climbing · Vietnam
Tien Len
Also known as Thirteen · Vietnamese 13 · Sat Te
Tien Len (Vietnamese Thirteen) is Vietnam's national card game — a fast shedding game where you race to empty your hand with singles, pairs, runs, and powerful 'chops'. The Two is highest, and hearts is the top suit. Play free in your browser vs bots or friends, no signup.
4–4 players · free · no download · no signup
How to play Tien Len
- The 3♠ holder leads first.
- Match the shape and play higher, or pass.
- Use runs and pairs to shed quickly.
- Beat opponents' 2s with a chop.
- Empty your hand first to win.
Tien Len rules
Deck & deal
4 players, 52 cards, 13 each. Rank 3 (low) up to 2 (high); suit order spades < clubs < diamonds < hearts.
The lead
The 3♠ holder leads first. Play a single, pair, triple, four-of-a-kind, or a run of 3+ consecutive cards.
Beating & chops
Beat the last play with a higher combo of the same shape, or pass. Special 'chops' (four-of-a-kind or runs of consecutive pairs) can beat a single 2.
Winning
The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the round.
Strategy tips
- Save a chop to beat opponents' 2s.
- Build long runs to dump many cards at once.
- Hold your 2s to seize the lead.
- Watch who is close to going out.
Variants
Thirteen · Sat Te · Killer (Viet Cong)
Tien Len — frequently asked questions
What is the highest card in Tien Len?
The Two is the highest rank, and hearts is the highest suit. The 2 of hearts is the single best card.
What is a chop in Tien Len?
A four-of-a-kind or a run of consecutive pairs that can beat a single 2 (and bigger chops beat smaller ones).