How to Play Tichu - A Beginner's Guide

Tichu is an exciting and strategic card game designed for four players divided into two teams. It’s especially popular in Greece.

The main goal of Tichu is to be the first team to score 1000 points. Players aim to get rid of all their cards while collecting point cards along the way. The game is played in rounds, with both individual skill and cooperation between teammates playing a crucial role in winning.

How is the Game Set Up?

Tichu is played with a custom 56-card deck. It includes the standard 52 cards plus four unique cards: Mahjong (1), Dog, Phoenix, and Dragon. Each player receives 14 cards. First, 8 cards are dealt to each player. After this partial deal, players have the opportunity to declare a special bet called “Grand Tichu.” Then the remaining 6 cards are distributed.

Before the first round begins, players must pass one card to their left, one to their right, and one to their partner. These exchanges add another layer of strategy, as players try to support their teammate or disrupt their opponents.

Understanding the Special Cards

The 4 special cards are what give Tichu its unique twist.

The Mahjong is the lowest card and allows its holder to start the first round. It also gives the option to “wish” for a specific card rank to be played next.

The Dog is used to pass the lead to your partner but cannot win a trick.

The Phoenix is a wild card that can act as any card in a combination and can also be played as a slightly higher card in singles, but it carries a penalty of –25 points.

The Dragon is the highest single card and scores +25 points, but the winner of the trick must give the cards to an opponent, adding a layer of risk to its power.

Playing the Round

Players take turns playing combinations of cards, trying to beat the previous play or passing if they can’t or don’t want to. Valid combinations include singles, pairs, three-of-a-kinds, full houses, and sequences like straights or stairs (consecutive pairs). Some combinations can’t include 2s or special cards, such as straights.

Bombs are powerful plays that can interrupt the normal turn order. A bomb is either a four-of-a-kind or a straight flush. These combinations can beat any previous play except a stronger bomb and are often game-changers when used wisely.

The round begins with the player holding the Mahjong, who may play any valid combination. The next players must play a higher combination of the same type or pass. This continues until no one can or wants to play higher. The last player to play a valid move wins the trick and starts the next one. Play continues until three players run out of cards, and the fourth player is left with their unplayed hand, which may carry penalties depending on the remaining cards.

How to Score Points

Points are mostly found in the cards themselves.

• All 5s are worth 5 points, while 10s and Kings are each worth 10.
• The Phoenix deducts 25 points, and the Dragon adds 25.
• Each round has a total of 100 available points, not counting bonuses.
• If both teammates go out before the opponents play any cards, the team gets an additional 200 points.
• Successfully declaring Tichu or Grand Tichu adds more to your total, or subtracts it if failed.

Beginner Tips

If you’re new to Tichu, take time to learn the value of the special cards. Don’t rush into calling Tichu unless your starting hand is strong.

Always watch what your partner plays and support them when they make a call. Bombs should be saved for critical moments – they can completely flip the game when used wisely.

Communication through play is key, and over time, you’ll develop instincts for timing and teamwork.

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