Tiến lên

This article may need to be rewritten to comply with Wikipedia's quality standards, as there are almost no citations, and it is not encyclopedic in the slightest. . The talk page may contain suggestions. (August 2020)

Tiến lên (Vietnamese: tiến lên, tiến: advance; lên: to go up, up; literally: "go forward"), also known as Vietnamese cards, Thirteen, Poison, Killer 13, Bomb, and Hell is a shedding-type card game popular in Vietnam.^[1] It is derived from Chinese card games Winner and Big Two. Considered the national card game of Vietnam, the game is intended for four players, but can be played by two or three.

Rules[]

Note: The following discussion makes use of Unicode characters for the four card suits; you may need to switch to or install a more complete Unicode font if you cannot see these characters properly: ♥, ♦, ♣, and ♠.

Cards[]

A standard 52-card deck is used. The ranking of the cards from highest to lowest is: 2 A K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3.

The cards are also ranked by suit. The ranking from highest to lowest is: Hearts ♥, Diamonds ♦, Clubs ♣, Spades ♠.

2♥ is the highest-ranking card and 3♠ is the lowest-ranking card.

The card number takes precedence over the suit, so 10♠ is higher than 9♥.

The objective of the game is to be the first to get rid of all of one's cards by playing various combinations.

Dealing[]

The deck is dealt evenly between four players so that each player has 13 cards. When playing with 2 or 3 players, 13 cards are dealt to each player and the remaining cards are discarded.

Standard combinations[]

• Single ("loner", "solo"): A single card. Singles can be beaten by singles that are higher in rank.
• Pair ("double", "dubs"): A combination of exactly 2 cards of the same rank (e.g. 4♥ 4♣). A pair can only be beaten by a higher-ranking pair (e.g. 8♦ 8♠ beats 5♥ 5♦). The rank of a pair is determined by the highest-ranking card. For example, 9♣ 9♦ can be beaten by 9♠ 9♥ because 9♥ ranks higher than 9♦.
• Triple ("trio", "trips", "three-of-a-kind"): A combination of exactly three cards of the same rank (e.g. K♠ K♣ K♥). A triple can only be beaten by a higher-ranking triple. For example, to beat 4♥ 4♦ 4♣, a player would need 5♠ 5♣ 5♦ or higher.
• Run ("sequence", "straight"): A combination of at least three cards that are in a numerical sequence (e.g. 5♠ 6♥ 7♥ 8♣). The cards can be of any suit. The highest possible ending card in a run is an Ace, and the lowest beginning card is a 3. 2s cannot be played in runs. A run can only be beaten by a higher-ranking run (e.g. 10♠ J♦ Q♥ beats 8♠ 9♦ 10♠). As with pairs, the rank of a run is determined by the highest-ranking card. For example, 7♥ 8♦ 9♣ can be beaten by 7♠ 8♣ 9♥ because 9♥ ranks higher than 9♣.

2s and Bombs[]

Double sequences (i.e. three or more consecutive pairs) and four-of-a-kinds are known as "bombs". Bombs can be played on top of 2s. A double sequence of three cards (e.g. 10♠ 10♣ J♠ J♥ Q♠ Q♦) or a four-of-a-kind (e.g. 5♠ 5♣ 5♦ 5♥) can be played on top of a single 2. A double sequence of four cards (e.g. 9♥ 9♦ 10♠ 10♣ J♠ J♥ Q♠ Q♦) can be played on top of two 2s. A double sequence of five cards (e.g. 8♠ 8♥ 9♥ 9♦ 10♠ 10♣ J♠ J♥ Q♠ Q♦) can be played on top of three 2s.

As with regular sequences, bombs can be defeated by higher-ranking bombs.

• 3-card double sequences (vi: ba đôi thông) can defeat single 2s and weaker 3-card double sequences.
• Four-of-a-kinds (vi: tứ quý) can defeat single 2s and weaker four-of-a-kinds. In some variations, they can also defeat pairs of 2s and 3-card double sequences.
• 4-card double sequences (vi: bốn đôi thông) can defeat pairs of 2s, single 2s, and weaker 4-card double sequences.
• 5-card double sequences can defeat triple 2s, pairs of 2s, single 2s, and weaker 5-card double sequences.

