{"history":[],"article":{"id":"3d45d09a-a8eb-4937-9a15-d970d65ea56f","title":"Tichu","slug":"tichu","content":":::summary\n![Tichu cards](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/21/Tichu///cards.jpg)\n**Name:** Tichu \n**Image Alt:** Tichu cards \n**Other Names:** Tai Pan \n**Genre:** [Strategy](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategy-games) [card game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-game) \n**Players:** 4 \n**Playing Time:** 60-90 minutes \n**Materials:** Tichu card set \n:::\n\n# \n**Tichu** is a proprietary [card game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-game) primarily classified as a [shedding game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-games) that includes elements of [Bridge](https://bliptext.com/articles/contract-bridge), [Daihinmin](https://bliptext.com/articles/daihinmin), and [Poker](https://bliptext.com/articles/poker) played between two teams of two players each.\nTeams work to accumulate points, and the first team to reach a predetermined score (usually 1,000 points) is the winner.\nTichu is the trade name for what appears to be a variant of [Dou di zhu](https://bliptext.com/articles/dou-dizhu), [Choi Dai Di](https://bliptext.com/articles/choi-dai-di) (Cantonese) or Da Lao Er (Mandarin), meaning \"big two\", combined with Zheng Fen (\"Competing for Points\").\nIt is also marketed as Tai-Pan in Dutch.\nTichu was invented by Urs Hostettler and originally released in 1991.\n\n# Rules\nThe following covers the basics.\nHowever, for more comprehensive rule sets, consult the links below.\nEach player sits across from their teammate so that play alternates between the two teams.\nThe game is traditionally run anticlockwise, but is frequently played clockwise.\nThe game is played with a deck of 56 cards, consisting of a 52-card deck of four suits (Jade, Sword, Pagoda, Star) plus four special cards (Mah Jong, Dog, Phoenix, Dragon).\nA standard 52-card deck with 4 jokers (marked to indicate the special cards) can also be used.\nEach player is dealt (or alternately draws, in Chinese play) eight cards, and may call \"Grand Tichu,\" a 200-point bet that they (not their partner) will be the first to get rid of their cards.\nOnce players have decided whether to make this call, six more cards are dealt (the remaining cards in the deck) and players may no longer declare \"Grand Tichu.\"\nNow, and at any time prior to playing their first card, a player may call \"Tichu\", a 100-point bet that they (not their partner) will be the first to get rid of their cards.\nThe differences between Grand Tichu and Tichu are when they may be called, the number of cards you've seen, and the number of points involved.\nAll players prepare three cards for simultaneous exchange, with each player passing one card (face down) to each of the other players—one to each opponent and one to the partner.\nShould a player declare \"Tichu\" before the simultaneous exchange, players are allowed to change their out-going exchange cards.\nAfter the card exchange, the player with the Mah Jong leads the first trick.\nIn Tichu, playable card combinations are generally based on Poker hands, with some exceptions.\nA player may pass on a trick with the option to play in later (essentially checking in Poker), and a trick is completed if it is passed three times in a row.\nPlayable card combinations include: a single card; any pair; two or more \"stairs\" (consecutive pairs; for example, 55667788. Non-consecutive pairs may not be played); three of a kind; straights of at least five cards in length, regardless of suit/color (so 56789TJQ is playable); and full houses (three of a kind & a pair).\nFour of a kind or a straight flush of at least five cards is a **bomb** which beats any card combination with the exception of a bigger **bomb**.\nBombs may be played at any time (even out of turn) to end a trick, with every player given a chance to play bigger bombs before the trick is taken.\nAn example of \"bombing\": 10< K< D< 8888< AAAA< ♦ 9 ♦ 10 ♦ J ♦ Q ♦ K< ♠2♠3♠4♠5♠6♠7.\nWith the exception of \"bombing\", cards can only be followed by a similar combination of higher value; like a single card on a single card, a pair on a pair etc.