Tichu Card Combinations
Success in Tichu depends on understanding and recognizing card combinations instantly. From simple singles to game-changing bombs, knowing when and how to play each combination separates beginners from experts.
Single Cards
The simplest combination: one card. Cards rank from 2 (lowest) through Ace (highest), with the Dragon being the ultimate single card. The Phoenix played as a single beats the card it follows by half a rank but cannot beat the Dragon. Singles are common in endgame situations when players are trying to empty their hands.
Pairs and Triples
Two cards of the same rank form a pair; three cards form a triple. These must be beaten by higher pairs or triples of the same type. The Phoenix can substitute for one card in a pair or triple. Consecutive pairs (like 5-5-6-6-7-7) form a "stair" and must be beaten by a higher stair of equal length.
Full House
A full house consists of a triple plus a pair (like K-K-K-7-7). Full houses are ranked by their triple component—a full house with three Kings beats one with three Queens regardless of the pair. The Phoenix can complete either the triple or pair portion.
Straights
A straight is a sequence of at least 5 consecutive cards (like 4-5-6-7-8). Straights can be any length from 5 to 14 cards. A straight must be beaten by a higher straight of exactly the same length. The Mah Jong counts as 1 and the Phoenix can fill any gap. Suits don't matter.
Bombs
Bombs are the most powerful combinations and can interrupt normal play. A bomb can be four of a kind (like 9-9-9-9) or a straight flush of at least 5 cards in the same suit. Bombs beat any non-bomb combination and can be played out of turn. Higher bombs beat lower bombs—a longer straight flush beats a shorter one, and any straight flush beats four of a kind.
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