Phỏm Ta La - Tien Len Online: A Popular Vietnamese Card Game
Phỏm, also known as Ta La or Tu Lo Kho, is a widely played card game in Vietnam, particularly popular in the northern regions. The names "Ta La" and "Phom" are regional variations. The objective of Phỏm is to strategically collect and discard cards to form sets ("Phom") while minimizing the point value of remaining unmatched cards ("Junk cards"). Utilizing a standard 52-card deck and diverse gameplay, Phỏm offers a captivating and engaging experience, making it a favorite pastime for family and friends during gatherings and holidays.
Key Terminology:
- Phom: A set of three or more cards of the same suit with consecutive values, or three or more cards of the same rank.
- Junk Cards: Cards not part of a Phom.
- Ù (Hu): A player achieving three Phoms (no junk cards) wins the round outright.
- Stomach (or Stock): The remaining undealt cards.
- Mom: A player unable to form any Phoms at the end of the round.
- Taking the Pin: Picking up a discarded junk card in the final round.
- Sending: In the final round, discarding a card that completes another player's Phom.
- Compensation: A player who takes a pin and subsequently another player achieves Ù, resulting in point adjustments. Consecutive three cards also trigger compensation.
- Re: A player's turn is extended if another player plays after their discard.
Gameplay:
- Players: 2 to 4 players. The dealer (usually the previous round's winner) receives 10 cards; others receive 9. Remaining cards form the stock.
- Turns: Play proceeds counter-clockwise, starting with the dealer.
- Playing Cards: The first player discards a card. Subsequent players can either take a matching card to create a Phom or draw a card from the stock. After taking/drawing, a card is discarded.
- Game End: The game ends when a player achieves Ù or after four rounds if no one achieves Ù. In the latter case, points are calculated based on remaining junk cards.
- Final Round: Players must complete their Phoms, send cards, and discard their final card.
- Scoring: The player with the lowest score wins. A, J, Q, K are worth 1, 11, 12, 13 respectively. Other cards are face value. Bonus/penalty points are awarded for various scenarios (e.g., first place, taking/getting pins, Ù).
Additional Notes:
- Phỏm is intended for recreational purposes.
- Contact [email protected] for support.
Beyond Phỏm Ta La, this developer also offers online versions of other popular Vietnamese card games including Tien Len Mien Nam, Poker, Mau Binh, and more.
Version 737.4 Update (July 18, 2024)
- Reduced game size.
- Fixed a bug causing account freezes.