Tichu Challenge Cup

Mini League 2009

2009-02-14T16:52:00.003+13:00

Well.....So the Mini League 2008 was a kind of success.

So who wants to play in the 2009 League?

Proposal of a different format as well, with say 8+ teams, playing 1 or 2 rounds in the Round robin, then a top 8 shootout elimination finals.

New players, old players you is up for it?

Blacks Champions!

2009-02-02T12:02:00.002+13:00

After the CC's finished off the Khans, the Blacks were off the bench and ready for action.

Blacks won 1165 - 750 , review to come later I am sure.

So We finished 6-1, only losing to the Khans in the first round.

Blacks Race into Grand Final

2008-12-01T09:12:00.004+13:00

Wow, back into the action after a long break.

1st hand. I started the running with a Tichu call. Made it easy and Pixie finished 2nd. 1-2 Tichu. 0-300 to FOE.

2nd hand. My first 8 cards were J, J, Q, Q, K, K , A, Phoenix. I called Grand Tichu. mmmm. I received a 2 from Di, Dog from Dan, and a 9 from Pixie. The 9 was ok as I had another 9. What was surprising is that Pixie had the Dragon... It was close and playing the Dog was not good. But managed to get the lead back and put down my two large runs. Then a 2. Dan played a 7, then Pixie a 8.
1-2 Grand Tichu. 0-700 to FOE.

3rd hand. No tichu calls and the hands of the FOG were good. They combined well for a 1-2. 200-700 to FOE.

4th hand. No tichu calls, and a bit of mixed play including Pixie trumping my Pheonix with a Dragon , but that worked great as she moved all in and then played the Dog and I finished second for a third 1-2. 200-900 to FOE.

5th hand. A Tichu call from Dan. I received a 8 from Pixie and a 8 from Di. I also had two 8's and Di picked up my joy... With Dan's Tichu call, I trumped his Dragon with my Bomb of 8's and it was all down hill from there. Another 1-2 for the Blacks and the end of the matchup.

100-1100 to FOE.

A complete demolition job.

Blacks await a challenger for the Grand Final.

Major Semi Final

2008-11-27T11:31:00.002+13:00

The Major Semi final is scheduled for this coming Sunday starting at 5:30 pm.

The Khans are to meet the Blacks, during the round robin they were the only team to beat the Blacks, so can they repeat?

Will the over three month layoff hurt the Blacks?

Winner is direct into Grand Final.

News Flash!

2008-10-19T19:17:00.003+13:00

beep de beep de beeep de beep, this just in....

The Khans have defeated GK in the 2nd Final Game...

So Round 2 of the finals are

CC's Vs GK (Loser Eliminated)
Blacks Vs Khans (Winner Thru to Grand Final)

Tichu Journals for the Obsessed

2008-09-14T22:11:00.000+12:00

http://genimuse.com/tichu/. I like the top-right cover.

Won, Two

2008-09-11T21:49:00.003+12:00

Speed Tichu = Speed review.

Shernett and Sean came over, and at 7.30pm Mark deals. Mark calls Tichu, gets it, 155 - 45 to F.o.G.

Shernett deals, calls Tichu, gets it, Sean out second. 1 - 2. 155 - 345.

Brandon deals, calls Tichu, gets it, Mark out second. 1 - 2. 355 - 345.

Sean deals, is about to call Tichu, but wait... Shernett calls Tichu first, gets it, Sean out second. 1 - 2 355 - 645.

Marks deals, 1 - 2 to F.o.G. 655 - 645.

Shernett deals, Mark calls Grand Tichu, gets it, Brandon out second, Grand Tichu 1 - 2 Grand Slam walk off home run. Thanks for coming, it's 8:21 pm and it's all over. F.oG. 1045 in 6 hands (two of which they scored 0 in) F.o.E. 645. Good, but not good enough.

SIt's very early, so we have a second game.

We cut for the deal, highest deals. Mark cuts and Ace, Brandon cuts and Ace... so it's a re-cut. Mark cuts a 2, Brandon cuts a 4, and Shernett, who is not even eligible for the re-cut, reaches out, and cuts the Mah Jong - she couldn't beat either of us.

