How to Play Tiến Lên
Complete rules and strategy guide for Thirteen (13), the classic Vietnamese card game
What is Tiến Lên?
Tiến Lên (Vietnamese: tiến lên miền nam, meaning "advance" or "go forward") is a popular Vietnamese shedding card game, also known as Thirteen in English-speaking countries. The game is played with 4 players using a standard 52-card deck.
Similar to Big 2 (大老二), Tiến Lên challenges players to be the first to empty their hand by playing increasingly powerful card combinations. The key difference is the suit ranking: in Tiến Lên, Hearts (♥) is the highest suit, while in Big 2, Spades is highest.
Whether you call it Tiến Lên, đánh bài tiến lên, or Vietnamese Cards, this guide will teach you everything you need to know to play and win!
Card Rankings
Rank Order (Lowest to Highest)
3 is lowest, 2 is highest (most powerful)
Suit Order (Lowest to Highest)
Hearts is the highest suit in Tiến Lên. The 2♥ (Two of Hearts) is the most powerful single card.
Valid Hand Types
In Tiến Lên, you can play the following card combinations:
Single Card
Any single card. Higher rank beats lower rank. Same rank: higher suit wins.
Pair
Two cards of the same rank. Higher pair beats lower pair.
Triple
Three cards of the same rank.
Straight (Sequence)
Three or more consecutive cards. Must be same length to beat. Cannot include 2s.
Four of a Kind
Four cards of the same rank. Can "chop" (beat) any single 2!
Consecutive Pairs
Three or more consecutive pairs. 3+ pairs can chop a single 2. 4+ pairs can chop a pair of 2s.
How to Play Tiến Lên
Deal the Cards
All 52 cards are dealt evenly. Each player receives 13 cards.
First Play
The player with the 3 of Spades (3♠) goes first and must include it in their opening play.
Take Turns
Play proceeds clockwise. Each player must beat the previous play with the same type of combination, or pass.
Win the Round
When all other players pass, you win the round and lead the next play with any combination you choose.
Win the Game
The first player to empty their hand wins! Get rid of all 13 cards before your opponents.
Winning Strategies
- •Save your 2s: They're powerful but can be chopped. Use them strategically late in the game.
- •Build consecutive pairs: They can chop 2s and are hard for opponents to beat.
- •Control the lead: Winning rounds lets you choose the combination type, giving you an advantage.
- •Count cards: Track which high cards and 2s have been played to know what's still out there.
- •Pass strategically: Sometimes it's better to pass and save your cards for a better opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tiến Lên?
Tiến Lên (tiến lên miền nam) is a popular Vietnamese shedding card game for 4 players. Also known as 'Thirteen' in English, players race to be the first to empty their hand by playing increasingly powerful card combinations.
Is Tiến Lên the same as Thirteen, 13 or Killer?
Yes. English speakers usually call Tiến Lên Thirteen or the 13 card game, after the 13 cards each player is dealt, and in parts of the UK it is known as Killer. The Southern Vietnamese version, tiến lên miền nam, is the one taught here.
How many cards does each player get in Tiến Lên?
Each player receives 13 cards at the start of the game. The entire 52-card deck is dealt evenly among all 4 players.
What is the highest card in Tiến Lên?
The 2 of Hearts is the highest card in Tiến Lên. The card ranking from lowest to highest is: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2. For suits, Hearts beats Diamonds beats Clubs beats Spades.
Who goes first in Tiến Lên?
The player holding the 3 of Spades (3♠) goes first and must include this card in their opening play. This is the lowest card in the game.
Can you pass in Tiến Lên?
Yes, you can pass if you cannot or don't want to beat the current play. However, you cannot pass if you are leading (starting a new round). If all other players pass, you win the round and lead the next one.
What is a chop in Tiến Lên?
A 'chop' is when you use a four-of-a-kind or a sequence of pairs to beat a 2. Four-of-a-kind beats any single 2, while a sequence of 3+ consecutive pairs beats a single 2, and 4+ consecutive pairs beats a pair of 2s.
What is the difference between Tiến Lên and Big 2?
While similar, Tiến Lên and Big 2 have different suit rankings. In Tiến Lên, Hearts is the highest suit (♥ > ♦ > ♣ > ♠), while in Big 2, Spades is highest. Also, Tiến Lên starts with 3♠ while Big 2 starts with 3♦.
How do you win at Tiến Lên?
You win by being the first player to get rid of all 13 cards in your hand. Strategic card management and knowing when to pass or play aggressively are key to winning.
Ready to Play?
Now that you know the rules, put your skills to the test! Play Tiến Lên online for free against AI or challenge your friends.