Tongits is a popular card game from the Philippines, loved for its mix of strategy, luck, and fun tongits game. If you’re new to the game or simply looking to brush up on the rules, this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to play and, more importantly, how to win.
What Is Tongits?
Tongits is a shedding card game that can be played by 3 players (sometimes 2, but it’s more fun with 3). The goal is to either “tongit” (declare that you’ve completed your set of cards and win) or have the lowest score when the game ends. The game has a lot of similarities with other rummy-style games, but Tongits has unique features and rules that make it stand out.
Tongits Rules: The Basics
To start, here’s what you’ll need:
- A standard deck of 52 cards (no jokers).
- A table to play on, where everyone can easily reach the cards.
- 3 players, each with a seat at the table.
Objective of the Game
The primary objective is to form combinations of cards known as melds (sets or runs). A player wins either by declaring Tongit, which means they’ve successfully formed their melds and can go out, or by having the fewest points left when another player goes out.
Card Values
- Number cards (2-10) are worth their face value.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are each worth 10 points.
- Aces are worth 1 point.
Basic Game Flow
- Dealing the Cards: The dealer shuffles and deals 12 cards to each player. The remaining deck is placed face down as the stockpile.
- Taking Turns: On each player’s turn, they:
- Draw: Pick a card either from the stockpile or the discard pile.
- Meld (optional): Players may form and place down a set (three or more cards of the same rank) or a run (three consecutive cards of the same suit).
- Discard: End the turn by discarding one card onto the discard pile.
- Declaring Tongit (Going Out): A player can declare “Tongit” when they have melded all their cards except for one (which they’ll discard). When this happens, the round ends, and the winner is determined by who has the least points.
- Ending the Round: If all players have discarded their cards and no one has declared Tongit, the round ends. The player with the lowest total score wins.
Types of Melds in Tongits
- Set (or Book): Three or four cards of the same rank. For example, 7♣ 7♥ 7♦.
- Run (or Sequence): Three or more cards in consecutive order of the same suit. For example, 5♠ 6♠ 7♠.
Players can also add to existing melds from other players’ discarded cards, making the game more strategic.
How to Win in Tongits
Winning in Tongits requires a combination of strategy, careful planning, and good timing. Here are a few tips to help you increase your chances of winning:
1. Focus on Forming Melds Early
The sooner you can form a set or run, the better your chances of winning. Don’t wait too long to meld, as it makes it harder to go out later.
2. Watch Your Opponents
Pay close attention to the cards your opponents discard and pick up. This will give you clues about their hand, and you can avoid discarding cards that might help them.
3. Control the Discard Pile
The discard pile is key in Tongits. Try to control it by discarding cards that you’re sure won’t help your opponents. If you’re close to going out, try to make your discard pile as irrelevant as possible for the other players.
4. Declaring Tongit at the Right Time
Don’t rush to declare Tongit. Only do so when you’re certain that your hand is solid, and you’re unlikely to end up with leftover points. If you’re unsure, it’s better to wait and improve your hand.
5. Managing Risk
If your opponents are going for Tongit, and you don’t have a complete hand, it’s sometimes better to keep a low profile by holding on to lower-value cards (like the Aces and number cards) to reduce your score at the end.
Common Tongits Strategies
- Play Defensively: If you notice that an opponent is getting close to finishing their hand, play conservatively. Avoid discarding high-point cards that could help them complete their sets or runs.
- Aggressive Play: If you’re confident in your hand and want to end the game quickly, aggressively try to form melds, even picking cards from other players’ discard piles to speed up your victory.
- Bluffing: Sometimes, pretending to be stuck or slow can trick your opponents into discarding cards that you need. Use bluffing to your advantage when appropriate!
Conclusion
Tongits is a fun and engaging game that combines strategic thinking with a bit of luck. By following these basic rules, tips, and strategies, you can enjoy playing Tongits and improve your chances of winning. Whether you’re playing casually with friends or entering a competitive match, mastering the art of this game will certainly add a lot of enjoyment to your card-playing experience!
