Tichu

Tichu

Card Game
Players
3-10
Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
4 players
Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
90 min
AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
10+
ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
2.3 / 5
Year
1991

About the game

Tichu is a fast-paced partnership card game where two teams of two race to be first to empty their hands. On your turn you either beat the current combination of cards on the table or pass, building tension as players climb through singles, pairs, straights, and more. Calling 'Tichu' before playing a single card is a bold bet that you'll go out first, risking or rewarding your team with a big points swing. Special cards like the Dragon, Phoenix, and Mah Jong add extra tactical twists to the trick-taking. It's a beloved classic for card gamers who love team-based trick-taking with real stakes.

Hobbli's Notes

Tichu is one of the sharpest partnership card games out there, prized for how much tension it wrings from a standard deck plus four special cards. The Tichu call adds a wonderful bluffing and risk-assessment layer on top of already-solid trick-taking. It does ask for a regular group of four who enjoy reading their partner's signals. If your table loves team-based card games, this belongs in permanent rotation.

What we like

  • Deep trick-taking with genuine tactical decisions each round.
  • Tichu calls add thrilling risk/reward bluffing.
  • Fast-playing once the group knows the rules.
  • Rewards strong partnership communication and reading.

Keep in mind

  • Rules and card combinations take real effort to learn.
  • Best played with exactly four in fixed partnerships.
  • Luck of the deal can swing a round significantly.
  • Downtime waiting for other players' turns in larger tables.

Who it's for

Best suited to experienced card gamers aged 12+ playing in a fixed group of four who enjoy team communication and calculated risk.

Mechanics

Hand ManagementLadder ClimbingAuction / BiddingTeam-Based Game

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