How to play Thirteen
Thirteen — Tiến lên, the national card game of Vietnam — is a climbing game: shed all 13 of your cards before anyone else. Ranks run 3, 4, 5 … 10, J, Q, K, A, 2, so the 2 is the boss card; suits rank ♠ < ♣ < ♦ < ♥ and only matter between equal ranks (a 5♠ still beats any 4, but a 5♥ beats a 5♣).
The player holding the 3♠ leads the first hand and must include it in the opening play. On an empty table you may lead any combination: a single, a pair, a triple, four of a kind, a sequence of three or more cards (suits need not match, and no 2s allowed), or a double sequence of three or more pairs, like 3-3-4-4-5-5. Everyone after you must play the same type and size of combination with a higher top card — or pass, which locks them out until the trick clears. When nobody will beat your play, the pile is cleared and you lead again.
Bombs puncture the mighty 2: a four of a kind or a 3-pair double sequence beats a single 2, a 4-pair double sequence beats a pair of 2s, and a 5-pair double sequence beats three 2s. A bomb can only be topped by a higher bomb of the same type. The first player out scores 3 points, then 2, 1 and 0 — first to 10 points wins the game. Click cards to raise them (a legal selection plays itself), press Play when leading fewer cards than you could, or drag cards onto the table.
Strategy tips that actually win games
- Count the 2s. Only four exist. Once you have seen three, your last 2 is unbeatable except by a bomb — cash it late to win the trick that lets you lead your awkward cards.
- Shed low singles early, from the 3 up. Loose low cards are liabilities you can only dump while tricks are cheap. Lead them before someone starts climbing with face cards.
- Keep combinations intact. A pair beats two singles: breaking a pair to chase one trick usually costs you two turns later. The same goes double for sequences.
- Pass on purpose. Ducking a mid-trick with playable cards is often right — let opponents burn their aces against each other while your hand stays flexible. Just remember a pass benches you for the whole trick.
- Save bombs for 2s, not for pride. A four of a kind used as an ordinary lead is wasted. Held back, it converts an opponent's "unbeatable" 2 into your tempo — often exactly when they are down to their last cards.
- Watch hand counts. When an opponent is down to one card, stop leading singles; lead pairs or sequences they cannot answer, and make them sit while you empty your own hand.
Frequently asked questions
What are the rules of Thirteen (Tiến lên)?
Four players get 13 cards each. Ranks run 3 (lowest) up to ace and then 2 (highest); suits rank spades < clubs < diamonds < hearts and only break ties between equal ranks. The holder of the 3 of spades leads the first hand and must include it in the opening play. Players then beat the combination on the table with the same type and size — single, pair, triple, four of a kind, sequence of three or more, or double sequence — judged by the highest card, or they pass. Passing locks you out until the trick clears. The first player out of cards wins the hand; play continues for 2nd and 3rd place.
What beats a 2 in Thirteen?
Only a higher 2 — or a bomb. A four of a kind or a double sequence of three or more pairs beats a single 2; a double sequence of four or more pairs beats a pair of 2s; a double sequence of five or more pairs beats three 2s. Once a bomb is on the table, only a higher bomb of the same type can top it.
Can a 2 be part of a sequence in Thirteen?
No. The 2 is the highest card but it can never be used in any sequence or double sequence — sequences run from 3 up to the ace at most. That is exactly what makes bare 2s vulnerable to bombs.
How does scoring work in Thirteen?
The first player to shed all 13 cards scores 3 points, the second 2, the third 1 and the last 0. Hands are dealt until someone reaches 10 or more points with the sole top score — if two players tie at the top, more hands are played until there is a single winner.
Can I pass in Thirteen even if I could play?
Yes — passing is always allowed when you are not leading, and it is often smart to save your high cards. But once you pass, you sit out until the trick is cleared from the table, so you cannot jump back in on the same trick.
Is this the Northern or Southern version of Tiến lên?
The Southern version (Tiến lên miền Nam), matching the most common online rules: sequences do not need matching suits, suit order breaks ties, and bombs beat 2s. Instant wins (four 2s or a 3-to-ace run at deal) are not used.
More free card games
Enjoy shedding races? Try Switch or the battlefield chaos of Idiot — or slow down for the trick-taking classic Hearts.