Tien Gow (Sky Nine) (1120) Board Game

Tien Gow, also known as Sky Nine, is a traditional Chinese card game that dates back to the Song Dynasty in China. It is a trick-taking game that involves betting and bluffing, making it a strategic and engaging game for players. The game is typically played with four players and is known for its fast-paced gameplay and unpredictable twists and turns.

Game Components of Tien Gow

Number of Players: 4

Equipment: One set of 32 Chinese dominoes, including all pairs of numbers from 1-1 to 6-6, with specific tiles duplicated (e.g., 6-6, 6-5, 6-4, 6-1, 5-5, 5-1, 4-4, 3-3, 3-1, 2-2, 1-1).

Money or Counters: For betting and scoring purposes.

How To Setup Tien Gow

To set up Tien Gow, one player is selected as the banker by rolling dice. The banker stacks the dominoes into a woodpile and deals eight tiles to each player. The banker leads the first trick, and subsequent tricks are led by the winner of the previous trick.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Trick-taking, gambling game

Designer: Unknown, but rules were standardized in 1120

Year: 1120 (standardized)

Objective: Win the last trick to gain the most points and money.

Gameplay Mechanics:
– Players can lead with single tiles, pairs, triplets, or quartets.
– Other players must match the number of tiles played.
– Tiles that cannot beat the current high tile are played face down as discards.
– The winner of each trick leads the next trick.
– The “early death” rule applies if a player has not won any of the first seven tricks, causing them to forfeit the last trick.

Player Experience

Tien Gow is a game that demands a mix of luck, strategy, and cunning. Players must carefully manage their tiles to ensure they can win at least one of the early tricks to avoid the “early death” rule. The game’s complexity and the need to adapt quickly make it engaging and challenging. The accumulating multiplier for winnings and losses adds an extra layer of excitement and risk.

Pros

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic thinking.

Social Interaction: It is a great game for social gatherings, especially among those who enjoy gambling games.

Historical Significance: Tien Gow has a rich history dating back to the Song dynasty.

Variable Outcomes: The game can have different outcomes each time, keeping players on their toes.

Cons

Complex Rules: The game has intricate rules, making it difficult for new players to learn.

Luck Element: A significant part of the game depends on luck, which can be frustrating for some players.

Niche Audience: It is not widely known outside of Chinese gaming communities.

Personal Thoughts on Tien Gow

Tien Gow is for those who enjoy complex, strategic games with a historical twist. It is ideal for experienced gamers who are looking for a challenge and are comfortable with the rules of trick-taking games. While it may not appeal to casual gamers due to its complexity, it offers a unique and engaging experience for those willing to invest the time to learn and master it.

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