Tien Len, also known as “Thirteen”, is a popular Vietnamese card game that revolves around shedding cards to win. Players aim to be the first to empty their hand by playing strategic combinations of cards.
Originating in Vietnam, Tien Len has become a beloved pastime, celebrated for its competitive and engaging gameplay. The game has spread internationally, especially among Vietnamese communities, making it a cultural staple both in Vietnam and abroad. Its strategic depth and social nature contribute to its widespread appeal.
I. Game Setup
To play Tien Len, you need a standard 52-card deck and four players. Remove any jokers before starting the game.
Cards are ranked from highest to lowest as follows: 2, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3. Suits are ranked from highest to lowest: Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades. For example, the 2 of Hearts is the highest card, and the 3 of Spades is the lowest.
Shuffle the deck thoroughly. Each player cuts the deck, and the player with the highest card deals first. For subsequent rounds, the dealer is the previous round’s loser. Deal 13 cards to each player, one at a time, in a clockwise direction.
II. Basic Gameplay
Dealing Cards
Each player is dealt 13 cards from a shuffled 52-card deck. Deal one card at a time, going clockwise until everyone has their hand.
Starting the Game
The player holding the 3 of Spades starts the game by playing it, either alone or as part of a valid combination.
Playing Combinations
- Solo: Single card (e.g., 7♦).
- Double: Pair of cards with the same rank (e.g., 5♠, 5♥).
- Triple: Three cards with the same rank (e.g., 9♣, 9♦, 9♠).
- Quad: Four cards with the same rank (e.g., J♥, J♦, J♣, J♠).
- Run: Sequence of three or more cards (e.g., 6♠, 7♦, 8♣).
- Double Run: Sequence of pairs (e.g., 4♠, 4♦, 5♣, 5♥, 6♠, 6♣).
III. Tien Len Advanced Rules
Following and Passing
Players take turns clockwise, playing a higher combination of the same type as the previous one or passing. If you pass, you can’t play again until a new combination is started.
Winning a Round
A round ends when all players pass consecutively. The player who played the highest combination starts the next round.
Special Combinations (Bombs, Chops)
- Bombs: Four of a kind that can beat any single or pair of twos.
- Chops: Sequences of pairs that can beat single twos or pairs of twos.
Beating Twos with Special Rules
- Single Two: Beaten by any four of a kind.
- Pair of Twos: Beaten by four of a kind or a sequence of three pairs.
- Triple Twos: Beaten by a sequence of four pairs.
IV. Ending the Game
The game ends when one player has successfully played all their cards. This player is declared the winner. The remaining players continue to compete to determine their respective rankings.
In the rare case of a tie, where players have the same high card combinations, the suit rankings (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades) determine the winner. Special cases, such as identical card sequences, are resolved by comparing the highest-ranked card in each sequence. If all cards match exactly, the game considers it a tie for that round.
V. Tien Len Card Game Variations
Different Player Numbers (2-8 Players)
- 2-4 Players: Each player gets 13 cards.
- 5-8 Players: Use two 52-card decks, shuffling them together. Deal 13 cards to each player. Any leftover cards are set aside.
Viet Cong (VC) Rules
- Automatic Win: A player with all four 2s wins immediately.
- First Play: The player with the 3 of Spades must start.
- Restrictions: 2s cannot be included in single runs but can be in double runs.
Optional Rules
- Card Trading: After each hand, the loser must give their two highest cards to the winner, who returns any two cards.
- Instant Wins: Holding certain combinations (e.g., 4 deuces, 6 consecutive pairs) results in an automatic win.
VI. Tips and Strategies to Win Tien Len
Effective Card Combinations
Utilize powerful combinations such as bombs (four of a kind) and runs to outplay opponents. For example, saving a quad to counter a high-ranking play can turn the tide in your favor.
Strategic Passing and Playing
Timing your plays is crucial. Pass strategically to conserve strong cards for pivotal moments. Avoid using high-value combinations too early, as holding onto them can secure a late-game advantage.
Managing High-Ranking Cards
High-ranking cards, especially 2s, should be used wisely. Deploy them to break tough combinations or to secure a decisive win in critical rounds. Balance their use to avoid being left vulnerable.
VII. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Common Queries and Clarifications
- What is the highest-ranking card in Tien Len? The 2 of Hearts is the highest-ranking card.
- How many cards are dealt to each player? Each player receives 13 cards.
- What happens if a player has all four 2s? In some variations, the player with all four 2s wins automatically.
Quick Reference for Gameplay Scenarios
- Starting the Game: The player with the 3 of Spades starts the game.
- Special Combinations:
- Bombs: Four of a kind can beat any single or pair of twos.
- Double Runs: Sequences of pairs can beat high-ranking combinations.
- Ending the Game: The game ends when a player has no cards left. The remaining players continue to determine their rankings.
