Instructions Tichu

Objective of the Game

Tichu is a team-based card game where two teams of two players each compete against each other. The objective is to be the first team to reach 1000 points.

Game Setup

• A Tichu deck, which includes a standard 52-card deck plus four special cards: Dog, Phoenix, Dragon, and Mahjong.

Game Flow

Card Dealing

1. Each player receives 14 cards.
2. After viewing your cards, each player passes three cards to other players of their choice (one card to each player).
3. The player with the Mahjong starts the game.

Turns and Card Combinations

• Single Cards: Play one card at a time.
• Pairs: Two cards of the same rank.
• Triples: Three cards of the same rank.
• Straights: Five or more cards in consecutive order.
• Full House: A triple plus a pair.
• Bombs: Four cards of the same rank or a straight flush with at least five cards of the same suit.

Rules of Play

• The aim is to overbid the played combination or pass.
• The player whose combination is not overbid wins the trick and can lead the next play.
• The Phoenix can replace any card in play and follows the combinations.
• The Dragon is the highest single card but cannot be used in combinations.
• The Dog passes the lead to your partner.
• Mahjong, being the smallest card, allows the player to start a play with any card or combination.

Bidding

Players may call Tichu (100 points) or Grand Tichu (200 points), indicating their confidence in being the first to have no cards left. This can add extra points for the team if successful, but detracts points if it fails.

Scoring

• Cards 5, 10, and K are valued: 5 (5 points), 10 (10 points), K (10 points).
• The Dragon counts as 25 points.
• The Phoenix counts as -25 points.
• If both team members get rid of all their cards consecutively, they receive an additional 200 points.

Ending the Game

The game ends when a team reaches or exceeds 1000 points. The team with the most points wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Don't give away high cards too early unless it's strategically beneficial.
• Save your special cards for crucial moments in the game.
• Use bidding tactically: only call Tichu when confident about your cards.
• Collaborate with your partner to shed cards efficiently.