Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFC) Definitive Guide: Rules, Royalties & Fantasyland Strategy for Pros

July 16, 2025

I. The Game's Core: What is Open-Face Chinese Poker?

Open-Face Chinese Poker (OFC) is a modern, strategy-based poker game popular in international poker circles. It completely subverts the traditional betting-focused model of poker, shifting the key to victory towards mathematical probability, combinatorial planning, and dynamic layout strategy.

In OFC, players do not make bets, raises, or folds. The sole objective is to strategically place 13 cards, received in sequence, into three rows — Top Row (3 cards), Middle Row (5 cards), and Bottom Row (5 cards) — to form the strongest possible hands based on standard poker rankings.

Because all cards are played open-face, OFC is not only a test of planning but also a psychological duel under perfect information. Players must analyze future card possibilities and opponents’ setups, making it more like a high-level puzzle than a classic gambling game.

II. Detailed Rules: How the Game is Played

Setup

Players: 2 to 4 (heads-up is most common).
Row Structure:
- Top Row: 3 cards.
- Middle Row: 5 cards.
- Bottom Row: 5 cards.
Button: Determines the order of action; rotates clockwise each hand.

Gameplay Loop

Initial Deal: Each player receives 5 cards to start.
First Round Setting: Players must place all 5 cards immediately across the three rows. Once placed, they cannot be moved.
Subsequent Rounds: Players draw 1 card per turn and must place it immediately in an empty spot.
End of Hand: Repeat until each player has 13 cards, then proceed to scoring.

The Golden Rule of Setting

All rows must follow this strength order:
Bottom Row ≥ Middle Row ≥ Top Row

If violated, it is considered a Foul — resulting in zero points for that hand and penalty points to opponents.

III. Poker Hand Rankings

The Middle and Bottom rows use standard 5-card poker rankings, while the Top row uses simplified 3-card rankings.

Full 5-Card Rankings (for Middle and Bottom)

Hand	Description
Royal Flush	A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
Straight Flush	Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Four of a Kind	Four cards of the same rank.
Full House	Three of one rank plus a pair of another.
Flush	Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight	Five consecutive cards of mixed suits.
Three of a Kind	Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pair	Two pairs of different ranks.
One Pair	Two cards of the same rank.
High Card	Highest card when no combination is made.

3-Card Rankings (for Top Row)

Hand	Description
Three of a Kind	Three cards of the same rank.
One Pair	Two cards of the same rank.
High Card	None of the above.

IV. The Scoring System: Determining the Winner

Head-to-Head Scoring

Win a row: +1 point from opponent.
Lose a row: –1 point.
Tie a row: 0 points.
Scoop Bonus: Win all three rows = extra +3 points, totaling 6 points from that opponent.

Royalties (Bonus Points)

Strong hands earn royalty points, awarded even if you lose that row comparison.

Top Row Royalties

Hand	Points
Three of a Kind (Aces)	+22
Three of a Kind (Kings)	+21
…	…
Pair of Aces (AA)	+9
Pair of Kings (KK)	+8
… down to 66	+1

⚠️ Note: Top row royalties are not cumulative. Only the highest applicable royalty applies.

Middle Row Royalties

Hand	Points
Royal Flush	+50
Straight Flush	+30
Four of a Kind	+20
Full House	+12
Flush	+8
Straight	+4
Three of a Kind	+2

Bottom Row Royalties

Hand	Points
Royal Flush	+25
Straight Flush	+15
Four of a Kind	+10
Full House	+6
Flush	+4
Straight	+2

💡 Tip: Check each platform’s house rules, as royalty points may vary slightly.

V. Fantasyland: The Ultimate Reward

Fantasyland is a powerful bonus round that provides a huge edge.

Entry Condition

Set a pair of Queens (QQ) or better in the Top row without fouling.

How It Works

You receive all 13 cards at once at the start of the next hand.
You set your entire hand privately before revealing it to opponents.

Strategic Value

Gives full visibility and control, maximizing royalties and increasing scoop chances.

Staying in Fantasyland

Achieve another qualifying hand (e.g., three of a kind on Top, or Four of a Kind in Middle/Bottom) to remain in Fantasyland.

VI. Core Strategy and Advanced Thinking

1. Avoid Fouling

A single foul can erase multiple hands’ gains. Always secure Bottom first, then aim for royalties.

2. Maximize Fantasyland Chances

The main strategic goal. Take calculated risks to place QQ+ on Top when possible.

3. Use Blockers and Open Information

Monitor opponents’ setups. A blocker (a card your opponent needs) can disrupt their plan.

4. Stay Flexible

Adapt continuously. Plan multiple routes rather than fixating on one.

VII. The Main Variant: Pineapple OFC

Key Difference

In each drawing round: draw 3 cards, set 1, discard 2.

Strategic Impact

More flexibility for hand improvement and more options to block opponents.

VIII. Glossary

Term	Description
Rows	The three setting areas: Top, Middle, and Bottom.
Foul	A mis-set hand where the hand strengths do not follow the Bottom ≥ Middle ≥ Top rule.
Scoop	Winning all three rows against an opponent for a score bonus.
Royalties	Bonus points awarded for making specific strong hands in designated rows.
Fantasyland	A bonus round where a player receives all 13 cards at once.
Open-Face	The game format where all players’ cards are visible.
Pineapple	A popular OFC variant where players draw 3 cards and set 1.

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