Tam Cúc (三菊, "Three Chrysanthemums") is a traditional Vietnamese card game traditionally played during Tet (Vietnamese New Year). This trick-taking game combines elements of Tien Len with unique card rankings and special combinations that make it a beloved holiday tradition.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|
| Players | 4 (two teams of 2) |
| Cards | Standard 52-card deck |
| Cards per player | 13 cards each |
| Duration | 20-30 minutes per round |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Type | Trick-taking, partnership |
| Advantage | Description |
|---|
| Tet tradition | Essential holiday game |
| Team play | Partnership strategy |
| Social | Great for gatherings |
| Accessible | Just need a deck of cards |
| Cultural | Vietnamese heritage |
Tam Cúc uses a unique ranking system different from other Vietnamese games.
| Rank | Value |
|---|
| 3 | Lowest |
| 4 | — |
| 5 | — |
| 6 | — |
| 7 | — |
| 8 | — |
| 9 | — |
| 10 | — |
| J | — |
| Q | — |
| K | — |
| A | — |
| 2 | Highest |
| Suit | Rank |
|---|
| ♣ Clubs | Lowest |
| ♦ Diamonds | — |
| ♥ Hearts | — |
| ♠ Spades | Highest |
| Type | Example | Beats |
|---|
| Any single card | 7, K, 2♠ | Higher single |
| Type | Example | Beats |
|---|
| Two cards of same rank | 7-7, K-K | Higher pair |
| Type | Example | Beats |
|---|
| Three cards of same rank | 7-7-7, K-K-K | Higher triple |
| Type | Example | Power |
|---|
| Four cards of same rank | 7-7-7-7, K-K-K-K | Beats any lower combo |
| Type | Requirements | Example |
|---|
| Consecutive cards | 3+ cards, any suits | 3-4-5, 7-8-9-10-J |
Note: Unlike Tien Len, Tam Cúc straights can be any length 3 or more.
Tam Cúc (Three Chrysanthemums)
| Combination | Cards | Power |
|---|
| Three 2s | 2-2-2 | Beats everything except four 2s |
Note: This is the namesake combination of the game!
Tứ Quý 2 (Four 2s)
| Combination | Cards | Power |
|---|
| Four 2s | 2-2-2-2 | Highest combination |
| Setup | Details |
|---|
| Players | 4 |
| Teams | 2 vs 2 (partners sit across) |
| Communication | Limited during play |
| Step | Action |
|---|
| 1 | Shuffle 52-card deck |
| 2 | Deal 13 cards to each player |
| 3 | No trump or special cards |
| Direction | Order |
|---|
| Deal | Rotates clockwise |
| Play | Clockwise from dealer |
- First player leads any valid combination
- Next player must play same type + higher rank, OR pass
- Continue until all players pass
- Last player to play leads next trick
| Rule | Details |
|---|
| Highest combo wins | Takes the trick |
| Winner leads next | Any valid combination |
| Team points | Combined at end |
| Winner | Condition |
|---|
| First out | Empty hand first |
| Team win | Partner also empties early |
| Result | Points |
|---|
| Win (empty hand) | Team gets 2 points |
| Opponent wins | Opponents get 2 points |
| Both partners out | Bonus 1 point |
| Achievement | Bonus |
|---|
| Tam Cúc (three 2s) | +1 point |
| Tứ Quý 2 (four 2s) | +2 points |
| Win without losing trick | +1 point |
| Signal | Meaning |
|---|
| Playing low | "I'm weak" |
| Playing high | "I'm strong" |
| Leading specific suit | Suit preference |
| Tactic | How |
|---|
| Support partner | Help them empty hand |
| Block opponents | Win tricks to stop them |
| Sacrifice | Take losses for partner |
| Mistake | Correction |
|---|
| Forgetting partner | Consider team strategy |
| Playing 2s early | Save for control |
| Ignoring suit order | Spades > Hearts > Diamonds > Clubs |
| Poor communication | Signal to partner |
| Action | Reason |
|---|
| Play promptly | Keep game moving |
| Respect partner | Team game |
| Celebrate Tet | Holiday tradition |
| Action | Reason |
|---|
| Discuss cards | Against rules |
| Stall | Poor sportsmanship |
| Forget tradition | Cultural importance |
Tam Cúc is more than a game—it's a Tet tradition that brings families together. Learn the combinations, coordinate with your partner, and enjoy this Vietnamese New Year classic.