Playing[]

• The player who has the 3♠ starts the game. The 3♠ must be part of the first play, either on its own or as part of a combination.
• Play moves anti clockwise to the next player.
• During a turn, a player can choose to pass. A player who has passed cannot reenter the game until all the remaining players have passed.
• When a player plays a combination and everyone else passes, he or she has control and can play any legal combination.
• The first person to shed all thirteen cards is declared the winner. The game continues until all players but one have gone out.
• Common variation: the winner of the previous round starts the next round instead of the player holding the 3♠.

Instant wins (vi: tới trắng)[]

The following hands grant the player an instant win.

• Four 2s (vi: tứ quý heo)
• 6 Pairs (vi: sáu đôi)
• Dragon (vi: sảnh rồng): A sequence that runs from 3 to Ace

In some variations of the game, the following hands also grant an instant win.

• Four 3s
• Double sequence with 3 of spades
• Four consecutive pairs (e.g. 44,55,66,77)
• Three consecutive triples (e.g. 444,555,666)
• Twelve or thirteen cards of the same color

Points System[]

If x is the bet:

• First place receives x points from every loser, there is no 2nd, 3rd, or 4th place;
• 2x points are received from players with over 13 (or 10) cards in their hand. (Optional rule)
• If a player has an unused black 2 in their hand at the end of the game, x additional points are lost.
• If a player has an unused red 2 in their hand at the end of the game, 2x additional points are lost.
• If a player has an unused bomb in their hand at the end of the game, 2x additional points are lost.
• When cutting a black 2, x points are immediately received
• When cutting a red 2, x points are immediately received
• Each bomb is worth 2x points if it gets bombed against
• Variation rules: Cutting or bombing another cutup results in double the points the other player would have received for his/her cut up before being cut (i.e. if player 1 plays 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 5, receiving x points, then player 2 can re-cut or bomb by gaining 2x points.)

Kneeling System (Quỳ)[]

This is a punishment variant to play instead of playing for points or money.

• The loser (4th place) has to kneel on both knees during the next and subsequent plays.
• 3rd place player has to deal the cards.
• A person that gets chopped or bombed has to start kneeling on both knees starting on the next game and subsequent plays.
• A second chop or bomb can save the first person that got chopped or bombed.
• Only the person that gets first place can sit permanently.
• Players can sit (temporarily if in kneeling position):
  • When they run out of cards.
  • Game has ended.
  • While the cards are being dealt.

Variations[]

House rules[]

There are many variations and house rules that are agreed upon before playing. The names tien len, thirteen, VC, etc., are generally used interchangeably and do not necessarily imply any particular set of rules. Some combinations of rules would by their nature be conflicting, so one or the other must be chosen. Some variations from the above rules are:

