Step-by-Step: How to Play Tongits for Beginners

Tongits is a popular Filipino card game that combines elements of rummy and poker, providing hours of entertainment for players. If you’re new to Tongits, this guide will help you understand the basics and get you started on your journey to becoming a skilled player. Here’s a step-by-step tutorial on how to play tongits.

Objective of the Game

Tongits is a fairly simple game. The primary objective of Tongits is to either:

• Empty your hand by forming sets and runs.
• Minimize the value of your unmatched cards to win by having the lowest score when the central pile is empty.

Materials Needed

• A standard deck of 52 playing cards.
• At least three players (though the game is often played with three).
• General knowledge of suits and values of individual cards and all the possible combinations in Poker.

Setting Up the Game

1. Deal the Cards: One player is designated as the dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 12 cards to each player. The dealer receives 13 cards, as they will start the game. The remaining cards form the central draw pile.
2. Arrange the Cards: Players organize their cards into potential sets and runs. A set consists of three or four cards of the same rank. A run consists of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit.

Gameplay

• The dealer begins by discarding one card face up into the discard pile, located next to the draw pile.
• The player to the left of the dealer takes their turn next.
• Taking Turns:On a player’s turn, they can either:
  • Draw a card from the draw pile
  • Pick up the top card from the discard pile.
• After drawing, the player can lay down sets or runs from their hand (this is optional).
• Discarding: After drawing and optionally laying down sets or runs, the player must discard one card face up on the discard pile, ending their turn.
• Hitting: Players can add cards to existing sets or runs on the table (their own or other players’) to reduce the number of cards in their hand.

Special Moves

• Tongits: If a player empties their hand by forming sets and runs, they declare “Tongits” and win the game immediately.
• Draw: If the central draw pile is depleted, the game ends in a draw.

Challenge:

• If a player suspects that an opponent has a lower card value in hand, they can challenge that player.
• If the challenger has a lower value, they win. If not, the challenged player wins.

Scoring

• If no one declares “Tongits” and the draw pile is exhausted, players reveal their hands.
• The player with the lowest total value of unmatched cards wins.
• Number cards carry their face value, face cards (King, Queen, Jack) are worth 10 points, and Aces are worth 1 point.

Strategy Tips for Beginners

1. Plan Your Moves: Focus on forming sets and runs early to reduce the value of your hand.
2. Observe Opponents: Pay attention to the cards your opponents pick up and discard to guess their strategy and adjust yours accordingly.
3. Discard Wisely: Avoid discarding cards that might help your opponents complete their sets or runs.
4. Utilize Hitting: Use the hitting option to add cards to sets or runs on the table, effectively reducing your hand’s value.

Common Terms

• Tongits: Winning by emptying your hand.
• Draw: The game ends without a winner when the draw pile is exhausted.
• Sapaw: Adding cards to existing sets or runs on the table.

Conclusion

Tongits is a game of skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. As a beginner, focus on understanding the rules and basic strategies. With practice, you’ll develop a keen sense of when to challenge opponents and how to manage your hand effectively. Gather your friends, deal the cards, and enjoy the exciting game of Tongits!