Chinese Poker, especially in its popular Open-Face Chinese (OFC) format, is a game where understanding the scoring system and royalty points is essential to long-term success. While the basic gameplay is straightforward—arranging 13 cards into three poker hands—the true depth comes from how points are calculated and how bonuses (royalties) can swing outcomes dramatically.
Learning how to maximize your score and capitalize on royalty opportunities can give you a serious edge over your opponents.
Basic Chinese Poker Scoring System
In standard Chinese Poker, each player sets their cards into three hands:
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Top (Front) Hand: 3 cards
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Middle Hand: 5 cards
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Bottom (Back) Hand: 5 cards
The goal is to set the strongest hand at the bottom, a slightly weaker hand in the middle, and the weakest in front. Violating this order (for example, if your middle hand beats your bottom hand) is called a foul, which usually results in zero points for that round.
Comparing Hands
Each hand is compared directly to each opponent’s corresponding hand:
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1 point is awarded for each hand you win (top vs. top, middle vs. middle, bottom vs. bottom).
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Sweeping Bonus: If you win all three hands against an opponent, you earn a bonus of 3 extra points, totaling 6 points.
If you foul, you automatically lose all three hands to every opponent and often lose 6 points per opponent (or more, depending on house rules).
Understanding Royalties in Chinese Poker
Royalties are bonus points awarded for making strong hands in each section. They add significant value to premium hands, even if you don’t sweep your opponent.
Common Royalty Points (Classic OFC)
Top Hand Royalties (3 Cards)
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Pair of 6s: 1 point
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Pair of 7s: 2 points
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…
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Pair of Aces: 8 points
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Three of a Kind: 10 points
Middle Hand Royalties (5 Cards)
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Straight: 2 points
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Flush: 4 points
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Full House: 6 points
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Four of a Kind: 10–20 points (depending on rank)
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Straight Flush: 15–30 points
Bottom Hand Royalties (5 Cards)
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Straight: 2 points
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Flush: 4 points
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Full House: 6 points
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Four of a Kind: 10–25 points
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Straight Flush: 15–50 points
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Royal Flush: 25–100+ points
Note: These royalty values may vary slightly between poker apps or house rules.
Royalties and Sweeps
Royalties are usually added to or subtracted from your total after comparing hands. If you foul, you lose the right to claim any royalties for that round.
Fantasy Land and Royalty Multipliers
Fantasy Land, a special mode triggered by placing a high pair (like Queens or better) in the top hand without fouling, provides a significant royalty boost in the next round. In Fantasy Land, you’re dealt all 14 cards at once and can aim for high-royalty combinations more effectively.
Players in Fantasy Land can also re-qualify if their Fantasy hand meets specific royalty-based requirements, such as:
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Three of a kind on top
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Full house in the middle
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Four of a kind or better on the bottom
This creates opportunities for chain Fantasy rounds with high-scoring potential.
Strategic Tips for Maximizing Royalties
Don’t Sacrifice Structure for Royalties
Chasing a flush or straight for royalties is risky if it compromises your hand’s strength or causes a foul. Always maintain legal hand strength order.
Use Royalties to Win Even Losing Rounds
Even if you lose two of the three hands, a big royalty (like four of a kind) can still make the round profitable.
Keep Track of Live Cards
Monitoring what cards are still available can help you decide whether it’s worth chasing a royalty draw or playing it safe with a strong base hand.
FAQ
What happens if both players have royalties in Chinese Poker?
Both players receive their respective royalty points, and these are added to (or subtracted from) the standard 1-point-per-hand scoring.
Can I earn royalties if I foul the hand?
No. If you foul, you lose all three hands automatically and forfeit any royalty points you would have earned.
Are royalty values the same on all platforms?
Not always. While the structure is generally similar, the exact royalty values can vary between online poker apps, home games, and tournament settings. Always review the scoring chart before playing.