• When requested, a player must reveal the number of cards in his or her hand.
• Straights must be of the same suit.
• Pairs must be of the same color.
• Two sequential pairs is a play.
• 2s may be used at the top of a straight but not on the bottom.
• Instant wins are not allowed.
• If a person is chopped, then the last person to be chopped owes the person who chopped them card(s) in the next round.
• The person receiving the cards can return any card of their choice to player from which it came. A player can only claim an instant win with four 2s when dealt the four 2s and when not owing anybody.
  • Cards-owed variations:
    • Highest 2
    • Any 2
    • Highest card
  • Variations on number of cards owed:
    • Stacking – add a card owed for each 2 or chop above the first 2.
    • Doubling – double the number of card owed for each 2 or chop above the first 2.
    • No stacking – one card is owed regardless of layering. Two card for pairs, etc.
• The loser owes the winner a 2 if they still have a 2 in his hand when the game is finished. If the loser have two 2s then they owe the winner two 2s, and three 3s if they have three 3s.
• Alternate instant win hand -5 consecutive pairs (not including 2's).
• Four consecutive pairs cannot chop a single 2. It must be broken up. Same for five consecutive pairs and a pair of 2s
• Four consecutive pairs can beat a pair of 2s and can also go out of turn to beat a single or pair of 2s, that is if the person has been locked out of a round, the player can go back in to beat the 2.
• Four consecutive pairs can chop a single 2 or smaller chop even if the player has previously passed.
• Four consecutive pairs can chop any four-of-a-kind, 3 consecutive pairs, or lower four consecutive pairs.
• Five consecutive pairs can chop triple, double, single 2s or a smaller chop (three consecutive pairs, four consecutive pairs, or smaller five consecutive pairs) even if the player has previously passed.
• Three consecutive pairs can be played at the beginning of the game without being the lead. This variant is widely accepted but rarely used so there is no universal agreement on whether this applies to 3 consecutive pairs only or all chops. This variant came from the book Killers for Dummies.
• If three consecutive pairs, they can be played at the beginning of the game without being the lead or having three of spades, it cannot be used to defeat a single 2.
• A "lock" is when a straight flush is played. Only higher straight flushes can be played after this. Alternate versions are that the player can choose to "lock" or "unlock" the set as desired. You do not need to lead to lock a straight. Most versions of the game do not allow for locking. Locking is taken from the game of Big Two, in which a straight flush beats a straight, as it is rarer.
• The straight pairs can beat any single card, not just 2s. These are called 2-killers or bombs, but must be agreed upon by all players before dealing.
• Along with the above listed type of "bomb", four-of-a-kind can defeat any combination of 2s for example if a person plays 2 or 3 2s, someone else can play a four-of-a-kind.
• In some parts of Vietnam, a four-of-a-kind can also defeat a double sequence of three cards.
• The first game is led by the player with the lowest card and every hand after that is led by the winner. If a player leaves the game and a new player joins, it starts by who has the lowest card again.
• In some variants, some plays do not need a turn to be played:
  • Four-of-a-kind
  • Four consecutive pairs
  • Five consecutive pairs
    • Four-of-a-kind does not need turn, four consecutive pairs need turn.
• Less common variations:
  • If a player passes they do not forfeit their right to play.
  • The first play of a game cannot be a double sequence.
  • Three-of-a-kind can beat a single ace.
  • Trading is only allowed right after the cards are dealt or before the game begins.
  • There are no combinations that can beat a double 2 or triple 2.

Double Deck 13[]

In Double Deck 13, two decks are used, one with a red back, one blue. This game requires 8 players, and the same rules are followed as regular thirteen with the following exceptions:

• Play begins with the lowest card, the 3 of spades, blue back.
• In the case of a tie, the card with a red back wins.
• There are no instant wins.
• The blue back King of Diamonds is considered the only single card killer.

Killer (Hawaiian variant)[]

In Hawaii, each player is dealt 13 cards, regardless of the total number of players (2 or 4). Some of the basic rules include:

• The first play of any game must contain the lowest card any player has (normally a 3), as a single, pair, or sequence.
• Straights cannot contain 2s.
• Four-of-a-kind and three (or more) consecutive pairs are "bombs".
• Only a bomb, and not three of the same suit, can beat a 2.
• The four-of-a-kind bomb is stronger than the three consecutive pairs bomb.
• There are no trading or "locks".

There are some less common variations as well:

• When a player passes, they are not locked out from playing again in the same round.
• Two consecutive four-of-a-kinds can beat a pair of 2s. Three consecutive four-of-a-kinds can beat triple 2s.
• A sequence of four consecutive pairs can beat a pair of 2s. Five consecutive pairs can beat triple 2s.

Killer (San Diego Variant)[]

This is a variant of the Hawaiian version of Killer that originated in the north county of San Diego and has become popular in San Diego, Long Beach and specific enclaves of the Bay Area.

