remember the poker hands, you can play right away. There is also a strong element of luck, so even beginners have a chance to win!