Vietnamese card games: Key features, how to play, and more

1. The 10 most popular Vietnamese card games

1.1. Vietnamese 13-card game (tiến lên)

Vietnamese card game tiến lên is one of the famous Vietnamese games. Its Northern version shares some similarities with the Western card game President. It is often played by four or more people; if four people play, the deck is evenly divided with each player receiving 13 cards. The goal is to play a higher card than the previous player, with the first person to discard all their cards declared the winner.

Essentially, there are two main rules: card order and the “cutting” rule. The card rank from lowest to highest is: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, with the strongest card being 2. To “cut” a card, players must use a card of the same suit with a higher value, which is where Northern “tiến lên” differs from its Southern counterpart. For example, a ♠9 can only be cut by a higher ♠ card, like ♠10.

1.2. Blackjack (xì dách)

Inspired by Blackjack, “Xì dách” is known for its excitement and dramatic twists. Each game involves at least two players, with one acting as the dealer. The dealer distributes two cards to each player, and the goal is to not exceed a total of 21 points.

Card values are: 2-10 retain their number, J, Q, and K are 10 points, and A can be worth 1, 10, or 11, depending on the situation. If a player gets a combination of two Aces (Xì bàn) or an Ace with a 10, J, Q, or K (Xì dách), they win instantly.

During the game, the dealer can inspect players’ cards, and players may continue to draw cards to reach 21 points. Special cases like “ngũ linh” (five cards totaling 21 or less) also lead to victory. It is also important to note that a “quắc” (bust) can occur when a player’s total exceeds 21 points. A player who “quắc” automatically loses and is no longer allowed to draw cards.

1.3. Baccarat (bài cào)

Baccarat, also known as “Bài cào”, is perhaps the simplest card game in terms of rules, perfect for beginners. Each player receives three cards and their goal is to get as close to 9 points as possible, as points are calculated from 0 to 9.

Cards from 2 to 10 retain their face value, while J, Q, and K are worth 10 points, and A is worth 1 point. The sum of the points is determined by taking only the last digit of the total. For example, drawing an 8, 5, and 4 results in a total of 17, which is counted as 7 points.

Special combinations such as “Sáp” (three identical cards) or “Liêng” (three consecutive cards) can also lead to a win, even if the total points are not the highest.

1.4. Poker (xì tố)

Poker, or “Xì tố” in Vietnam, is a game of strategy and skill, widely played in casinos around the world. In Vietnam, the game is played with a deck of 32 cards (7 to A), and between 2 to 6 players.

Each player is initially dealt two cards, with one face-up and one face-down. Players can choose to raise, follow, or fold depending on their hand. The game proceeds through rounds of betting, with the player holding the strongest combination of cards at the end winning the pot. Winning hands can include combinations like pairs, three-of-a-kind, straights, or a full house.

1.5. Catte (cát tê)

Catte is a popular Vietnamese card game that keeps players engaged through its unique rules. The game uses a deck of 52 cards, and each player is dealt 6 cards. The game progresses through six rounds, each with specific rules.

The first four rounds of the Vietnamese card game cat te are known as the “Chiếm tùng” rounds, where players attempt to win by playing higher cards than the previous player in the same suit. The goal is to hold onto at least one winning card. If a player holds no winning cards after four rounds, they are eliminated from the game.

The fifth and sixth rounds, called “Chưng” and “Lật,” determine the winner among the remaining players based on the strength of their remaining cards.

Besides the exciting card games, explore other Vietnamese board games

1.6. Contract bridge (tá lả)

In Northern Vietnam, “tá lả” is a go-to card game during New Year’s gatherings. “Tá lả” is best played with four players, with added excitement if two of them form a pair sitting opposite each other. This positioning allows them to strategize against their neighboring opponents.

Each player gets nine cards, except the first, who draws an additional card from the talon known as the “nọc.” The objective is to form sets of matching cards, called “phỏm,” and end with the fewest points.

Players take turns discarding cards, with the next player either picking up the discarded card or drawing from the talon. They then discard one card and play until someone declares “ù” (all their cards form “phỏm”s), or the talon runs out. The winner is the player with the fewest points after all cards are discarded.

1.7. Vietnamese 3-card game (đánh liêng)

“Liêng” is another popular card game using a 52-card deck. It shares some similarities with poker, particularly in its betting structure, but with simpler rules.