\nThe special cards affect gameplay accordingly:\n# [Mah Jong, Dog, Phoenix, Dragon | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Tichu///Special///Cards.JPG]\n\n# Scoring\nTeams gain or deduct points for Grand Tichu (±200 points) and/or Tichu (±100 points) calls.\nAs an example: player A declared Grand Tichu and lost to D's Tichu.\nA&C lose 200 points and B&D gain 100 points.\nIf both players on a team get rid of all their cards before either player on the opposing team is out of cards, the winning team scores 200 points and there is no card scoring this round.\nThe last player out gives their remaining cards to the opposing team, and gives all the tricks they have won this round to the first player who went out.\nPoints are scored based on the cards in the tricks won by each team.\nKings and tens are worth ten points each, fives are worth five points, the Dragon is worth 25 points, and the Phoenix is worth negative 25.\nAll other cards score zero.\nRounds continue until a team scores 1,000 points or more.\n\n# Three player game (or Threechu)\nThe cards are dealt the same way as normal.\nThe dealer forms a team with a dummy and the other two players are a \"normal\" team and do nothing different.\nThe dealer controls his own cards and of the dummy.\nHe may not declare a Grand Tichu, only a small one.\nThe exchange in cards is normal, only the dealer and dummy do not give each other a card.\nAfter this, the cards of the dummy must lay face-up on the table.\nAfter the round, another player plays with dummy, because playing with dummy has a slight advantage.\nScoring is done individually.\nUsually, a number of rounds is played that is a multiple of three, so each player plays with the dummy an equal number of times.\nThe dummy can declare tichu as well and also isn't obliged to fulfil the wish of Mah Jong.\n\n# Tientsin (6 players)\nIn Tientsin (Tianjin) tichu is played six-handed, two teams of three seated alternating round the table.\nThe rules of the game are the same as for the four-handed version, except that:\nThere is no special reward for a double victory, but a triple victory (one team gets rid of all its cards while all three opponents still hold cards) scores 300 points.\n\n# Grand Seigneur (5-12 players)\nThe seating order is the Alpha and Omega of Grand Seigneur, which is very similar to [President](https://bliptext.com/articles/president-card-game) or [Daifugō](https://bliptext.com/articles/daifug).\nAt the head of the table, in the most comfortable armchair in the house, sits the Great Lord himself.\nOn his left is the number two in the hierarchy, the Lord.\nFurther to the left, in third place, sits the Squire.\nIn fourth place the Burgher.\nNumber five is the Pauper.\nIn last place - so at the right of the Great Lord - sits the Wretch on a simple kitchen stool.\nThe number of places corresponds to the number taking part.\nIf need be, obscure forms such as Grand Burgher or Petty Pauper can be added in.\nWomen may use the corresponding forms, such as Wretch (f).\nThe first round is a simple round of Tichu, without any pushing of cards or any point values, in which everyone tries to get rid of his cards as quickly as possible - to be elected as the first Great Lord of the day.\nWhoever gets rid of his cards second becomes the first Lord and so on.\nThe players then move into the seats to which they are entitled.\nThe social injustice of the game of Grand Seigneur appears in the pushing in the second round.\nIf five play one card less is handed over at each level.\nThe recipients simultaneously push the corresponding number of cards back - but useless cards of their choice.\nThe Mah Jong begins, the uneven contest takes it course and the winner becomes Great Lord, the tailender becomes the Wretch.\nThe players take their new-won places - provided that any positions have changed.\nGreat Lords are hard to overthrow due to the uneven card exchange.\nThere is no defined end to the game, only the glory of being Grand Lord.\nIt is all for fun.\nThe use of two packs is recommended when 7 or more play Grand Seigneur.\nThe Hound and Mah Jong must be removed from the second pack.