Different Asian Poker Varieties

The game of poker is not historically entrenched in Asian culture as it is in other continents. But it's becoming increasingly popular due to certain factors. One such factor is the introduction of different poker tours like the Asian Pacific Poker Tour and Asian Poker Tour in the region.

The Asian Poker Tour (APT) is Asia's first and biggest poker tour. The APT has had three events successfully in recent times, one in Macau and two in the Philippines.

The Covid-19 pandemic also increased the popularity of online poker in Asia. During the restriction, many Asian players turned to other forms of entertainment, such as movies, music, online gaming, and poker.

Poker Variations

Poker, alongside blackjack, is the world's most popular card game. The popularity of the game gave rise to several variations in different parts of the world.

Also known as Russian poker or Pusoy, Open Face Chinese poker is one popular variant. It is played against a dealer, who deals out thirteen cards per hand. The game is popular among Asian players who made the game gain prominence in the West.

Open Face Chinese poker is one of the best types of poker games for beginners because the rules are straightforward. You just need to know the basic rankings of your poker cards. The goal of the game is to create three poker hands; a three-card hand on the first row and 2 five-card hands on the second and third row respectively.

To prevent a foul, players must ensure that their best hand is in the third row and the second row should have the next best hand. The first row should contain the worst hand.

Pai Gow is another popular poker variant. This game is inspired by an ancient Chinese domino game, which is played against the dealer. It is played with 53 cards including a joker. The dealer deals seven cards to the players and each player must create two separate hands with the cards.

Though these poker variants have significant elements of luck, professional players still use specific strategies to give themselves an edge over beginners.

Best Online Poker Rooms in Southeast Asia

Nowadays, finding the best poker rooms in Southeast Asia, like Thailand, is easy. Thai players can check online poker (โป๊กเกอร์ออนไลน์) from reputable comparison sites that are dedicated to helping players by providing them unbiased reviews of each operator listing their promotions, legal information, and security in the Thai language.

Moreover, the platform considers several important factors when picking a casino to play at. These include the quality of the welcome bonus, customer support, and payment options.

How Open Face Chinese Poker (OFCP) Differs from Texas Hold 'em

Open Face Chinese poker differs from Texas Hold 'em in terms of objectives, the value of hands, and scoring fantasy land.

Objectives

To win Texas Hold 'em, you must make your best hand from two cards dealt to you and the community cards available. But OFCP requires you to create three poker hands, which must add up to the best points from the cards you've been dealt.

Value of Hands

The three poker hands of OFCP are ranked exactly like regular poker. The middle and last rows are five-card hands., while the first row has only three cards. Texas Hold 'em ranks its hand in with the best five cards from the available seven.

Scoring

Using traditional rankings, the best hand always wins the Texas Hold 'em game, while Open Face Chinese poker uses the point system. Every win against an opponent's hand results in a score point for the winning hand.

When the player wins three hands, he'll get a bonus. The player can also get royalties when certain hands are created in unique positions. More so, the royalties are usually added to that player's score.

If a player fouls (i.e., where the middle and first-hand scores more points than the third hand) during the game, he won't score any points for the hand. However, he'll pay six points for his foul and other points for royalties awarded to his opponent.

Fantasy Land

The Fantasy Land rule is unique to Open Face Chinese poker. This rule applies when a player produces queens in his first hand without fouling.

In this situation, the player will be dealt thirteen cards at once, and his cards won't be revealed until the other players have played their hands.