May 12, 2023
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Understanding Tong Its rules starts with knowing how the cards are dealt and how the game is set up. Many beginners struggle not because of strategy, but because they misunderstand who gets extra cards, who starts first, and how the table is prepared before play begins. This guide focuses only on the dealing and setup stage of Tong Its.
Table of contents [Show]
Number of Players in Tong Its
Under standard Tong Its rules, the game is played by three players only. There are no official two-player or four-player formats, as the game’s balance relies on three independent hands competing at the same time.
Cards and Deck Used
Tong Its rules specify the use of a standard 52-card deck.
- No jokers
- Four suits
- Ace counts as low
All later rules, including scoring and meld creation, are based on this deck structure.
Card Dealing Rules
Card dealing follows a fixed and important pattern.
- The dealer receives 13 cards
- The other two players receive 12 cards each
- Remaining cards form the draw pile
The dealer’s extra card allows them to discard first, which officially starts the game.
Dealer Selection
Depending on the table, Tong Its rules allow the dealer to be chosen in different ways.
- Random selection
- Rotating order
- Winner of the previous round
On online platforms such as Nustabet, the dealer is assigned automatically to keep the setup consistent.
Initial Table Setup
After dealing, players silently review their hands. No melds are placed on the table at this stage, and no one may call Tong Its immediately. The dealer always takes the first turn.
Draw Pile and Discard Pile
Two piles are created once dealing is complete.
- Draw pile: used to draw one card per turn
- Discard pile: starts empty and grows as players discard
These piles control the pace and information flow defined by Tong Its rules.
Why Setup Rules Matter
Card dealing and setup define the entire rhythm of a Tong Its round. On structured platforms like Nustabet, these rules are enforced automatically, so understanding them beforehand helps beginners avoid early mistakes and play with more confidence from the first turn.
