Tonk is a card game also known as "Tunk". Tonk is a variation of rummy. Any number can play, although here at games4money all games are player vs. player. Tonk is a relatively fast game that can be played during brief periods of time. In some places it is a popular pastime for workers on their lunch break.

Tonk is usually played for money, with a stake agreed on before the game starts. Games typically involve two to five players. Here at Games 4 Money we feature two player Tonk. The stakes may be any amount, but are typically small because Tonk is fast and furious. Players may drop at any time and this option is used quite often.

A standard fifty-two card deck is used. Each card has a point value: Ace through ten have their face value, aces having a value of one point, deuces a value of two points, and so on. The Jack, Queen, and King are each worth ten points.

Objective of Tonk

The objective of Tonk is to get rid of all your cards by obtaining  sets or runs in your hand and getting rid of all your cards by laying them on the table. You may also “Drop” which is laying your hand down when you feel you have the lowest point total in your hand.

Pulling and discarding a Card
To pull a card from the deck or the discard pile, click and drag the card to your hand of cards.

To discard a card from your hand, click and drag the card to the discard pile.

How to Play Tonk

1. To start the game you can end play at the start of your turn by placing all your cards face up on the table. This is called dropping (or sometimes knocking). By doing this you are claiming to have a lower point count total in your hand than the other player. Note: At the start of each hand if you drop with 49 or 50 pts you win the hand.

2. If you choose not to drop, you must either draw ("pluck") the top card from the face down stock, or take the top card of the discard pile into your hand. You may then be able to reduce your hand by putting a spread face up on the table, or by adding to a spread already on the table. You end your turn by discarding a card face up on top of the discard pile.

If after drawing from the stock or discard pile you have a spread of three or more cards, you may place them face up on the table. The cards you lay on the table no longer count towards the total in your hand. There are two types of spreads:

A Set consists of three or four cards of the same rank, such as Q- Q- Q or 4- 4- 4- 4.

A run consists of three or more consecutive cards of the same suit, such as A- 2- 3 or 8- 9- 10- J. The ace counts as low, next to the two not the king.

You may also “Hit” exisiting spreads to reduce the cards in your hand by adding to a spread previously put down by yourself or another player. For example if there is 5- 6- 7 of clubs on the table and you have a 4 or 8 of clubs in your hand you can put it on the table, adding it to the run.

If you get rid of all the cards in your hand (by making a second spread or using all your cards to hit existing spreads), the play ends and you win the hand (see below).

How to Drop
The "Drop" button is located to the right of your hand of cards.
Click the "Drop" button when you are ready to display all of the cards in your hand to your opponent.

How to Lay Spreads
Click and drag each card of the spread to the center of the table and then release the card.

Scoring

When a player drops to reveal they have the lower point total in their hand the winner is awarded 1 point. When a player gets rid of all their cards by laying spreads or adding to existing spreads the player is awarded 2 points.

End of the Game
The game is over when a player reaches the final score of 3,5 or 7.

For more info on how to play Tonk see our FAQ’s and for Strategy and Tips check out our Message Board ...