Guandan
Guandan is a card game originated from Huai'an, Jiangsu. It uses two decks of 108 cards, with four players forming two teams.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the Wild Card rule?
The Heart major card (the current level's heart card) can be used as any card, helping you form better combinations.
How are bombs compared?
Bombs are compared by the number of cards - more cards means a stronger bomb. Straight flush beats regular bombs, and King Bomb is the strongest.
How do I level up?
The team that plays all cards first levels up. Starting from 2, progressing to A. Double win (1st and 2nd place) grants 3 levels.
Can a straight include A-2-3-4-5?
Yes. In Guandan, A can be the lowest card in a straight, forming A-2-3-4-5.
What is tribute?
Tribute is a special rule in Guandan. When one team wins with a significant lead, the losing team must give their highest card to the winners. After returning a card, the tributer gets the first play.
What is resist tribute?
When a loser has two Big Jokers, they can choose to resist tribute and skip the tribute phase. They must then play these two Big Jokers.
Game Rules
Game Overview
- Players: 4 players in two teams (opposite players are partners)
- Cards: Two decks, 108 cards total
- Goal: Progress from 2 to A, first team to pass A wins
- Core Features: Teamwork + Dynamic Leveling + Wild Card Mechanism
Single Card Ranking
Big Joker > Small Joker > Level Card (including Heart Level/Wild Card) > A > K > Q > J > 10 > 9 > 8 > 7 > 6 > 5 > 4 > 3 > 2
Hand Type Ranking
| Rank | Hand Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Four Jokers (King Bomb) | Two Big Jokers + Two Small Jokers, the strongest hand |
| 2 | Six+ Card Bomb | Six, seven, or eight cards of the same rank |
| 3 | Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit, max 10-J-Q-K-A, min A-2-3-4-5 |
| 4 | Five Card Bomb | Five cards of the same rank |
| 5 | Four Card Bomb | Four cards of the same rank |
| 6 | Other Hands | Straight, Three Pairs, Two Trips, Three with Two, Pair, Single, etc. |
Core Mechanism: Wild Card (Major Card)
Definition: The Heart card of the current level (e.g., when playing 10, the Heart 10)
Function: Can substitute for any card except Jokers, combining with other cards to form various hands
Limitation: Cannot substitute for Jokers; when used alone, it's a regular major card, weaker than Small Joker
Example: Heart 10 + 2,3,4,6 can form a 2-3-4-5-6 straight
Play and Wind Hand Rules
Basic Flow
- First Round: Flip a card to determine the first player
- Subsequent: Each round starts with the upstream (first place) leading
- Wind Hand: When a player plays their last hand and all others pass, play rights go to their partner
Wind Hand Rule Details
When a player plays their last hand and all three other players choose to pass, the play right goes to their partner (opposite player). This rule is called 'Wind Hand' or 'Borrowing Wind'.
Key: Wind Hand mechanism strengthens partner cooperation, creating play opportunities for your partner
Tribute and Return Rules
Double Down (Your team 1st, 2nd; Opponents 3rd, 4th)
| Phase | Rule |
|---|---|
| Tribute | Both downstream players tribute their highest card to upstream players (except Heart major card) |
| Return | First place returns a card ≤10 for the larger tribute; Second place returns for the smaller tribute |
| First Play | The tributer with the larger tribute plays first; if equal, the player after first place plays first |
| Resist | If any downstream player has two Big Jokers, they can resist, and upstream plays first |
Single Down (Your team 1st + 3rd/4th; Opponents 2nd)
| Phase | Rule |
|---|---|
| Tribute | Downstream tributes their highest card to first place (except Heart major card) |
| Return | First place returns any card ≤10 |
| First Play | Downstream plays first; if resist, upstream plays first |
| Resist | If downstream has two Big Jokers, they can resist, and upstream plays first |
Level Up Rules
| Result | Levels | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Double Down (1st + 2nd) | +3 | Best result |
| Opponent Last (1st + 3rd) | +2 | One opponent is downstream |
| Partner Last (1st + 4th) | +1 | Partner is downstream |
Pass A Special Rule
When reaching A, one player must be first and the partner cannot be last to pass A
If failed, continue playing A without regressing
Core Strategy Tips
Tribute Strategy
Without Jokers, prevent straight flushes; choose suits hard for opponents to use
Return Strategy
Give safe cards, avoid cards that complete straights or bombs
Wind Hand Strategy
Create wind hand opportunities for your partner, prioritize playing bombs or top cards
Cooperation Strategy
Race for first, secure second, avoid double down, use wild cards wisely
Summary
The essence of Guandan lies in teamwork and dynamic gameplay. Tribute and return create information asymmetry, wild cards add hand variety, and wind hand mechanism strengthens partner cooperation, making it distinct from ordinary card games.
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