If you're new to Tung its, it's good to know that it's a highly engaging and strategic card game. This involves three to four players and a lot of thrilling moments to enjoy. One of the best aspects is that it typically takes less than 45 minutes to finish a game, keeping it short and sweet.
Imagine having three friends over, and you want to play something exciting - Tong its is your go-to game. The objective here is to empty your hand of cards by forming sets or sequences. Think of it as a Philippine cousin of Rummy, but with its unique twists. You’ll start with 12 cards if you're the dealer, and the other players get 11. This might seem like a small difference, but it adds to the strategic thinking required.
When you have the dealer beginning with 12 cards and others with 11, you quickly understand that each card counts. Deuces and Aces, for instance, can be game breakers. Knowing when to lay them down can mean the difference between winning and losing; unmindful players may hoard cards, but it's a novice mistake. To illustrate, a seasoned player I know once won five games in a row because they mastered this skill.
You might wonder how to keep the game progressing efficiently. The secret lies in "Melds". Two types of melds dominate the game - Sets and Runs. A set is three or more cards of the same rank, while a run is three or more consecutive cards of the same suit. Expert players usually aim to form melds as quickly as possible, sometimes within the first 15 minutes of the game.
Diving deeper into the structure of the game, the draw and discard actions play pivotal roles. Every turn, players draw a card from either the deck or the discard pile, then discard one. The trick is to make sure you’re keeping useful cards while discarding the ones you don’t need. As a tip, try to remember what cards other players pick up and discard. It’s fascinating how the game’s pace increases by observing these choices.
Speaking of cards, jokers play a significant role here and are often used as wild cards to complete melds. A joker's flexibility means it's highly valued. You can also steal the show by knowing when to swap a joker with a natural card from an opponent's meld - a move that sounds complicated but becomes second nature with practice.
It’s critical to understand the showdown, known as “Tong it.” When you believe that your remaining cards are fewer in value compared to others, you declare “Tong it”. The fun part is that if your hand's total value is indeed the lowest, you win instantly. But beware - it’s a high-risk move. Just last month, a friend of mine declared “Tong it” eight times in one night and lost most of them, ending up with negative points overall.
The payout system adds another layer. If you don’t win by declaring “Tong it”, winning boils down to the total value of the cards left in everyone's hands at the end of the round. Each ace counts as one point, two as two points, and so on, up to kings that are worth 13 points. The lower your score, the better. This system ensures that games often stay competitive until the very last card.
What about the financial aspect of Tong its? Depending on the group, stakes can range from a few pesos to larger sums. Last week, during a local tournament, the winner took home ₱5,000—a significant amount considering the short duration of each game. But even without any bet, the thrill and satisfaction from outwitting your friends can be priceless.
Interestingly, the social aspect of tong its is also worth mentioning. Local establishments and even some companies organize matches. Take the instance of ArenaPlus, which has been promoting card games and encouraging community engagement. You could check out their lucky 9 rules for an additional twist to your card gaming experiences. Bringing people together, sharing laughs, and creating memories, all while strategizing your next move, Tong its has a way of bringing a sort of camaraderie among its players.
Lastly, remember that practice makes perfect. The more you play Tong its, the more you grasp its nuances and subtleties. Don't get discouraged if you don't win immediately. Everyone, including top-ranked players, has had their share of losses.