Tien Len Tricks: From Beginner to Pro 💡
In competitive Tien Len, 70% of winning comes from memory and psychology, while only 30% is luck. Here are battle-tested techniques to improve your win rate.
1. Speed "Card Counting"
Don't try to memorize all 52 cards immediately. Prioritize them in this order:
- Track the 2s (Heo): This is priority #1. Always count how many 2s have been played. If 3 are gone, the 4th one is King.
- Track the Aces (A): After 2s, Aces are the power cards. Knowing if an Ace is still out helps you decide whether to play a King or Queen to seize control.
- Track "Dead" Cards: Have the low trash cards (3, 4, 5) been played? If not, opponents are likely holding Straights or Pine Pairs.
2. The Art of "Hiding Your Hand"
- Don't Sort Perfectly: Beginners often fan their cards from low to high perfectly. Sharp opponents can guess how many trash cards you have left based on where you pull a card from.
- Mix It Up: Try sorting pairs and straights interchangeably to confuse opponents watching your hand movements.
3. The "Sacrifice" Strategy
- If you hold Quads (Four of a Kind) or Pine Pairs, patience is key.
- You must be willing to pass on small pairs or straights.
- Sometimes, you must break a small straight to bait an opponent into playing a 2.
- Example: You have 3-4-5-6-7 and Quad Jacks. Opponent plays Pair 3s. You Pass. Opponent feels safe and plays Pair 2s. You chop them with Quad Jacks!
4. The "Safe Landing" Rule
When you are down to 1-2 cards, opponents will do everything to block you.
- Tip: If you hold one 2 and one trash card. Do not wait to win with the 2. Play the 2 immediately when you have the chance to seize control (The Lead), then play your final trash card to win safely. Finishing 1st is more important than chopping!