Ngau Rules Explained

1) Valid Arrangement Requirement

From 5 cards, you must choose 3 cards as base and 2 cards as point cards. A split is valid only if the base total is divisible by 10. If no valid split exists, the hand has no legal arrangement.

Card Values

• A = 1
• 2-9 = face value
• 10 / J / Q / K = 10

2) Point-Hand and Special Hands

After a valid base is formed, point cards are evaluated with this priority logic:

• Niu Dong Gu: AS + J/Q/K, multiplier 7, points 1
• Pair: point cards share the same face rank, multiplier 3
• 10 Points: point-card sum % 10 = 0, multiplier 2
• 1 to 9 Points: regular point outcomes, multiplier 1
• Five Face: all 5 cards are J/Q/K, multiplier 5

Direct Niu Dong Gu requires black spade Ace (AS) with J, Q, or K, plus a valid base.

3) Ranking and Tie-Break

The calculator compares legal outcomes by multiplier first, then points, then kicker. That is why a lower visible point value can still produce the stronger final outcome.

Why Results Can Look Unexpected

• A special hand with higher multiplier can beat ordinary higher points.
• A 3/6 swap can create a stronger legal split than the original values.
• Pair comparison uses original face rank.