Do you love playing cards? If you're from the Philippines, chances are you've heard of the popular game called Tongits. But do you know its origins and how to play it? In this article, we'll explore the history, rules, and strategies to win at Tongits. Plus, we'll introduce you to an amazing app where you can play Tongits online and even win real cash!
A Brief History of Tongits
While the exact origin of Tongits is unclear, it is believed to have originated from the Ilocano people in the 1980s. Some sources claim that the game was originally called “Tung-it.” Others suggest that Tongits was introduced to the Philippines by the US military in the 1940s, based on the American card game called Tonk. Regardless of its origins, Tongits gained popularity in the 1990s and is now a favorite among Filipino gamblers.
What's the Objective?
The objective of the game is to get rid of all the cards in your hand or have the lowest points when there are no more cards to draw. You can achieve this by forming melds or sets. In some parts of the Philippines, these sets are referred to as “buo” or “balay.”
How to Play Tongits?
At the start of the game, each player is dealt 12 cards, while the dealer receives 13 cards. The remaining cards are placed in the central stack. The game begins when the dealer discards a card, which the next player can either use to form a set or add it to an existing set. The goal is to have hand combinations and discard cards that are of no use.
The process of drawing and discarding cards continues until a player declares “Tongits” by using all their cards to form combinations, by overtaking another player's card sets, or by running out of cards. Another way to win is by calling a draw, which can be done if a player has low points and no one has overtaken their meld. When a draw is called, other players have the option to fold or challenge the draw.
The player with the lowest points wins when the game ends. In case of a tie, the challenger wins. If there's a three-way tie, the player to the right of the challenger takes the victory. If all the cards in the central stack are exhausted, the player without exposed melds automatically loses, and the player with the lowest points wins. If there's a tie, the last player to draw from the central stack wins. A player without exposed melds before a draw is called is known as “sunog” and automatically loses the game.
What are Melds or Sets?
Melds or sets are combinations of cards in a player's hand. To call or challenge a draw, a player must have at least one meld. Here are the types of melds a player can form:
- Three-of-a-kind: Three cards of the same rank (e.g., K♣ – K♦ – K♠)
- Four-of-a-kind: Four cards of the same rank (e.g., K♣ – K♦ – K♠ – K♥)
- Straight flush: Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 8♦ – 9♦ – 10♦ – J♦ – Q♦). When a straight flush has four or more cards, it's called “escalera.”
What's the Best Strategy?
To increase your chances of winning, concentration is key. If you feel confident about winning a round, don't hesitate to challenge other players, especially if you think you'll end up with low points. When discarding cards, prioritize getting rid of high-point cards or cards that cannot form a set. Tongits is a game of strategy, and your tactics will play a crucial role in your success.
It's also helpful to download casino apps where you can practice Tongits and other Filipino card games. If you're interested in playing Tongits online, look no further than the Big Win Club.
Big Win Club – Tongits Pusoy
The Big Win Club is the best app for playing Tongits, slots, pusoy, lucky 9, and other exciting casino games you'll love. With its impressive selection of games and stunning graphics, you won't regret downloading the Big Win Club on your mobile phone. In fact, there are over a million players already enjoying the thrill of Tongits and aiming for big wins!
The Big Win Club boasts the largest online player community in the Philippines. If you want to bet with real money, you just need a Gcash account to deposit and withdraw your winnings. In just a few seconds, you can cash in and cash out your Tongits earnings!
Conclusion
Tongits is a card game that became popular in the Philippines in the 1990s. Now, you can play Tongits on your mobile phone and even win real cash if you're a skilled gambler. If you're eager to learn and play Tongits online for real money, download the Big Win Club at https://apps.apple.com/us/app/big-win-club-tongits-pusoy/id1566840371 or https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=big.win.club.php. Start winning loads of cash today! Play Tongits for free now!
- Tingting Reviews