Tien Len

Tien Len is the Vietnamese shedding game whose name means “go forward,” and it’s often called Thirteen in English because every player gets 13 cards. Play Tien Len online free in your browser against three computer players, with no download or sign-up, on desktop or on your phone.

How to play

Four players get 13 cards each from a standard 52-card deck. Cards rank from 2 (highest) down through Ace, King, Queen, Jack and 10 to 3 (lowest). When two cards share a rank, the suit decides: spades are lowest, then clubs, then diamonds, with hearts highest. So the 3 of spades is the lowest card in the deck and the 2 of hearts is the highest.

• The start: in the first deal, the player holding the 3 of spades starts, and their first play must include it. In every later deal, the winner of the previous deal leads anything.
• Combinations: a single card, a pair, a triple, four of a kind, a run of three or more consecutive ranks in any suits (such as 7-8-9), or a double run of three or more consecutive pairs (such as 5-5-6-6-7-7). 2s can never go in a run, so the highest run ends at the Ace.
• Beating a play: each player in turn must play the same kind of combination with the same number of cards and a higher top card, or pass. A run of four can only beat a run of four. Cards you can use glow green.
• Passing: once you pass, you’re out of that round. You can’t come back in until the pile clears, unless you can chop a 2 with a bomb.
• Clearing the pile: when everyone else has passed, the pile clears and the last player to play leads any combination. If that player has just gone out, the lead passes to the next player who still has cards.
• Finishing: the first player to play their last card wins the deal. The others keep playing for 2nd and 3rd place, and the last player holding cards finishes 4th.

Comparing plays

Every combination is judged by its highest card, rank first and then suit. A pair of 9s with the 9 of hearts beats a pair of 9s with the 9 of diamonds, and a run 8-9-10 ending in the 10 of diamonds beats the same run ending in the 10 of clubs.

Bombs: chopping the 2s

A 2 normally beats everything of its kind, but some combinations can “chop” it. This game follows the main rules described on pagat.com:

• A single 2 can be beaten by four of a kind or by a double run of three or more pairs.
• A pair of 2s can be beaten by a double run of four or more pairs.
• Three 2s can be beaten by a double run of five pairs.

A bomb can be beaten by a higher bomb of the same kind, and a player who has already passed can still come back in with a bomb. If you passed and hold one, the game gives you the chance to chop or pass again. Four of a kind doesn’t beat a pair of 2s in these rules, though some house rules allow it.

Strategy tips

• Plan your hand in groups. A low run or double run sheds several cards at once, including lonely cards that would be hard to get rid of as singles.
• Keep your 2s for when the lead matters. A 2 wins most single rounds and gives you the lead. Spending it to beat a 6 usually wastes it.
• Pass with care. Passing locks you out, so passing early on a low card can let an opponent run through several plays in a row.
• Watch the card counts. The counters turn yellow at 2 cards or fewer. When an opponent has one card left, don’t lead a single unless it’s your highest.

Your deals won, finishing places and best winning streak are saved in your browser.

FAQ

Is this Tien Len game free?

Yes. It’s free to play with no account and no install. Press Deal the cards to start, and Deal again after each deal.

Is Tien Len the same as Big Two?

They’re close relatives, but they play differently. Tien Len uses runs and double runs instead of five-card poker hands, hearts are the top suit, and passing locks you out of the round. Big Two lets you play again after passing.

Can 2s be used in a run?

Not in this game. Runs go from 3 up to the Ace, and the 2 can only be played as a single, pair, triple or four of a kind. Some groups allow a 2 at the top of a run, but this game doesn’t.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes. Tap glowing cards to select them, then tap Play, or tap Pass. Hint picks a legal play for you. On a keyboard, the arrow keys cycle through legal plays, Enter plays, X passes and C clears your selection.

Like climbing games? Try the poker-hand version in Big Two, or the rank-only version in President.