Pusoy, also known as Chinese Poker, has gained popularity in the Philippines alongside other card games like Tongits and Pusoy Dos, thanks to its engaging gameplay.

While traditionally played with physical cards, the rise of online platforms like Gamezone has made it easier for players to enjoy Pusoy digitally.

Gamezone stands out as the leading card game developer in the country, offering numerous adaptations of local and international card games, including Pusoy.

However, before diving into Gamezone's Pusoy offerings, let's first establish the fundamentals of the game.

Guide to Play Pusoy
Not to be confused with Pusoy Dos or Filipino Poker, Pusoy is part of the Poker card game family, where the goal is to form three-hand combinations from a set of 13 cards. Players arrange their cards into three hands: front (3 cards), middle (5 cards), and back (5 cards). Skilled players ensure each hand is progressively stronger, with the backhand being the most powerful.

Unlike Pusoy Dos, traditional Pusoy doesn't involve discarding cards. Instead, players focus on creating optimal hand combinations with their dealt cards. This adds a strategic layer, as players must carefully arrange their cards to maximize winning potential.

To expand your understanding of the game, here are the hand combinations and card rankings in Pusoy:

1. Hand Combinations

• Royal Flush: The best possible hand, consisting of A, K, Q, J, and 10 of a single suit.

• Straight Flush: Five cards in numerical order, all from the same suit.

• Four of a Kind: Four cards of equal rank.

• Full House: Three cards of one rank and two of another.

• Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.

• Straight: Five cards in numerical order, regardless of suit.

• Three of a Kind: Three cards sharing the same rank.

• Two Pair: Two separate pairs of cards with matching ranks.

• One Pair: A single pair of cards with the same rank.

• High Cards: The highest-value card when no other combinations form.

2. Individual Card Ranking (Highest to Lowest)
A (high), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2

Understanding hand rankings and card combinations is essential to excelling in Pusoy. The game uses a unique 13-card ranking system, and familiarity with all possible combinations is crucial. Knowledge of hand hierarchy, from high cards to royal flushes, enables effective card setting and opponent hand assessment.

The key skill in Pusoy is mastering hand arrangements. Players must consider multiple setups before finalizing, sometimes sacrificing a stronger middle hand for a more powerful backhand. This delicate balance requires practice and experience.

Risk assessment plays a vital role. Players must evaluate their chances of winning each hand and make informed decisions, often involving calculated risks, such as weakening the front hand to strengthen the middle and back hands.

Experienced players also emphasize the importance of tracking card distribution and probability. Monitoring visible cards helps estimate the likelihood of certain combinations in opponents' hands, informing strategy and decision-making.

As with any competitive game, emotional control and patience are essential for long-term success, both online and offline. Players should stay composed during losing streaks and focus on rational decisions based on the current game situation.

Gamezone's Pusoy Offering
GameZone, the Philippines' premier card game developer, offers two exciting Pusoy variants: Pusoy Plus and Pusoy Swap. These adaptations provide unique experiences for players, catering to both traditional and innovative gameplay preferences. For new users, choosing between these games can be challenging. Here's a comprehensive overview of both games:

Pusoy Plus is a faithful adaptation of traditional Pusoy, accommodating two to four players with 13 cards each. The objective remains the same: players must arrange their cards into three hands of varying strengths—front, middle, and back. The challenge is ensuring the back hand is the strongest, followed by the middle hand, and then the front hand. This strategic arrangement is key to success.

To assist players, especially newcomers, Pusoy Plus includes helpful visual aids. A check icon appears when cards are arranged correctly, offering instant feedback, while a ready icon signals potential bonus points for special hand combinations. These features enhance learning and add an extra layer of strategy.

One of the most exciting aspects of Pusoy Plus is the "winner take all" feature in four-player games. By winning all three hands, a player can triple their bet, making this high-stakes option particularly appealing to experienced players and risk-takers.

Pusoy Swap introduces an innovative twist while retaining familiar elements. Like Pusoy Plus, it supports two to four players with 13-card hands, but each round starts with a 30-second swapping phase. Players can exchange up to three cards, adding a dynamic element of strategy. The swapping phase ends either when the timer runs out or when only one player is left willing to swap.

As in Pusoy Plus, Pusoy Swap also offers the "winner take all" option in four-player games, allowing skilled players to potentially triple their winnings by dominating all three hands. This high-stakes feature adds an extra thrill to the game.