Tichu

A multi-genre shedding card game that blends strategic elements from Bridge, Daihinmin, and Poker, Tichu offers a dynamic and engaging experience for players. Designed for four players in two partnerships, participants sit opposite their partners, working collaboratively to be the first team to reach a predetermined point total. Over a series of hands, teamwork, timing, and tactical play determine the victors.

The Tichu deck consists of 56 cards divided into four suits: Jade, Swords, Pagodas, and Stars. Each suit contains 13 cards ranked from 2 through 10, followed by J, Q, K, and A. In addition to the standard suits, four special cards add depth and unpredictability to gameplay: the Dragon, the Phoenix, the Hound, and the Mah Jong.

At the start of each round, every player receives eight cards. During this initial phase, players may choose to call "Grand Tichu"—a bold 200-point declaration that they will be the first player to empty their hand. Once all players have decided on this, six additional cards are dealt (completing the 14-card hand for each player), after which "Grand Tichu" declarations are no longer permitted. At any point before playing their first card, a player may instead call "Tichu" for a 100-point commitment with the same objective. The key differences between the two lie in timing, the number of cards seen, and the point stakes involved.

Following the card distribution, an exchange phase occurs. Each player must pass one card face-down to each of the other three players—one to each opponent and one to their partner—resulting in passing and receiving three cards total. This strategic exchange allows teams to strengthen their hands while balancing risk and cooperation.

After the exchange, the player holding the Mah Jong card leads the first trick. They may play any valid combination—single cards, pairs, straights, full houses, or bombs. Other players must either pass or play a higher-ranking combination of the same type. Notably, "Bombs" (four-of-a-kind or sequences of five or more pairs) can override any non-bomb combination, regardless of rank. A single card beats only a lower single card; two pairs must be beaten by higher two pairs; a seven-card straight only by a higher straight of the same length; and in full houses, the triplet's value determines strength.

The player who plays the highest valid combination wins the trick and earns the right to lead the next. If that player has no cards remaining, they have successfully "gone out," and the lead passes clockwise to the next active player. The round concludes when both members of a team have emptied their hands—meaning at least two, and possibly three, players have gone out. If only one player remains with cards, they incur a penalty: their remaining hand is added to the opposing team’s trick pile, while their own won tricks are transferred to the player who went out first.

The overall game ends when a team reaches or surpasses the target score set before gameplay began.

For additional support in English, visit: https://support.lazyland.com/196428-Tichu

What's New in Version 3.2.60

Updated on May 24, 2024

• Fixed a bug that prevented the review pop-up from appearing for certain users.