Before each round, players must place an equal initial bet. After that, each player is dealt three cards, which they must keep hidden from others. Players then have several options:

• Fold: If you feel your hand is too weak, you can fold, forfeiting your initial bet.
• Call: Matching the highest bet placed by another player.
• Raise: Increasing the bet beyond the current highest.
• All-in: Betting all your chips if you are confident in your hand.

Once the bets are made, the player with the highest-ranking hand wins the pot. Importantly, each game of “liêng” only allows one betting round.

1.8. Vietnamese 120-card game (tổ tôm)

“Tổ tôm” is a complex game steeped in Vietnamese culture and tradition. The cards are illustrated with Chinese characters and symbolic images. There are 30 different kinds of cards, making up a total of 120 cards, each represented by a combination of numbers (One, Two, Three, etc.) and suits (Cash, Strings of Cash, Myriads of Strings).

Players must be familiar with Chinese characters to play this Vietnamese card game. To win by “ù,” the following requirements must be met:

• All cards must be laid out.
• Cards of the same type received during dealing must be revealed.
• The hand must consist of exactly 21 cards, arranged into valid sets without any leftover cards.
• The revealed cards must include 10 pairs of “chắn” (blocking sets) and 6 pairs of “trở” (turn sets).

The game can be played with either four or five players. In the four-player variant, known as “bí tứ,” each player receives 20 cards, while one extra set becomes the talon. The game continues until a player declares “ù” or the talon runs out.

1.9. Three chrysanthemums (tam cúc)

“Tam cúc” is a classic game in Northern Vietnam, played with a 32-card deck. This Vietnamese card game is suitable for women because it has fewer cards, which makes it easy to remember and understand. The deck is divided into red and black cards, with red cards being more valuable. Each card belongs to a ranked category, such as “Tướng” (General) or “Sĩ” (Advisor). Depending on the number of players, the game adjusts, with cards being removed for balance.

A player starts the round by calling “one card,” “two cards,” or “three cards,” depending on how many they wish to play. Cards are laid face down, and once all players have chosen, they reveal their hands. The highest card wins the round, and that player becomes the next dealer.

1.10. Four color cards (tứ sắc)

Vietnamese card game tu sac uses a deck of 112 rectangular cards in four colors: green, red, white, and yellow. Each card is named after a military rank or unit, such as “Tướng” (General) or “Xe” (Chariot). Players are dealt 20 cards each, with the dealer receiving 21.

The goal is to arrange your cards into valid combinations and be the first to complete your hand without any unpaired cards. If no player can finish their hand before the talon is down to seven cards, the game is declared a draw.

Discover other Vietnamese traditional games

2. Where to play Vietnamese card games and more?

2.1. Offline options

In Vietnam, offline card games are a popular way to socialize, especially during special occasions and gatherings. Traditional games like tiến lên, phỏm, and tam cúc are commonly played at home during family gatherings, Tet (Lunar New Year), and social meetups. Some local cafes and small venues, particularly in smaller cities and towns, also allow informal card game sessions. Additionally, festivals and cultural events, especially during Tet, provide opportunities to see these games played in public, adding to the festive atmosphere.

2.2. Casinos in Vietnam

For visitors to Vietnam, legal casinos in Vietnam are present in popular destinations such as Phu Quoc, Da Nang, Ha Long, and Hai Phong, offering various card games. Notably, Corona Casino Phu Quoc stands out as the first in Vietnam to allow Vietnamese citizens to participate. With 100 gaming tables, including Baccarat, Roulette, and Poker, along with 1,000 slot machines, this casino in Phu Quoc offers an all-day entertainment experience that rivals major casinos across Asia.

For foreign visitors, a valid foreign passport issued by the appropriate foreign authority, a valid travel document, legal entry into Vietnam, and full civil capacity are required. Additionally, they must voluntarily comply with the game’s rules.

The casino is a perfect complement to the broader Phu Quoc experience, offering visitors a chance to indulge in exciting entertainment alongside the island’s many other attractions. Guests can unwind in luxury at Vinpearl Phu Quoc, where world-class accommodations provide the ultimate in comfort and relaxation. For adventure-seekers, VinWonders Phu Quoc offers a thrilling array of theme park rides and attractions, making it a must-visit for families and fun-lovers alike.

Meanwhile, the vibrant atmosphere of Grand World Phu Quoc invites travelers to immerse themselves in lively street performances, cultural showcases, and bustling nightlife. Together, these experiences create an unforgettable getaway.

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Vietnamese card games are a central part of social gatherings, offering a mix of luck, strategy, and fun. Try these games at your next family gathering or festive occasion to enjoy the cultural joy of Vietnam!