After being dropped from the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 1997, Chinese Poker lost favour among players. Recently, however, it has found new converts to it’s old ways. Seen largely as a game of luck, Chinese Poker is not often found in Online poker rooms or in card rooms. But it is a game that the Pros love to play in their down time. Phil Ivey allegedly has been known to play it for $2,000 a point just to kill time on airplanes.
The rules of Chinese poker are straightforward. Each player is dealt 13 cards and has to arrange them into two hands of five cards and one of three that’s it, really. The game has huge variance because of the luck factor being substantial in this game,
Though Chinese poker is a game where you really are in the hands of the poker gods with the luck of the draw, there is a skill to setting the hands. There are often multiple decisions to be made. (Do I break up two pair to make a flush? Do I break up my second full house to give myself a pair in front?) Skilled, experienced players will have a better idea what to do in these situations and will also factor in their opponents’ tendencies, creating an edge (albeit a small one) for themselves. In fact anyone who has bothered to read any Chinese poker strategy guides will be at a distinct advantage. So before you decide to play with real money I would suggest practicing with a few buddies. Maybe on an aeroplane, but maybe not for $2000 a point.
