A dynamic card game blending elements of Bridge, Daihinmin, and Poker.
Tichu is a partnership-based card game where teammates sit opposite each other. Players work collaboratively to score points and gain the advantage throughout multiple hands, aiming to be the first team to reach a predetermined point threshold.
The Tichu deck features 56 cards across four suits: Jade, Swords, Pagodas, and Stars. Each suit contains 13 cards ranking from 2 through Ace (A), plus four special cards: Dragon, Phoenix, Hound, and Mah Jong.
Players receive eight initial cards and may declare "Grand Tichu" - a bold 200-point wager claiming they'll be first to play all cards. After distributing six additional cards, players can declare "Tichu" (a 100-point version) until playing their first card. The declarations differ in timing, cards visible, and point values.
Following the full deal (14 cards per player), teams exchange cards: each player passes one hidden card to every opponent and their partner, receiving three cards in return.
The Mah Jong holder initiates play by leading any valid combination. Subsequent players must play higher-ranking combinations of the same type (except Bombs). When players pass consecutively, the last active player collects the trick and leads anew. Rounds conclude when both teammates empty their hands, requiring at least two players to "go out." Remaining cards incur penalties.
Victory is achieved when a team meets or surpasses the predetermined target score.
English support: https://support.lazyland.com/196428-Tichu