• For games of two or three people, 16 cards each are dealt
• For games of four or more people, all cards are dealt.
• The winner of the game shuffles and deals the next game
• Bombs can be played to beat any card or cards played during that round, including other bombs or any number of 2s.
• When a player passes, they are not locked out from playing again in the same round.
• The first play of any game must contain the lowest card any player has (normally a 3 of spades), as a single, pair, or sequence.
• Straights cannot contain 2s.
• Four-of-a-kind and three (or more) consecutive pairs are "bombs"
• The four-of-a-kind bomb is stronger than the three consecutive pairs bomb.
• Suits are only taken into account on face cards, aces and 2s
• Once a player sheds their final card(s), the game is considered over
• Sequences do not have to be the same suit to be played
• No trading
• No instant wins

Tournament rules

• In tournament rules, the individual with the most cards remaining is out. If a tie, then a game of dice (usually Spitfire) is played. Played until all players, other than the victor, are eliminated.
• Up to 8 players in tournaments
• Buy-backs are allowed when agreed to prior to start of tournament

Akita International University variant[]

In a version of 13 played by students at Akita International University, the rules for dealing and beginning a game are the same. However some of the basic rules are different:

• Card trading is not allowed.
• When beating pairs, the suits do not need to match (i.e. if there is a heart and club being played, your pair does not also need to contain a heart and a club).
• To beat a pair with the same numbers, the suit of your highest card must rank higher than the suit of their higher card (i.e. if a 4 of clubs and diamonds are played, it can be beaten with the 4 of spades and hearts).
• Both four-of-a-kinds and three consecutive pairs are bombs. However, no more than 3 consecutive pairs may be used as a bomb (i.e. 4 or 5 consecutive pairs are not a stronger bomb and 6 consecutive pairs would be 2 separate bombs).
• Dragons, due to how infrequently they appear, are also considered bombs.
• Bombs can be played to beat any card or cards played during that round, including other bombs or any number of 2s.
• There is no bomb hierarchy. If a bomb is played, any bomb can be played during that round to beat it regardless of type, rank or suit.
• 2s cannot be used in straights.
• 2s cannot be used in consecutive pair bombs. They can, however, be used in four-of-a-kind bombs.
• Any three-of-a-kind can be played to beat a single Ace.
• Straights need not be of the same suit to be played. However, if a suited straight is played, any subsequently played straights must also be suited for the remainder of the round. Suit hierarchy does come into play here (i.e. a straight consisting of 3♣4♣5♣ is higher than a straight consisting of 3♠4♠5♠).
• Passing does not lock one from playing again in the same round.
• Once a player sheds their final card(s), the round is considered over and the next player is free to play whatever card(s) they choose.
• The loser of the game is required to shuffle the cards and deal the next hand.

South-eastern Metropolitan Melbourne variant[]

A variant popular in the South-eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, where the following variations apply:

• The player with the 3 of spades or the lowest card still starts the game, however the winner of that game is able to start the following game. However, if a new player swaps in for the player who comes last, the player with the 3 of spades starts again.
• The player with the 3 of spades may use any legal combination with the card to start the game (i.e. 3 4 5).
• If a player chooses to pass once in a round, they are unable to play for the remainder of that round.
• Pairs do not have to be the same colour to be played.
• Sequences do not have to be the same suit to be played, however, if a sequence of cards with all the same suit is played (i.e. 4 5 6 of diamond), players can only play sequences with their own matching suit to beat it (i.e. 6 7 8 of spades or other). This is known as a "police".
• When beating a sequence of cards with the same numbers, only the suit of the highest card needs to rank higher than the suit of the other higher card (i.e. a sequence ending in K of diamonds or above beats a sequence ending in K of clubs or below).
• 2s cannot be played in sequences.
• Bombs, known locally as "chops", apply to Aces as well. A singular Ace can be chopped using a three-of-a-kind (i.e. 5 5 5)
• Only singular 2s can be chopped, using four-of-a-kind or a triple-double sequence (i.e. 10 10 J J Q Q).
• Chops for Aces and 2s above singles are not valid, however can still be played as a sequence of their own (i.e. 4 consecutive pairs is legal)
• Chops cannot be used out-of-turn, or after a pass.
• Chops can only be beaten by another chop of the same sequence type (i.e. a 10 10 J J Q Q does not beat a 5 5 5 5, but a 6 6 6 6 does).
• Once a player plays their final card(s) and wins the game, the round is continued by the rest of the players with the winner's final card(s). If no player is able to beat the winners final card(s), the next player is able to play any legal combination.

