Tichu - Tips & Strategies

Try and keep track of how many of the high cards are played (Dragon, Phoenix, Aces and maybe even Kings). This can be of great use in the later stages of a hand when you possibly could get the lead with a pair of queens or similar because enough of them has already been played.

When you are “dealing” the cards by having each player take a card at a time off the top of the deck, start with the player who went out first in the previous hand.

This applies especially when your partner calls Tichu.

Sure it may be nice to have the lead, sure you may think that you’re just trying to get rid of a card or two, but when your partner calls Tichu, your #1 priority should be helping them achieve that goal. Why? Because the 100 points you get from a successful Tichu are more than any points you get from tricks.

So if you have the lead, play something you’re sure they can top. If you have the dog, use it to get the lead to your partner at a pivotal time. If you have the Mah Jong, don’t make a wish because you might ruin a straight that your partner has. Never play on top of something your partner played unless you are POSITIVE that they can top you.

So you got the dog-what do you do with it? Are you the less experienced player of your team? then keep it and when you get the lead if you don’t have an unbeatable play are combo of plays you can use it to pass the lead to your partner. As has already been mentioned you pass it to your partner if you are going for a Tichu or Grand Tichu. If you are not sure of your hand and are not yet comfortable with trying to take the lead or you just want to mess with your opponents pass it to the stronger(more experienced) of your opponents or to the one who called Grand Tichu.

Agree with your partner beforehand to pass an odd number card to the player’s left and even number to the right(or vice versa). This way you and your partner do not run the risk of passing a bomb to a player.