Tongits is now one of the most popular card games in the Philippines, and for good reason. Fast, strategic and easy to get into once you know the basics. If you’re new to the game or just want to clear up some common questions, here’s a simple breakdown of what you need to know.
What Is Tongits?
Tongits is a 3-player card game using a standard 52-card deck. The objective is to either get rid of all your cards by making valid combinations called melds, or have the lowest total value of unmatched cards when the game ends. It’s a game that rewards both strategy and adaptability, as the situation on the table can quickly change from one turn to the next.
How Does a Round Start?
The dealer gives 12 cards to each of the other two players and keeps 13 for himself. The remainder of the cards are a draw pile in the middle. Each turn, a player picks up a card from the pile, tries to make or add to melds, and then discards one card. The game continues until either someone runs out of cards, someone calls a draw or the deck runs out.
What Are Melds?
The melds are the valid card combinations that you put on the table during the game. There are two kinds. A set is 3 or 4 cards of the same rank, like three 7’s, or four kings. A sequence is three or more cards of the same suit in consecutive order, like the four, five and six of hearts. When you lay down melds, the total value of the cards left in your hand decreases. This is important when the game ends and nobody has gone out completely.
What Does It Mean to Call a Draw?
At any time that there is at least one meld on the table, a player may call a draw on his/her turn. If a draw is called all players reveal their remaining cards and the player with the lowest value of an unmatched card wins. One of the most strategic decisions in the game is when to call it a draw, and getting the timing right can make the difference between winning and losing.
Can You Add Cards to Other Players Melds?
Yes. This is called hitting and it is a key part of the game. On your turn you may add cards to a meld that another player has laid down. This allows you to get rid of cards that would otherwise sit in your hand, and increase your point total.
What Happens When Someone Runs Out of Cards?
The round is won outright by the player who successfully discards their last card. This is called Tongits and this is the strongest way to win. At this stage the other players don’t get to show their hands, because the win is immediate.
Wrapping Up
Tongits is a game that’s easy to learn but takes time to master. You build a solid foundation by knowing the basic rules, how the melds work and when to call a draw. The more you play, the more the strategy behind each decision starts to become apparent.