Sam Loc, one of the most popular Filipino folk card games, has now spread to the online world, attracting a large number of players of all ages. Not just a simple entertainment game, card games are also an intellectual arena, where you need to use your acumen, judgment, and flexible tactics to win. This SLVIP article will be a comprehensive guide for you, from basic rules to “expert” tips to help you conquer every game.
Sam Loc: Attractive folk card game
Sam Loc has long been an indispensable part of the holidays, festivals, or gatherings of friends of Filipinos. The appeal of the card game comes from its simple, easy-to-understand rules but contains many surprising and dramatic elements.
Each game is considered a tense battle of wits, requiring players to concentrate, observe, and make accurate decisions. Not only entertaining, card games also help train logical thinking, memory, and quick reflexes. Nowadays, with the development of technology, online Sam Loc has become a new trend, bringing players interesting experiences and opportunities to interact and learn from experts everywhere.
Detailed rules of the card game Sam Loc
The card game Sam Loc uses a familiar deck of 52 Western cards. Each game usually has 2 to 4 players. The goal of the game is to get rid of all 10 cards in hand before the opponents.
- Dealing cards: Each player will be dealt 10 cards in turn. The remaining cards will be placed face-down in the middle of the table.
- Determining who will play first:
- First game: The player with the smallest card will be the one to go first.
- Subsequent games: The winner of the previous game will be the first to play.
- How to play:
- Players take turns playing cards or card combinations (pairs, straights, three of a kind, four of a kind) in a clockwise direction.
- The card/card combination played must be larger than the card/card combination of the previous player (same suit or different suit).
- If there are no cards to play, the player must “pass” and the turn passes to the next player.
- The first player to play all 10 cards in hand wins.
See more:
How to play Thirteen (Phom): Tips for beginners
Bau Cua Online – Shake Dice to Win, Bet Extremely Fun
Basic terms in card games for rewards
To play card games proficiently, you need to master the following terms:
- Pair: Two cards will have the same value (Example: pair of 5, pair of J).
- Straight: Three or more cards with consecutive values (Example: 4, 5, 6 or Q, K, A). Note: In Sam Loc, there is no straight K, A, 2 and A, 2, 3.
- Sam Loc co (also known as Xam): Three cards with the same value (Example: sam co 8).
- Tu quy: Four cards with the same value (Example: tu quy K).
- Trash: Odd cards that cannot be arranged into pairs, straights, Sam Loc co or tu quy.
- Block: Play a card/combination of cards that is larger than the previous player’s card/combination of cards.
- Pass: When there are no cards to block, the player must pass.
- Winning immediately after dealing cards if you have special sets of cards
Ways to win in card games
In addition to the usual way of playing all the cards first, Sam Loc also has special ways to win, bringing in larger bonuses:
- Declare Sam: Immediately after dealing cards, if you are confident that your cards are strong enough and no one can block them, you can “declare Sam”. If you play all the cards before anyone blocks you, you will win big. On the contrary, if you are blocked, you will have to pay Sam (lose and pay money to the village).
- Winning immediately: You will “win immediately” after dealing cards if you have the following “huge” card combinations:
- 10-card straight: 10 cards form a consecutive straight.
- Four of a kind 2: Possess four 2 cards.
- 10 cards of the same color (red or black): All 10 cards are red or black.
- 5 pairs: Possess any 5 pairs.
- 3 Sam Co: Own any 3 Sam Co.
Card playing strategies for beginners
To become a master of online Sam Loc for rewards, you need to practice and apply the following strategies:
Choosing the right table
Choosing a table that suits your level and financial ability is the first important step to having the best Sam Loc playing experience. If you are a beginner, choose tables with low bets. This helps you get familiar with the rules, and how to play and gain experience without worrying about losing too much money.
When you are more confident in your skills, gradually move to tables with higher bets. This is an opportunity for you to challenge yourself, improve your skills, and have the chance to win more bonuses.
Understand the rules and terminology
This is the most basic and important foundation for you to be able to play card games effectively. Understanding the rules of the game helps you make the right decisions in each move, avoiding making unnecessary mistakes.
In addition, mastering the terms in Thirteen will help you communicate and understand your opponent’s intentions more easily. Take the time to learn and memorize the rules of the game as well as basic terms before entering real games.
Know how to observe opponents
The ability to observe and judge your opponent’s cards is an important skill in card games. To do this, you need to:
- Remember the cards that have been played: Focus on and remember the cards that your opponent has played especially the big cards. This will help you gradually eliminate the cards that your opponent does not have.
- Judge the remaining cards: Based on the cards that have been played, combined with your cards, you can somewhat judge the remaining cards in your opponent’s hand. For example, if your opponent has played many high cards, they may not have many big cards left.
- Pay attention to the way you play: Observe your opponent’s way of playing, do they play fast or slow, or do they hesitate when playing cards? These expressions can reveal something about the strength of their cards. Confident players often play quickly, while players with weak cards may hesitate and think longer.
Prioritize playing big cards
In Sam Loc, prioritizing playing big cards (A, 2, K, Q, J, 10) first is a wise strategy. This helps you avoid being blocked at the end of the game, creating a chance to win first and minimizing the risk of “rotting” (ie still having big cards when others have run out of cards). When you keep big cards until the end of the game, you may be blocked by your opponent and unable to play all your cards, leading to a loss.
Conclusion
Sam Loc is an intellectual card game, imbued with the cultural identity of the Philippines. Hopefully, with the detailed sharing in this article SLVIP, you have mastered the rules, terminology, and basic strategies to confidently participate in the fascinating world of card games. Practice regularly, apply strategies flexibly, and keep yourself mentally strong, you will soon become a master.