Lieng (Vietnamese Poker) Rules - Complete Guide 🎴

Overview

Lieng (or Cào Tố) is a popular Vietnamese betting card game played with a standard 52-card deck. It combines elements of Ba Cây (Three Cards) and Poker. Each player receives 3 cards, and the goal is to have the highest hand value or bluff opponents into folding.

Quick Facts

• Players: 2-6 (optimal: 4-6)
• Deck: Standard 52-card deck
• Duration: 2-5 minutes per round
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly but psychological
• Objective: Win the pot by having the best hand or being the last player remaining.

Hand Rankings (Low to High)

1. High Card / Points (Điểm)

• Usually the lowest category.
• Sum of 3 cards modulo 10 (like Baccarat).
• Values: A=1, 2-9=Face Value, 10/J/Q/K=0.
• Example:
  • 5 + 8 + J = 13 → 3 Points
  • 9 + 9 + 9 = 27 → 7 Points (Wait! 9-9-9 is actually a special hand, see below)
  • J + Q + K = 0 → 0 Points (Bù)

2. Pictures / Fairies (Ảnh / Tiên)

• Three face cards (J, Q, K).
• Example: J-Q-K (mixed suits), J-J-Q.
• Ranking: Points < Pictures < Lieng < Wax.

3. Lieng (Straight)

• Three consecutive cards (e.g., 4-5-6).
• A-2-3 is the lowest Lieng.
• Q-K-A is the highest Lieng.
• Suits matter ONLY for tie-breaking (Check house rules, usually no suit ranking in Lieng, just rank).

4. Wax (Sáp)

• Three of a kind (e.g., 3-3-3).
• 2-2-2 is the lowest Wax.
• A-A-A is the highest Wax.
• This is the strongest hand in the game.

Gameplay Flow

1. Ante: Everyone puts a small initial bet into the pot (Tẩy).
2. Deal: Each player gets 3 cards face down.
3. Betting Round:
   • Starting with the dealer (or winner of previous hand), players take turns counter-clockwise.
   • Options:
     • Check (Xem): Pass the action if no one has bet.
     • Bet (Tố): Place a bet.
     • Call (Theo): Match the current highest bet.
     • Fold (Úp): Give up the hand and lose any bets made.
     • All-in (Tất Tay): Bet everything you have.
4. Showdown:
   • If more than one player remains after betting, they reveal their hands.
   • Highest hand wins the entire pot.
   • If everyone folds except one player, that player wins the pot without revealing their hand (great for bluffing!).

Strategy Tips

1. Bluffing (Cáy): Lieng is all about psychology. Bet big with a weak hand to scare opponents.
2. Position: Acting last gives you information. If everyone checks, you can steal the pot with a bet.
3. Read Tells: Watch for hesitation or excitement.
4. Manage Bankroll: Lieng is fast. Don't go all-in unless you have a "Wax" or are sure of your bluff.