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Learn how to play Catte (Cắt Tê), a popular Vietnamese 6-round trick-taking card game. Master the 'spare' strategy and avoid being 'tung'.
Reviewed by Card Games Academy Editorial Team · Traditional Card Games Researchers
Quick answer: Learn the core rules of Cát Tê, including setup, turn flow, and win conditions so you can start playing correctly.
You are viewing the rules section for Catte (Cắt Tê). The content below starts with key takeaways, then goes deeper with examples and common scenarios.
Players
2-6
Duration
10-15 min
Category
trick-taking
Catte (also known as Cắt Tê or Sắc Tê) is a tactical trick-taking game for 2-6 players. Unlike other card games where you try to shed all cards, Catte is played in 6 distinct rounds. The goal is to win the final round or be the last player standing.
Number of rounds
6 rounds
Average game duration
10-15 minutes
Popularity in Vietnam
Top 10 most played
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Cards are ranked strictly by value, then suit:
2 < 3 < 4 < 5 < 6 < 7 < 8 < 9 < 10 < J < Q < K < A
When values are equal, suits determine the winner:
♠ Spades < ♣ Clubs < ♦ Diamonds < ♥ Hearts
However, in Catte, you can only cut (beat) a card if you have a higher card of the same suit.
Each game consists of 6 rounds. Players receive 6 cards each.
Critical Rule: If you fold (úp) all 4 first rounds (have no face-up cards), you are eliminated (chết tùng) and cannot play in rounds 5 and 6.
Only players who won at least one round in Rounds 1-4 (called having a "tùng") survive to Round 5.
(Standard simplified rule: The winner of Round 4 plays a card. Others must follow/cut as usual. The winner of this round leads the final card).
You win immediately after dealing if you have:
Wasting Aces in Early Rounds: Playing an Ace in Rounds 1-3 to win a low-stakes round is a common error. Aces are your most powerful cards and should be reserved for Round 6 or critical qualifying moments. Use Kings or Queens to secure your early "tung" instead.
Folding All Four Rounds: If you fold (up) every card in Rounds 1-4, you are eliminated with "chet tung." Even one aggressive play to secure a win early can save your entire game. Always fight to win at least one of the first four rounds.
Ignoring Suit Tracking: Failing to remember which suits have been heavily played leaves you blind in the final showdown. If three players have exhausted Hearts, your Ace of Hearts may be unbeatable -- or worthless, depending on who remains. Track suits throughout.
Playing Predictably: If opponents notice you always lead with your weakest suit, they will exploit the pattern. Vary your leads and sometimes play medium cards early to disguise your hand composition.
Poor "Chung" Strategy: In Round 5, the Chung play sets up the final showdown. Choosing a card without considering what remaining opponents might hold is a frequent error. Think about which suits opponents folded on and lead accordingly.
Overvaluing Face Cards in Round 6: A King is powerful, but if opponents hold Aces of the same suit, the King loses. In the final round, relative strength matters more than absolute card value. Consider what high cards have already been played.
Not Using the "Thoi" Penalty Rule: Forgetting that opponents who hold high cards (especially Aces) but get eliminated face penalties can cause you to miss strategic opportunities. Sometimes eliminating an opponent is more valuable than winning a round yourself.
Cát Tê (Cắt Tê) is a Vietnamese trick-taking game that rewards patience, observation, and timing. The game's unique structure of 6 rounds with elimination mechanics creates natural tension, but maintaining composure throughout is a mark of an experienced player. Because Cát Tê is often played in social settings among friends and family, keeping the atmosphere friendly and respectful is essential.
When folding (Úp), place your card face-down neatly rather than tossing or sliding it carelessly across the table. The act of folding is a strategic choice and should be performed with the same deliberation as playing a card face-up. Similarly, when cutting (Thiệp) an opponent's card with a higher card of the same suit, do so confidently and place the card clearly on the table for all to see. Avoid dramatic reactions when you win or lose a round, as Cát Tê is a game of accumulating small advantages over six rounds.
Being eliminated early (Chết Tùng) can be frustrating, especially if you fold through the first four rounds. However, eliminated players should remain engaged at the table as spectators rather than becoming distracted or disruptive. Watching the remaining players navigate Rounds 5 and 6 is a valuable learning experience, and commenting on cards in play or giving hints is strictly forbidden.