Explore strategy guides and practical tips for each game.
Choose your path to master card games
The Most Popular Vietnamese Card Game
A fast-paced shedding game for 2-4 players using a standard 52-card deck. Often called 'Thirteen' or 'Killer 13', the goal is to be the first to discard all cards. Features instant-win hands and strategic 'chopping' mechanics.
Fast-Paced Northern Tien Len
Similar to Tien Len but faster and more aggressive. Players hold 10 cards and can declare 'Sam' (instant win) at the start. Popular in Northern Vietnam.
High-Stakes Betting Game
A betting game similar to 3-Card Poker. Players bet on having the highest hand value. Fast rounds, bluffing, and psychological warfare are key.
Lunar New Year Classic
Similar to Blackjack but with special winning hands like 'Xi Dach' (Ace + 10/J/Q/K) and 'Ngu Linh' (5 cards <= 21). A staple of Tet holiday gatherings where players compete against the dealer (Nha Cai).
Winner-Takes-All 3-Card Game
A fast and simple game of pure luck. Each player gets 3 cards, sums the points (taking the last digit), and the highest scorer takes the entire pot. Perfect for large groups and quick rounds.
The Complete Cultural Guide
Explore the rich world of Vietnamese card games including Tiến Lên, Phỏm, and Mậu Binh. Learn about their cultural significance, Tet holiday traditions, and gambling etiquette.
Strategic Rummy with a Twist
A skill-based Rummy variant for 2-4 players. Form sets (Phỏm) and minimize deadwood points. Unique 'eating' mechanic allows stealing discards to complete melds. High strategy requirement.
Probability & Hand Ranking Strategy
A purely strategic game for 2-4 players. Arrange 13 cards into three limbs (3-5-5) to beat opponents. No bluffing—just pure hand analysis and probability calculation. Known as Chinese Poker or Pusoy.
Tactical Trick-Taking Game
A tactical 6-round trick-taking game where players must win rounds to stay in the game. Known for its 'spare' strategy and high tension in the final rounds.
A Game of Elegance and Skill
A popular 112-card game in Central and Southern Vietnam. Players form melds using cards of four colors (Red, Green, Yellow, White). It combines the logic of Rummy with a unique aesthetic and rhythmic gameplay.
Strategic Five-Card Stud Variant
A highly psychological poker variant played with a 32-card deck (7-Ace). Players receive 2 cards (1 face down, 1 face up) and bet over 4 rounds as more cards are revealed. Pure skill and bluffing.
The Masterpiece of Vietnamese Cards
Derived from To Tom, Chan is a sophisticated 100-card game played by 4 players. It requires intense focus, memory, and an understanding of complex 'Cước' scoring systems. A true cultural treasure of Northern Vietnam.
The Most Intellectual Traditional Game
A legendary 120-card game historically played by scholars and elders. With its beautiful artwork and deep strategic layers, To Tom is more than a game—it's a cultural heritage representing social status and intellect.