\nExtra rules:","current_revision":null,"created_by":"kACnuQmH5k9Nr5VNVEpVeg7XpvUmMctD","created_at":"2025-01-25T21:41:31.555Z","updated_at":"2025-01-25T21:41:31.555Z","search_vector":"'tichu':1","search_content":" \n \n**Name:** Tichu \n**Image Alt:** Tichu cards \n**Other Names:** Tai Pan \n**Genre:** [Strategy](https://bliptext.com/articles/strategy-games) [card game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-game) \n**Players:** 4 \n**Playing Time:** 60-90 minutes \n**Materials:** Tichu card set \n \n\n# \n**Tichu** is a proprietary [card game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-game) primarily classified as a [shedding game](https://bliptext.com/articles/card-games) that includes elements of [Bridge](https://bliptext.com/articles/contract-bridge), [Daihinmin](https://bliptext.com/articles/daihinmin), and [Poker](https://bliptext.com/articles/poker) played between two teams of two players each.\nTeams work to accumulate points, and the first team to reach a predetermined score (usually 1,000 points) is the winner.\nTichu is the trade name for what appears to be a variant of [Dou di zhu](https://bliptext.com/articles/dou-dizhu), [Choi Dai Di](https://bliptext.com/articles/choi-dai-di) (Cantonese) or Da Lao Er (Mandarin), meaning \"big two\", combined with Zheng Fen (\"Competing for Points\").\nIt is also marketed as Tai-Pan in Dutch.\nTichu was invented by Urs Hostettler and originally released in 1991.\n\n# Rules\nThe following covers the basics.\nHowever, for more comprehensive rule sets, consult the links below.\nEach player sits across from their teammate so that play alternates between the two teams.\nThe game is traditionally run anticlockwise, but is frequently played clockwise.\nThe game is played with a deck of 56 cards, consisting of a 52-card deck of four suits (Jade, Sword, Pagoda, Star) plus four special cards (Mah Jong, Dog, Phoenix, Dragon).\nA standard 52-card deck with 4 jokers (marked to indicate the special cards) can also be used.\nEach player is dealt (or alternately draws, in Chinese play) eight cards, and may call \"Grand Tichu,\" a 200-point bet that they (not their partner) will be the first to get rid of their cards.\nOnce players have decided whether to make this call, six more cards are dealt (the remaining cards in the deck) and players may no longer declare \"Grand Tichu.\"\nNow, and at any time prior to playing their first card, a player may call \"Tichu\", a 100-point bet that they (not their partner) will be the first to get rid of their cards.\nThe differences between Grand Tichu and Tichu are when they may be called, the number of cards you've seen, and the number of points involved.\nAll players prepare three cards for simultaneous exchange, with each player passing one card (face down) to each of the other players—one to each opponent and one to the partner.\nShould a player declare \"Tichu\" before the simultaneous exchange, players are allowed to change their out-going exchange cards.\nAfter the card exchange, the player with the Mah Jong leads the first trick.\nIn Tichu, playable card combinations are generally based on Poker hands, with some exceptions.\nA player may pass on a trick with the option to play in later (essentially checking in Poker), and a trick is completed if it is passed three times in a row.\nPlayable card combinations include: a single card; any pair; two or more \"stairs\" (consecutive pairs; for example, 55667788. Non-consecutive pairs may not be played); three of a kind; straights of at least five cards in length, regardless of suit/color (so 56789TJQ is playable); and full houses (three of a kind & a pair).\nFour of a kind or a straight flush of at least five cards is a **bomb** which beats any card combination with the exception of a bigger **bomb**.\nBombs may be played at any time (even out of turn) to end a trick, with every player given a chance to play bigger bombs before the trick is taken.\nAn example of \"bombing\": 10< K< D< 8888< AAAA< ♦ 9 ♦ 10 ♦ J ♦ Q ♦ K< ♠2♠3♠4♠5♠6♠7.\nWith the exception of \"bombing\", cards can only be followed by a similar combination of higher value; like a single card on a single card, a pair on a pair etc.