Phom, also known as Ta La or Tu Lo Kho, is a card game deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, particularly popular in the northern regions. Known as Ta La in the south and Phom in the north, this game requires strategic thinking as players aim to collect and discard cards to form sets called Phom while minimizing the total score of cards not in Phom. Played with a traditional 52-card deck, the game's diverse styles enhance its appeal. It's a staple at family reunions and holiday gatherings, providing endless entertainment.
Here are some essential terms in Phom and Ta La:
- Phom: A set of three or more cards of the same suit in consecutive order, or three cards of the same value.
- Junk cards: Cards that do not belong to any Phom.
- Ù: A player who has three Phoms (no junk cards), achieving an absolute win.
- Stomach: The remaining cards after all players have been dealt.
- Mom: A player who cannot form any Phom at the end of the game.
- Take the pin: Playing a junk card in the last turn, only for another player to take it.
- Send: In the last turn, if a junk card can be added to another player's Phom, it can be sent and will not count toward the final score.
- Compensation: In the last turn, if a player takes the previous player's pin and the next player Ùs, the player who took the pin is compensated. The player who takes the next pin must pay the one who took the first pin. Additionally, three consecutive cards also count as compensation.
- Re: After playing, if another player at the table plays, the cards are transferred, allowing an extra turn.
To play Phom - Ta La:
- The game accommodates 2 to 4 players. Each player receives 9 cards, while the dealer or winner gets 10. The remaining cards, called Stomach, are placed face-down in the center.
- Play proceeds counterclockwise, starting with the player who has 10 cards.
- Gameplay:
- The first player discards any card. The next player can take it if it forms a Phom; otherwise, they draw from the Stomach.
- After drawing, the player discards a card, and the next player follows suit. This cycle continues.
- The game ends when a player Ùs. If no one Ùs, the game concludes after four rounds, and points from junk cards determine the winner.
- In the last turn, players must lay down all their Phoms, send cards that can be sent to other players' Phoms, and discard their final card. Remaining junk cards are scored.
Scoring junk cards when no one Ùs:
- The player with the lowest score wins.
- A, J, Q, K score 1, 11, 12, 13, respectively. Other cards score according to their face value.
- In case of a tie, the player who discards first wins.
Final score calculation:
- First place: +6 points
- Second place: -1 point
- Third place: -2 points
- Last place: -3 points
- Player who gets the pin: -4 points
- Player who takes the pin: +4 points
- Player who Ùs or Ùs Khan: +15 points (each other player loses 5 points)
- Burned/burnt player: loses 4 points to the winner.
Note: This game is intended for entertainment and does not involve real-world transactions or rewards. For support, please email [email protected].
In addition to Phom Ta La online, we offer other popular online card games like Tien Len Mien Nam, Poker - Hong Kong Poker, Mau Binh - Gray Binhxap, Tien Len Counting Leaves, and Tien Len North.
What's New in Version 737.4
Last updated on Jul 18, 2024:
- Reduced game size
- Fixed the issue of account suspension in the game