Amsterdam Variant/ Vietnamese Poker (VP)[]

In this version, played in pubs around Amsterdam, many of the rules are the same, except one big variation exists. Both red 3s (that being 3♥ and 3♦) are used as ultimate trumps. While the 2s still exist as the highest single cards (though cannot be used in straights), the red 3s can be played on any combination. 3♥ cannot be beaten by anything, while 3♦ can only be beaten by 3♥. The only exception to this is a chop (three consecutive pairs such as 4♥, 4♠, 5♣, 5♦, 6♠, 6♣, or four-of-a-kind such as K♥, K♦, K♣, K♠) that has been played on (and can only be played on) a single two. Red 3s cannot beat chops, only higher chops can beat chops.

• Order and dealing of the cards is the same
• The player with the 3♠ automatically commences play
• Strength of suits (highest to lowest) ♥ > ♦ > ♣ > ♠
• Card trading never allowed
• No instant wins
• a minimum of 3 players can play, provided one hand remains unused or 'dead'
• Maximum of 4 players
• Straights do not have to be of the same suit
• Pairs do not have to be of the same colour
• Stakes for this game are €1, given by the loser of each round to the winner
• A chop also incurs an immediate €1 fine, payable by the chopped to the chopper
• A chop can be 'double chopped' if a higher chop is played onto the original chop (it can also be triple chopped) - the highest card must be higher than that of the preceding chop. A double chop brings the fine to €2 and a triple chop €3 (always payable by the chopped to the chopper. In the case of a double chop, the person who laid the original chop then owes the double chopper €2. If a third, higher chop is played, the double chopper then owes the triple chopper €3. In theory, a quadruple chop could occur, although it would be considered pretty incredible and rare)
• It is common practice to constantly bang the table and shout 'Mao!', especially if another player is taking too long to play his or her cards.
• It is meant to be a quick game

UT Pike/OC Intern variant[]

This variation is referred to as Viet Cong.

• Order and dealing of cards the same.
• Card trading never allowed.
• No instant wins.
• 2-4 may play a single game, regardless of number of players though; exactly four 13 card hands are dealt. If three people are playing, then the fourth hand remains unused. If two people are playing, two hands are used for a first game, and then the remaining two hands are used for the second game without any reshuffling or dealing. The losing player of the first game does not have to disclose unused cards from first game. Never can more than 4 people play a single game; if more than four people wish to play, a non-player must call “loser’s spot” and may replace the losing player of the current game in the following game. The new person must always shuffle and deal.
• Pairs need not be same color.
• When multiple card combinations are played (pairs, trips, straights etc.), higher combination decided by highest card played. King of Hearts and King of Spades pair would beat King of Diamonds and King of Clubs pair.
• Straights need not be same suit. However, if a suited straight (a “lock”) is played, any subsequently played straights must also be suited for the remainder of the round. Just because a straight is a lock, does not mean it can beat a straight with a higher top card or be played on top of a straight used with a different number of cards.
• 2s never allowed in a straight.
• Passing locks a person out of the round.
• Once a player sheds his final card(s), the round is not considered over. If all remaining players pass, then the person playing clockwise to the player who just “went out” then “has the power” and may play whatever they wish or “reset the table.”
• Only three consecutive pairs considered “bombs.” Bombs can either be led, used on a single 2, or played on top of a lower bomb.
• More so than winning, the goal is to not lose. The loser must shuffle and deal the cards for the next game (or lose his or her spot in the game if a person calls “losers spot”). Generally, the cards are pushed in front of the loser and the phrase “Shuffle Bitch” is used. It is very shameful and humiliating to lose and have to shuffle and deal the cards. It is even more shameful and embarrassing for a person to lose then have someone else shuffle and deal for him or her. Denying the shamefulness of having to shuffle and deal the cards is reason enough to banish a person from playing the game ever again (Greg Harden Rule). There is no shame in shuffling and dealing to begin the first game or shuffling and dealing when one is the new person to the table of people who have already been playing.
• When playing with two players, the shuffling and dealing is shared and not shameful or embarrassing until one person wins both “games” dealt from one round of shuffling and dealing. The other person must shuffle and deal (with shame) until he or she wins both games.
• Optional Rule: have person shuffling and dealing in shame wear bowl, dunce cap or some other visible sign of shame while shuffling and dealing.

