Among card games, Tongits holds a lasting reputation as one of the most popular in the Philippines, appealing to both casual and serious players alike. With online gaming becoming ever so widely popular, Tongits has gladly now made a new home in online gaming and made one of the best sites to go to, GameZone, where the active version is known as “Tongits Plus”. It works by adding features to the traditional game, enabling smoother gameplay and offering a richer experience for players with different skills.

If you are new to Tongits Plus in GameZone or just want to improve your skills, this guide teaches the important rules and strategies in this particular game to beat it.

What Exactly Is Tongits?

Tongits is a game, a variant of rummy, played with three people, which uses a standard 52-card pack. Play is by forming sets and runs, using your cards wisely, and understanding the nuances of when to make a move. The game, therefore, requires skills, strategy, and some luck, all of which must be applied to outwit an opponent and declare oneself the winner.

How to Play Tongits Plus in GameZone

The objective of the Game

The main objective of Tongits Plus is to form valid card combinations to reduce your total hand value. A player can win by achieving a Tongits (running out of cards), successfully calling a Draw, or having the lowest hand value when the deck runs out.

Game Setup

The game of Tongits Plus is played with a standard 52-card deck. A single round is played with three players involved in the game. Each player gets 12 cards, while the dealer is dealt 13 cards and plays first; the dealer puts the cards in front of him. The remainder is used as a draw pile placed at the center. A discard or refuse pile is created as the game progresses.

Valid Card Combinations

To cut down on your points and maximize your winning chances, you need to formulate valid Melds, just as crafting the perfect beer recipe requires balancing ingredients to achieve the best flavor and character, which are simplified as:

• Sets (Triplet or Three-of-a-Kind)-Three cards of the same rank (example: 7♠ 7♦ 7♥). 
• Runs (Sequences or Straight Flushes) – A set of three or more cards in consecutive order from the same suit (e.g., 4♣ 5♣ 6♣).

The Gameplay Mechanics

Each round of Tongits Plus unfolds through the following steps:

Drawing a Card

• The first player (dealer) starts by discarding one card.
• The next player can either draw from the deck or pick up the last discarded card.

Melding

• If a player has a valid Set or Run, they can place it face-up on the table.
• Melding is optional, and players may choose to hold onto combinations for strategic purposes.

Sagasa (Laying Off Cards)

• Players can add matching cards to existing melds laid by themselves or others.
• For example, if a meld on the table has 8♠ 9♠ 10♠, another player can add J♠.

Discarding a Card

• Discard a card – After drawing and forming possible melds or sagasa, the player must discard one card.
• Next turn – The next player repeats the process in the same order.

Winning Conditions

There are three ways to win in Tongits Plus:

• Tongits – A player wins automatically by running out of cards (discarding their last card after forming valid melds).
• Draw – A player may call Draw if they believe they have the lowest card value. If no opponent fights (challenges), the Draw, that player wins. If an opponent fights and has a lower card value, they win instead.
• Deck Exhaustion – If the draw pile runs out and no one calls Tongits or Draw, the player with the lowest card value wins.

Scoring System

After they are awarded points for unmelded cards based on the following:

• Aces – 1 point
• Numbered Cards – Worth their face value (e.g., 5♠ = 5 points, 9♦ = 9 points).
• Face Cards (J, Q, and K) – 10 points each

The player with the lowest unmelded total is declared the winner of the game round.

Unique Features of GameZone’s Tongits Plus

GameZone elevates the Tongits experience with these exciting additions:

Multiplayer Mode Online

• Play with real people anytime, anywhere.
• Compete in ranked matches and climb the leaderboard.

In-Game Chat and Emojis

• Use chat messages and emoticons to interact with other players.

Tournaments and Events

• Join scheduled tournaments and compete for rewards.
• Complete daily missions to earn bonus prizes.

Smart AI for Safe Solo Play

• Practice against AI opponents before playing against real players.

Safe and Fair Play

• Ensures fair gameplay through randomized card distribution.

Tips and Strategies to Win at Tongits

Observe the Movements of Other Players

• Pay attention to which cards are picked and discarded to predict opponents’ strategies.

Avoid Holding High-value Unmatched Cards

• Get rid of high-value cards early to minimize potential losses.

Use the Draw Option Wisely

• Call Draw only when you’re confident that you have the lowest total hand value.

Time Your Tongits

• Avoid emptying your hand too quickly, as an opponent might challenge your win.

Keep an Eye on the Draw Pile

• When the deck is running low, start reducing your points to prepare for a deck exhaustion win.

Why Play Tongits Plus on GameZone?

For the Tongits experience, GameZone is one of the best destinations on the Web. Be it the casual player seeking fun or the serious-minded competitor looking to make it to the top of the leaderboards, GameZone is a venue that has fair play, fun features, and some very exciting challenges. 

With a stronghold on rules and some strategies, it’s time for an exciting ride into Tongits Plus. Just like discovering new beer styles after understanding the basics, this is your chance to dive in, refine your skills, and enjoy the experience. Join GameZone, put your skills to the test, and have fun!