Pusoy, also known as Chinese Poker or “13-card Poker,” is a captivating card game that has gained immense popularity, especially in the Philippines. If you’re new to Pusoy and want to try your hand at it on Gamezone, this comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.
What is Pusoy?
Pusoy is a strategic card game played with a standard 52-card deck, without jokers. It typically involves two to four players, each receiving 13 cards. The objective is to arrange these cards into three separate hands:
- Back hand (5 cards)
- Middle hand (5 cards)
- Front hand (3 cards)
The goal is to create hands that are stronger than your opponents’ corresponding hands. What makes Pusoy unique is the requirement that your back hand must be the strongest, followed by the middle hand, and then the front hand.
Getting Started on Gamezone
Gamezone offers a user-friendly platform for playing Pusoy online. Here’s how to begin:
- Create an account or log in to Gamezone
- Navigate to the Pusoy game section
- Join a game or create a new one
- Wait for other players to join (if creating a game)
- Once the game starts, you’ll receive your 13 cards
- Arrange your cards into three hands
- Submit your hands before the timer runs out
The interface on Gamezone is intuitive, often allowing you to drag and drop cards to arrange your hands. This makes it easier for beginners to focus on strategy rather than struggling with controls.
Understanding Card Rankings
In Pusoy, the card rankings differ from traditional poker. Here’s the order from highest to lowest:
2 > A > K > Q > J > 10 > 9 > 8 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4 > 3
This unique ranking system, where 2 is the highest card, adds an interesting twist to the game and can catch newcomers off guard.
Suits also play a crucial role in Pusoy, used to break ties when cards of the same rank are played. The suit ranking from highest to lowest is:
Diamonds > Hearts > Spades > Clubs
Understanding these rankings is crucial for making strategic decisions when arranging your hands.
Creating Your Hands
The most critical aspect of Pusoy is correctly arranging your 13 cards into three hands. Remember these key points:
- Back hand (5 cards): Must be your strongest hand
- Middle hand (5 cards): Should be your second strongest hand
- Front hand (3 cards): Should be your weakest hand
If you fail to follow this order (for example, if your middle hand is stronger than your back hand), your entire hand is considered “fouled,” and you automatically lose the round. This rule adds an extra layer of strategy to the game, as you must carefully balance the strength of your hands.
Hand Rankings
Hands in Pusoy are ranked similarly to traditional poker, with some variations due to the different number of cards in each hand. Here’s the ranking from highest to lowest:
- 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 a kind plus a pair
- 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 (only possible in the front hand)
- Two Pair: Two different pairs
- One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
- High Card: When no other hand is made
For the front hand, which only contains three cards, the possible hands are limited to high card, one pair, or three of a kind.
Gameplay on Gamezone
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how a typical round of Pusoy unfolds on Gamezone:
- Card Distribution: The system automatically shuffles and deals 13 cards to each player.
- Hand Arrangement: Players have a set time (usually 30-60 seconds) to arrange their cards into three hands.
- Hand Submission: Once satisfied with their arrangement, players submit their hands.
- Showdown: All players’ hands are revealed simultaneously.
- Hand Comparison: Each player’s back hand is compared with the others’ back hands, middle hands are compared with middle hands, and front hands with front hands.
- Scoring: Points are awarded for each hand won. Many platforms also award bonus points for winning all three hands against an opponent (known as a “scoop”).
- Next Round: A new round begins with fresh cards dealt to all players.
Advanced Strategies for Beginners
As you get more comfortable with the basic rules, consider these strategies to improve your game:
- Prioritize Your Back Hand: Since the back hand is your strongest, try to place your best cards here. A strong back hand can secure at least one win in the round.
- Balance Your Hands: While your back hand should be strongest, avoid making it extremely strong at the expense of your other hands. Balanced hands increase your chances of winning multiple comparisons.
- Watch the Suit Rankings: When two hands have the same rank, the suit order can decide the winner. Keep this in mind when arranging your cards.
- Play the Odds: Learn to recognize which hands are more likely to win. For example, in the front hand, three of a kind is very strong and rare.
- Observe Your Opponents: Pay attention to how your opponents play. Do they tend to put all their strongest cards in the back hand? Do they take risks with their front hand?
- Use the Timer Wisely: Don’t rush to submit your hands. Use the full time allowed to consider all your options.
- Practice Regularly: The more you play, the better you’ll understand how to spot winning combinations and anticipate your opponents’ moves.
Conclusion
Pusoy is a dynamic and engaging card game that challenges your strategic thinking and decision-making skills. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or competing on Gamezone, understanding the rules, hand rankings, and gameplay flow is essential to becoming a successful player.
Remember to arrange your cards carefully, respect the hand hierarchy, and practice regularly to improve. With time and experience, you’ll not only enjoy the thrill of the game but also master the art of Pusoy.
Dive into Gamezone today, start playing, and discover why Pusoy remains a beloved game for players around the world. Good luck, and may your hands always be strong!