Is Tong-Its Poker?

Tong-Its is a popular card game that originated in the Philippines. It is often compared to poker due to the similarities in the gameplay and the use of cards. However, there are distinct differences between Tong-Its and poker that set them apart from each other.

One of the main differences between Tong-Its and poker is the number of cards used in each game. Poker is typically played with a deck of 52 cards while Tong-Its only uses 3 decks of 52 cards, making it a total of 156 cards. This means that there are fewer possible combinations of cards in Tong-Its compared to poker.

Another difference between Tong-Its and poker is the objective of each game. In poker, players aim to have the highest-ranking hand at the end of each round.

In Tong-Its, players aim to form sets or runs using their cards before their opponents do so. The first player to get rid of all their cards or have the fewest points at the end of each round wins.

PRO TIP:Tong-Its is a Filipino card game that is a combination of poker and rummy. The game involves two to four players, and each player must have three cards in their hand at any time. The goal of the game is to form a wining combination of three cards, either by making pairs or sets, or by playing high-ranking hands such as three-of-a-kind or straights. The game is fast-paced and can be quite challenging!

The scoring system used in Tong-Its also differs from that of poker. In poker, each hand has a specific point value based on its rank, whereas in Tong-Its, different combinations of sets and runs have varying point values. For example, having three-of-a-kind gives a higher score than having two-of-a-kind.

In terms of gameplay, both games involve betting and bluffing strategies. However, unlike in poker where players can fold if they do not have a good hand, players in Tong-Its must play all their cards during each round.

Despite these differences, some people still consider Tong-Its as a form of poker due to its use of cards and similar betting mechanics. However, it is important to note that they are still two distinct games with unique rules and objectives.

In conclusion, while both games share some similarities such as using cards and betting strategies, there are notable differences between Tong-Its and poker. Tong-Its is a game that requires players to form sets or runs using their cards, while poker is a game where players aim to have the highest-ranking hand. Understanding these differences is important for players who want to master both games and enjoy them to the fullest.