Tongits is a popular Filipino card game that has gained immense popularity in online casinos, especially on platforms like ABC8. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, understanding the basics and honing your strategies is key to success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing Tongits on the ABC8 link.
Understanding the basics of Tongits
Tongits is a strategic card game, traditionally played with three players, although it can be played by more. The game uses a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is simple: be the first player to “knock” by laying down a winning combination of cards or to have the lowest total card value at the end of the game.
Players are dealt 12 cards each, with 3 cards placed face up in the center. The goal is to form sets and runs of cards that will help reduce the total value of cards in your hand. The game ends when a player knocks or when the deck runs out of cards.
The best basic rules of Tongits
Before diving into strategies, let’s first go over the basic rules of Tongits to ensure you’re well-equipped to play:
- Card Values: In Tongits, numbered cards (2-10) hold their face value, face cards (J, Q, K) are worth 10 points, and Aces are worth 1 point.
- Dealing Cards: Each player is dealt 12 cards, and the remaining deck is placed in the center. Players take turns drawing from either the deck or the discard pile.
- Forming Combinations: The main strategy in Tongits is to form combinations, which include:
- Sets: Three or four cards of the same rank (e.g., 3 Kings).
- Runs: Three consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g., 4, 5, 6 of Hearts).
- Knocking: A player can “knock” when they have no more ungrouped cards (called “junk”) in their hand. This signals the end of the round, and the player with the lowest total hand value wins.
- Winning the Round: Players win by either knocking and having the lowest hand value or by forming a complete set of combinations before others.
Advanced strategies for winning at Tongits on ABC8
Once you grasp the basic rules, it’s time to dive into some advanced strategies that can improve your odds of winning in Tongits on ABC8.
Know when to knock
One of the most crucial aspects of Tongits is knowing when to knock. Knocking too early may result in losing the game if another player manages to form a stronger hand. Conversely, waiting too long could lead to you holding onto too many “junk” cards.
Knock when you have 3 or fewer cards left ungrouped, but make sure that your remaining cards are relatively low in value. If you can, try to finish the game with as few points as possible to minimize the chance of losing.
Keep track of discards
Pay attention to the cards being discarded by your opponents. Tongits is as much about reading your opponents as it is about forming your own hand. By tracking which cards are being discarded, you can predict which cards your opponents are aiming for and avoid giving them the card they need. If you notice an opponent discarding a card that they might need, avoid discarding the same card yourself. This can prevent them from completing a set or run.
Discard high-value cards early
In Tongits, high-value cards (like face cards and Aces) can be a liability because they increase your hand’s total points. If you’re holding onto high-value cards without any clear combination to form, it’s best to discard them early.
Discarding high-value cards early gives you more flexibility and reduces the risk of losing with a high-point hand. However, make sure that you’re not discarding cards that could potentially help you form a combination later on.
Be aggressive with forming sets and runs
The key to success in Tongits is forming sets and runs quickly. The faster you can reduce the value of your hand, the better your chances of winning. Pay attention to your cards and aim to create combinations as soon as possible.
Always aim to form sets and runs that include the cards you’re drawing or discarding. The more cards you can place in combinations, the fewer “junk” cards you’ll have left, and the easier it will be to knock or win by hand completion.
Use the discard pile strategically
The discard pile in Tongits can be just as useful as the deck. If you spot a card in the discard pile that completes a set or run in your hand, take it immediately. Use the discard pile to your advantage. If you notice that an opponent is not picking up certain cards that could complete your combination, be ready to grab them when it’s your turn.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Tongits
While Tongits is a game of strategy, there are some common mistakes that can cost you the game. Here are a few things to avoid:
- As mentioned earlier, high-value cards can be a liability. Holding onto them in the hopes of completing a perfect combination can backfire if the game goes on longer than expected. It’s better to discard them when you get the chance.
- Knocking too late can be a huge mistake. You might think you need one more card to complete your combination, but waiting too long gives your opponents a chance to knock first. If you’re confident your hand is close enough to a winning combination, it’s better to knock early and secure your win.
- Tongits is a game of strategy, and one of the most crucial parts of your strategy involves reading your opponents. If you’re too focused on your own hand, you might miss the opportunity to block your opponents from winning.
Tongits is an exciting and strategic card game that offers both fun and challenge. Whether you’re playing for casual fun or aiming to become a Tongits master, following the tips and strategies above will improve your chances of winning.