Jim Haltom

I grew up loving Spades and Hearts. Some of my fondest memories are sitting at a table with family and friends and playing card games. When I first read about Tichu, it seemed like everything I could ever want in a card game. Strategic decisions, partner and opponent reading, multiple choices to make with your hand. You have to really think when playing. Playing games like Spades, or Rummy, I would always go on auto-pilot, and make the optimal choice. Tichu isn’t that simple. Non-gamers, if familiar with more traditional card games, have to really think the first time you go to teach them. This may put some people off, but be patient, and encourage them to keep trying. It will “click” with them, it’s just going to take a few hands to do so.