Q: What is the main difference between Sam Loc and Tien Len?

**A:** The biggest differences are: 1. **Card Count**: Each player gets 10 cards in Sam Loc (vs 13 in Tien Len). 2. **Suits**: Suits generally don't matter in Sam Loc; only the rank matters. A 3 of Hearts cannot beat a 3 of Spades; they are equal. You cannot block a single card with another single card of the same rank. 3. **Báo Sâm**: The ability to declare an instant win condition at the start.

Q: How does "Báo Sâm" work?

**A:** At the start of the hand, players can choose to "Báo Sâm". If you declare, you go first and must discard all your cards uninterrupted. If any player can beat one of your moves, you fail and must pay a penalty ("Đền Sâm") to that player. If you succeed, you win a large bonus from everyone.

Q: Can I use a straight like 3-4-5-6-KA?

**A:** No. An Ace can be part of a low straight (A-2-3-4-5) or high straight (10-J-Q-K-A), but usually not "wrap around" straights like K-A-2. Check specific house rules for A-2-3 straights (often allowed as the smallest straight).

Q: What happens if I have one card left?

**A:** You must announce "Báo 1" (One card remaining). The player to your left (who plays before you) *must* play their strongest possible card to try to stop you. If they play a weak card and you win, they will be penalized for "aiding the enemy" (Đền Làng).

Q: Can I chop a 2 with Three Pairs of Consecutive Ranks?

**A:** Typically, No. In standard Sam Loc, only **Four of a Kind** can chop a 2 (Heo). Three Pairs of Consecutive Ranks is a Tien Len rule, though some casual groups might import it.

Sam Loc (Ginseng) Rules - Complete Guide 🎴

Quick Answer

What is Sam Loc? Sam Loc (Sâm Lốc) is a fast-paced shedding card game popular in Northern Vietnam. Similar to Tiến Lên but with 10 cards instead of 13 and unique "Bao Sam" declaration mechanic.

How long does a game take? 5-10 minutes per game - faster than Tiến Lên.

What is the difficulty level? Beginner-friendly rules, but requires quick thinking due to fast pace.

How many players? 2-5 players, optimal with 4 players.

What do you need to play? One standard 52-card deck (no jokers).

What is the main objective? Be the first to discard all 10 cards from your hand.

What is "Bao Sam"? A special declaration at the start of the game claiming you will win. If successful, you win bonus points; if you fail, you pay heavy penalties.

Overview

Sam Loc (or simply Sâm) is a shedding-type card game similar to Tien Len but faster and more aggressive. It is extremely popular in Northern Vietnam. Each player is dealt 10 cards (instead of 13), and the goal is to discard all cards first. A unique feature is the ability to "Bao Sam" (Declare Victory) at the start of the game.

Quick Facts

Players: 2-5 (optimal: 4)
Deck: Standard 52-card deck
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly but fast
Objective: Be the first to empty your hand.

Card Rankings

Individual Card Order

Cards are ranked strictly by value, ignoring suits:

3 < 4 < 5 < 6 < 7 < 8 < 9 < 10 < J < Q < K < A < 2 (Heo)

2 (Heo) is the highest card.
3 is the lowest card.
Suit does NOT matter in Sam Loc (unlike Tien Len). A 3♠ can beat a 3♥ (not applicable since they are equal rank, but generally suit is ignored). Actually, in Sam Loc, suits are completely ignored for cutting purposes. You can only cut with a higher rank.

Special Note on 2 (Heo)

2 can be played anytime to beat any single card.
2 cannot be part of a sequence (Straight) like 2-3-4.

Game Setup & "Bao Sam"

Deal: Each player receives 10 cards.
Bao Sam (Declare Victory):
- Before the game starts, players can declare "Bao Sam" if they think they can win without anyone else playing a single card.
- If multiple players want to Bao Sam, the one with the highest priority (e.g., dealer or previous winner) goes first.
- The declarer plays their hand. If they successfully discard all 10 cards without anyone cutting, they win big.
- If anyone cuts even ONE card, the declarer loses instantly and pays a heavy penalty ("Den Sam").

Combinations

Combinations are similar to Tien Len:

Single: One card.
Pair: Two cards of same rank (e.g., 5-5).
Triple: Three cards of same rank (e.g., 8-8-8).
Quadruple (Tu Quy): Four cards of same rank (e.g., Q-Q-Q-Q). Beats a 2 (Heo).
Sequence (Sanh): 3+ consecutive cards (e.g., 4-5-6). Suits don't matter.
- Note: A-2-3 is NOT a valid sequence. Sequences end at A.

Gameplay Flow

Start:
- First game: Holder of lowest card (usually 3) starts.
- Subsequent games: Winner of previous game starts.
Turns: Play proceeds counter-clockwise.
Actions:
- Play: Put down a combination that beats the previous one (must be same type and amount, but higher rank).
- Pass: Skip turn. If you pass, you cannot play again until the round finishes.
End of Round: When everyone passes, the last player to play wins the round and leads the next one.

The "One Card Left" Rule (Bao 1)

When a player has only 1 card left, they must announce "Bao 1".
The player to their left (the "Gatekeeper") must play their largest card to try and stop them.
If the Gatekeeper plays a small card and the "Bao 1" player wins, the Gatekeeper pays a penalty for everyone ("Den Lang").

Special Rules (Chat & Thoi)

Cutting 2 (Chat Heo)

Four of a Kind (Tu Quy) cuts One 2.
Three Pine Pairs (3 Doi Thong) is NOT used in Sam Loc (unlike Tien Len). Only Four of a Kind cuts 2.

Thoi (Rotten) Penalty

If you finish the game with a 2 or Four of a Kind still in hand, you are fined ("Thoi Heo").
You cannot win by playing a 2 as your last card. (Some variations allow it, but standard rules forbid it "Thoi 2 cuoi").

Strategy Tips

Aggression: Sam Loc is fast. Don't hold back high cards too long.
Block "Bao 1": Always save your biggest card (Ace or 2) to stop the player with 1 card left.
Memorize 2s: Track how many 2s have been played to know if your King/Ace is safe.
Bao Sam Carefully: Only declare if you have a perfect hand (e.g., a long straight and high pairs).

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Sâm Lốc (Ginseng)