Asian Deuces Variant[]

The winner of the hand determines whether the cards in the next game are cleared after each round or at the end of the game. During the very first game the player with the 3♠ determines the card clearing procedure for that game.

Draw Pile Thirteen (San Jose Style)[]

Draw Pile Thirteen does not change basic rules of play.

• 3 Players
• Each Player is dealt thirteen cards to Start
• There is a Draw Pile of thirteen cards
• Whenever a player passes a turn, that player must pick up a card from the draw pile. When there are no more cards left in the draw pile game resumes to standard thirteen.

Pro-Play Thirteen[]

Pro Play Thirteen does not change the dealing or basic rules of play. The variations generally expand the combinations available to play:

• No instant wins.
• Pairs need not be of the same color as the previously played pair.
• 2s can be played at the end of straights.
• Straights ending in 2s can be bombed.
• Bombs can be re-bombed. Hierarchy is as follows, high to low:

† Note multiple quads can be played as one bomb and do not have to be consecutive, for example: 4444 + 9999 can be played together

• ProPlay Point System

Players play for 1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th. No extra points for holding 2s or having extra cards unless one did not get in as stated below in the 'Got to Get In' rule. First place gets 2 points, 2nd gets 1 point, 3rd gets minus 1 point and 4th gets minus 2 points. Variations of the points can be increased as long as it is still a zero-sum game. One extra point is given to someone who bombs someone's two. Points compound using the hierarchy of bombs listed above.

Guaransheeds are a special case in which a player believes he or she can guarantee a first place win. If the Guaransheeding player is successful, the Guaransheeding player will receive an additional point from each player in the game. If unsuccessful, the Guaransheeding player must give 2 point to each player in the game. A Guaransheed must be approved by all players before play begins.

Blind Guaransheeds are similar to Guaransheeds except the Guaransheeding player has not seen his or her hand before guaranteeing the victory. If the Blind Guaransheeding player is successful, that player will receive two additional points from each player in the game. Otherwise the Guaransheeding player must give two points to each player in the game.

Got to Get In: If a player goes out and any of the players has not yet played a card, each player who has not played forfeits two points to the player who is going out.

White - out: If a player does not hit a single card before another player finishes, they are automatically eliminate from the game. For scoring, they will owe x2 the "set amount" for a normal loss.

Cambodian Switcheroo: Occurs when a player suggests another pass, insinuating they will go low or hit a card another likes, sometimes even by showing the card, only to switch it at the last moment for another.

Casual rules[]

Popular in south-central USA, this rule set aims to be simpler for players just starting. Standard rules apply, as well as:

• Players choice to have previous winner or low card start
• Loser shuffles and deals
• Player direction reverses each game
• Trading allowed or banned; agreed on before play
• Instant wins allowed or banned; agreed on before play. Additionally:
  • Dragons only require a 13-card run; the cards may be in any combinations of suits
  • 4-triples are required for an instant win, instead of 3-triples. Additionally, three 4-pair/bombs are an instant win.
  • 6-pair, 4-triples, or 3-bombs do not need to be in sequence
• "Chops" are 3 or more pair runs in any combination of suits, "bombs" are four-of-a-kind
  • Chops beat any hand aside from instant wins and bombs. Higher chops with the same number of pairs can be played on lower chops.
  • Bombs beat any hand aside from instant wins. Higher number bombs can be played on lower number bombs.
• High card (number, then suit) is used in pairs, runs, chops, and bombs to determine whether one hand beats another
  • IE, if 33-44-55 with a 5 of clubs and spades was played, then 5 of clubs is considered the high card. Therefore, 33-44-55 with a 5 of hearts or diamonds or 44-55-66, etc., would beat the initial chop.
• Players who pass may not play again until all players pass / the next round starts
• A player emptying their hand does not end the game; players continue to play until only one player is left
• No point system; only wins are tracked if wished

See also[]

• Khanhoo
• Winner

References[]