\nThe special cards affect gameplay accordingly:\n# [Mah Jong, Dog, Phoenix, Dragon | upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ee/Tichu///Special///Cards.JPG]\n\n# Scoring\nTeams gain or deduct points for Grand Tichu (±200 points) and/or Tichu (±100 points) calls.\nAs an example: player A declared Grand Tichu and lost to D's Tichu.\nA&C lose 200 points and B&D gain 100 points.\nIf both players on a team get rid of all their cards before either player on the opposing team is out of cards, the winning team scores 200 points and there is no card scoring this round.\nThe last player out gives their remaining cards to the opposing team, and gives all the tricks they have won this round to the first player who went out.\nPoints are scored based on the cards in the tricks won by each team.\nKings and tens are worth ten points each, fives are worth five points, the Dragon is worth 25 points, and the Phoenix is worth negative 25.\nAll other cards score zero.\nRounds continue until a team scores 1,000 points or more.\n\n# Three player game (or Threechu)\nThe cards are dealt the same way as normal.\nThe dealer forms a team with a dummy and the other two players are a \"normal\" team and do nothing different.\nThe dealer controls his own cards and of the dummy.\nHe may not declare a Grand Tichu, only a small one.\nThe exchange in cards is normal, only the dealer and dummy do not give each other a card.\nAfter this, the cards of the dummy must lay face-up on the table.\nAfter the round, another player plays with dummy, because playing with dummy has a slight advantage.\nScoring is done individually.\nUsually, a number of rounds is played that is a multiple of three, so each player plays with the dummy an equal number of times.\nThe dummy can declare tichu as well and also isn't obliged to fulfil the wish of Mah Jong.\n\n# Tientsin (6 players)\nIn Tientsin (Tianjin) tichu is played six-handed, two teams of three seated alternating round the table.\nThe rules of the game are the same as for the four-handed version, except that:\nThere is no special reward for a double victory, but a triple victory (one team gets rid of all its cards while all three opponents still hold cards) scores 300 points.\n\n# Grand Seigneur (5-12 players)\nThe seating order is the Alpha and Omega of Grand Seigneur, which is very similar to [President](https://bliptext.com/articles/president-card-game) or [Daifugō](https://bliptext.com/articles/daifug).\nAt the head of the table, in the most comfortable armchair in the house, sits the Great Lord himself.\nOn his left is the number two in the hierarchy, the Lord.\nFurther to the left, in third place, sits the Squire.\nIn fourth place the Burgher.\nNumber five is the Pauper.\nIn last place - so at the right of the Great Lord - sits the Wretch on a simple kitchen stool.\nThe number of places corresponds to the number taking part.\nIf need be, obscure forms such as Grand Burgher or Petty Pauper can be added in.\nWomen may use the corresponding forms, such as Wretch (f).\nThe first round is a simple round of Tichu, without any pushing of cards or any point values, in which everyone tries to get rid of his cards as quickly as possible - to be elected as the first Great Lord of the day.\nWhoever gets rid of his cards second becomes the first Lord and so on.\nThe players then move into the seats to which they are entitled.\nThe social injustice of the game of Grand Seigneur appears in the pushing in the second round.\nIf five play one card less is handed over at each level.\nThe recipients simultaneously push the corresponding number of cards back - but useless cards of their choice.\nThe Mah Jong begins, the uneven contest takes it course and the winner becomes Great Lord, the tailender becomes the Wretch.\nThe players take their new-won places - provided that any positions have changed.\nGreat Lords are hard to overthrow due to the uneven card exchange.\nThere is no defined end to the game, only the glory of being Grand Lord.\nIt is all for fun.\nThe use of two packs is recommended when 7 or more play Grand Seigneur.\nThe Hound and Mah Jong must be removed from the second pack.\nExtra rules:","revisionCount":0},"hasMore":false,"nextCursor":null}

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