Tongits: Unlock Your Wins | Rules & Winning Strategies
Tongits is the most popular and thrilling card game in the Philippines. Many enjoy it offline, but the online casino era now calls us to enjoy this famous card game online too. If you want to play tongits but don't know where to start, or if you want to sharpen your skills, you came to the right place.This guide will be your ticket to playing and winning tongits. Complete with know-how's and step-by-step, from basic rules to winning strategies.
Are you ready to master tongits online? Read on!
What is Tongits?
Tongits is a highly popular and strategic card game in the Philippines. It's a game typically played by three players. The goal is to be the first to get rid of all your cards. Unlike blackjackwhere you have to obtain 21. Or if the game ends differently, you have to have the lowest total score from the cards left in your hands.If you manage to clear your hand by forming sets and runs, then you achieve "tongits!" and win instantly. Just like other beloved Filipino games, tongits players blend skill, observation, and a dash of luck in every exciting round.
Why Learn Tongits?
Tongits is a fairly easy game to play. Some of the reasons why you should learn tongits are:- It’s easy to understand: The core rules are simple. It’s accessible even for complete beginners. Mix of skill and luck: Sure, luck plays a part in the cards you're dealt. But your decisions on what to keep, discard, and when to play a card heavily influence your chances of winning. So it's not just pure chance!
- Fast-paced and engaging: Rounds are generally quick. It keeps the excitement high and allows for many games.
- Strategic depth: Play more and discover strategies about observation, bluffing, and card management. It allows you to outwit opponents.
- Social and cultural experience: Tongits is a part of Filipino culture. Playing online allows you to connect with friends and other players. It replicated the social fun of an in-person tongits game.
Basic Tongits Rules
Here’s a quick overview of tongits rules:- Usually played by three players. Two players get 12 cards. The dealer gets 13.
- Your goal: be the first one to get rid of all your cards. If the game ends in a “fight,” you have to have the lowest score.
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) = 10 points.
- Number cards (2-10) = Face value.
- Ace = 1 point.
Smart Strategies to Win Tongits
Winning at tongits online isn't just about luck. It's about playing smart! Here are some key strategies to help you get more wins.Tongits Game Strategies
The start of the game sets the stage. Make every move count ‘til your last! Focus on melds and runs early Your main goal is to get rid of cards. Form melds (three or four of a kind, like 8-8-8) or runs (three or more cards in order of the same suit, like 4♠-5♠-6♠). Laying these down quickly lowers your score and gets you closer to winning. Watch what others discard Pay attention to the cards your opponents throw away. It gives you hints. If some discards a 5♠, they probably don't need it. But if they pick up a 7♦ from the discard pile. it means they likely have other 7s or are building a run with it. This helps you guess what cards they might be holding or trying to form. Stay alert of high-value cards Jacks, Queens, Kings, and 10s are worth 10 points each. Get rid of these quickly if you can't use them in a meld. Holding on to them means a high score if the game ends. Discard them safely when you get the chance. Don't hesitate to lay down melds If you have a solid meld or run, put it on the table. This cuts down your score right away. The more cards out of your hand, the better for you. Block your opponents Once you know what they might be collecting, try to stop them. If you see someone trying to make a run of Clubs ((like 8♣-9♣-10♣), don't discard the 7♣ or J♣ if you have it. Keep cards they might need if it's the safest thing for you to do. Basic card counting You don't need to be a math expert. Just to remember if many cards of a certain rank (like all Queens) or suit (like all Spades) have already been played. This helps you decide what to keep or discard. If all the 8s are gone, don't wait for another 8 to complete your meld. Look for "sapaw" chances Always check if you can add cards from your hand to any meld or run on the table. That means yours or other players'. This move is called "sapaw." It's a super important tongits strategy that lets you get rid of cards fast and lowers your score significantly. The "sagasa" move This is an aggressive play. If you have a super strong hand and think you can win very quickly, sometimes just playing your cards fast and without hesitation can put pressure on your opponents. They might discard a useful card, fearing you'll quickly win the game.How to Play Tongits Online at Bet88?
1. Sign Up or Log in to Your Bet88 Account Head over to the official website of Bet88 or open your app. If you're new, click "Sign Up". Already a member? Simply log in using your username and password. 2. Add Funds to Your Account Go to the “Deposit” section. Choose your payment method (can be GCash, bank transfer, or an e-wallet) then enter how much money you want to add. Follow the instructions to finish the transaction and your funds should be credited in your account right away. 3. Find the Tongits Game From the homepage, go to "Casino". Click "Table Games". You'll see "Tongits Go" listed there. 4. Select a Table and Join Choose a Tongits table that fits your budget. Each table will show its minimum and maximum bets. 5. Make Your Bet Click on the chips you see on screen. Make your bet and place them in the marked betting area. Press "Deal" then the game should begin. 6. Play Your Hand Follow the game's rules. Draw a card, form melds or runs, lay off cards on existing sets, then discard a card. Keep an eye on other players and try to lower your score. 7. Get Your Winnings If you win the round by getting tongits, having the lowest score in a fight, or when the draw pile runs out, your winnings will be added to your Bet88 account right away. You can keep playing or choose to withdraw your money through the Withdraw section.Play Tongits Go Online
Tongits is now widely available online, with reputable online casino platforms providing new versions of the traditional game. At Bet88, you can play Tongits Go, a digital version of the beloved Filipino three-player card game. It features the game’s exciting “sapaw” play that lets a player add cards to an already existing meld or run. Experience the thrill of outmarting other players in just a few clicks with Bet88’s Tongits Go!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Tongits
Even experienced tongits players make mistakes. Even experienced tongits players make mistakes. Avoid these common pitfalls and play smarter.- Holding too many high cards: Don't cling to Jacks, Queens, Kings or 10s. If they aren't part of a meld, discard them! They'll give you a high score and make you lose the game.
- Not playing melds soon enough: If you have a solid meld, put it down! Waiting too long keeps your score high. It makes it hard to achieve "tongits!"
- Discarding carelessly: Tongits may be a game of chance, but you can still strategize. Always think before you discard. Don't accidentally give an opponent the exact card they need to win. Calling "fight!" without a low score: Challenging an opponent to a "fight" when your score isn't the lowest can cost you extra points. Be sure before you challenge.
- No meld on the table: If the game ends and you haven't put down any melds, you might automatically lose even if your hand score is low. So always try to lay down at least one set or do a run.