Korean gambling card game, also known as Hwatu, is a popular traditional game in Korea that is played with flower cards. The game is easy to understand but requires skill and strategy to master. In this article, we will discuss the rules and strategies of this exciting game.
History of Korean Gambling Card Game
The history of Hwatu can be traced back to the 19th century during the Joseon Dynasty. Back then, the game was played using hanafuda cards, which are similar to the flower cards used today. The game quickly gained popularity among the common people because of its simple rules and exciting gameplay.
Today, Hwatu is a popular gambling game in Korea and is often played during traditional holidays and family gatherings. The game has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including Japan and Hawaii.
How to Play Korean Gambling Card Game
The game is played with a deck of flower cards, which consists of 48 cards divided into 12 sets of four cards each. Each set represents a month of the year and is associated with a particular flower. The goal of the game is to collect sets of cards and score points.
The game is usually played with three or four players, and each player is dealt eight cards at the beginning of the game. The remaining cards are placed in the center of the table, and the game begins.
Gameplay
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. The player can either pick a card from the center or take a card from another player's hand. If the player chooses to pick a card from the center, they must replace it with one of the cards from their hand.
Once a player collects a set of four cards, they can declare it by placing the set face up on the table. The player then scores points based on the value of the set.
Scoring
The value of the sets varies depending on the flowers in the set. The sets are ranked as follows:
- Five Brights (Ori): Collecting all four brights (plum, orchid, chrysanthemum, and bamboo) is the highest-ranking set and is worth ten points.
- Four Seasons (Tti): Collecting all four cards from the same month is worth eight points.
- Big Three (Sam): Collecting three cards of the same kind is worth six points.
- Small Three (Ppeok): Collecting three cards of the same kind with one extra card is worth three points.
- Rain (Bi): Collecting all four rain cards is worth three points.
- Animal (Jjuk): Collecting all four animal cards is worth three points.
- Ribbon (Hwang): Collecting all four ribbon cards is worth two points.
- Plain (Hong): Collecting all four plain cards is worth one point.
Strategies for Korean Gambling Card Game
Hwatu requires both luck and skill to win. Here are some strategies that can help you improve your gameplay:
Know the Value of Each Set
Knowing the value of each set is crucial in Hwatu. Five Brights is the highest-ranking set, followed by Four Seasons and Big Three. Make sure to keep an eye out for these sets and try to collect them as early as possible.
Discard Wisely
Discarding cards can be risky in Hwatu, especially if you are close to completing a set. Make sure to discard cards that are unlikely to help you complete a set. You should also try to remember which cards have been discarded by other players to avoid accidentally discarding a card that you need.
Observe Your Opponents
Observing your opponents can give you valuable information about the cards they have and the sets they are trying to complete. Try to remember which cards they pick up and discard and use this information to your advantage.
Be Patient
Hwatu requires patience. Don't be too eager to declare a set. Sometimes, it's better to wait and collect more cards before declaring a set.
Conclusion
Korean gambling card game or Hwatu is a popular traditional game in Korea that is easy to learn but requires skill and strategy to master. The game is played with flower cards and involves collecting sets and scoring points. By following the strategies mentioned in this article, you can improve your gameplay and increase your chances of winning.
