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How To Play Tonk
Mostly played in the U.S., Tonk is a Rummy derivative. The game requires 1 standard deck and can accommodate several players (though 2 or 3 players is usually best). Each player receives 5 cards which are used to make “spreads.” The object of the game is to get rid of your cards by making spreads or “hitting” on spreads that have already been played. The player who has the lowest number of points at the end of each round wins. Below, you’ll learn the basics of how to play Tonk.
Posting Stakes
Tonk is a betting game that requires players to post a stake at the beginning of each round. The winner of the round claims the stakes. Winners are determined based upon the number of points remaining in their hands when the round ends (the lower, the better). Face cards are counted as 10 points, Aces equal 1 point, and all other cards reflect their respective face values.
Dealing And Playing
As mentioned, each player is dealt 5 cards. The rest of the deck forms the stock and is placed facing down. The first stock card is overturned to form the discard pile. Before the round officially begins, players must review their hands. If a player’s hand equals 49 or 50 points, he has a “tonk.” Tonks are defined as going out without discarding, and they earn the player double the starting stake from every other player.
During the round, each player tries to make spreads. These can be books of 3 or more cards with an identical rank (i.e. 7-7-7) or runs consisting of 3 or more cards in the same suit (i.e. 8-9-10 of spades). Players can also “hit” spreads that have already been played. For example, they can “hit” a 2 of hearts to a run consisting of 3-4-5 of hearts).
How Payout Works
A player can end the round through a tonk, going out with a discard, or knocking. As described above, a player who tonks receives a double stake from every opponent. A player who goes out with a discard (through spreading and/or hitting) wins the original stake from every opponent.
The player who knocks wins the original stake as long as the remaining points in his hand total less than other players. If other players’ points are equal or less than the knocker’s points, the knocker must pay double stakes to those players. The person who has the least amount of points receives the single stake.
Learning how to play Tonk is simple, especially if you have experience with other Rummy games, such as Gin Rummy, Kalooki, and traditional Rummy.
If you’re a Rummy fan, try out Rummy Royal; they’re an online Rummy site with games and tournaments.
To learn how to play more Rummy games, check out the following pages:
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