Hand 1 - no action. 35 - 65.
Hand 2 - 1 -2 to F.o.G. 235 - 65
Hand 3 - Sean calls Grand Tichu, fails, 290 to -135
Hand 4 - no action, 290 to -90
Hand 5 - Sean calls Tichu, gets it, 370 - 30
Hand 6 - Brandon calls Tichu, gets it, 535 - 65
Hand 7 - Mark calls Tichu, gets it, 695 - 105
Hand 8 - Brandon calls Grand Tichu, gets it, Mark out second, the second Grand Tichu 1 - 2 Grand Slam Walk Off Home Run off the night.

Game over. 1095 - 105. Thanks for coming.

Here endeth the lesson.

Finals!

2008-09-01T13:36:00.004+12:00

Presuming I got the results right!

Tichu Round Robin Champions - Blacks (Woo Hoo!)

Finals Round 1:

CC's Vs SS's (Loser Eliminated)
Khans Vs GK
Blacks - Bye

The Aussies finished last, but got a win in their last game.

Will B

Be right back

2008-08-13T11:35:00.003+12:00

Well, well, it has been a while since the last post. Lots of Holiday's and bad weather really.

I think we are all back. For the moment.

So are there any results that are not posted?

Hopefully we can start finals in September, I think the top 5 is almost sorted, but the order not.

Aussies vs SS's

2008-07-07T14:43:00.004+12:00

Nothing too exciting up until the 6th hand. I'm down to 3 cards; looking like I'm going out first. No calls made. We're in the middle of the hand. Shernett calls Tichu! I'm in shock; better put the brakes on! Kurt briefly interrupts the flow with a 9 bomb, but the lead somehow finds it's way back to Shernett. She leads a pair of 3s. Steph & I pass. Kurt plays over the top with 10s. Shernett passes! Steph passes. I have trip Js. Kurt doesn't have many cards left. What to do? If Shernett loses the lead the hand could be all over. If I win the trick with a pair of Js, I'll go out first! I pull the trigger and play the Js. Kurt passes. Shernett passes, glaring my way. I duck for cover as I go out first. Shernett still manages to go out second for a Tichu (not!) 1-2. Nice!

7th hand Steph plays a 4-8 straight-flush bomb, but Shernett later plays a 10 bomb and goes out first. We take most the points.

8th hand I play a 2-6 straight-flush bomb. We break Kurt's Tichu call. It's nearly over for the Aussies.

12th hand. After playing with the Aussies, like a tiger playing with it's kill, I call Tichu and we finish them off.

Tichu Mini League
Round 1 Aussies vs. SS's
Sunday, 22nd June 2008
		K	FoG			St			Se	FoE			Sh
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	105			Y		T	105	95						95
2	10						115	190	T		Y			285
3	60						175	-60			N		T	225
4	40						215	160		Y	Y		T	385
5	25						240	75						460
6	0						240	100		Y	N		T	560
7	25						265	75						635
8	-100	T		N			165	100						735
9	175	T		Y			340	25						760
10	30						370	70						830
11	200		Y				570	0						830
12	30						600	170	T		Y			1000

Lost !

2008-06-27T13:58:00.001+12:00

Oh dear, Mark has lost the score sheet from the CC's Vs Khans game.

But on recollection the score has been entered as

CC's 1145 defeated Khans 855.

CC's got two successful Grant (Grand) Tichu's to swing back into the positive in the Dog award.

And trailed by a 1-2 Tichu to start the game against the Khans for a 300 comeback win.

Only 5 round robin games to complete.

CC's crush the Khans

2008-06-20T13:56:00.002+12:00

Just to let you all know. But The Coomey-miester has been delegated the task of the full write up...

Khans vs SS's ... fight!

2008-06-16T10:07:00.004+12:00

I talk to Dan on the phone. We agree to play at my place since Kussy is going out and we want an early afternoon start. Dan says he'll pick up Shernett on the way. She only lives around the corner from me, but that sounded like a good idea, keeping her on NZ time, not Jamaican time man! So Shernett turns up on time; no sign of the Khans. She has no idea the Khans were going to pick her up. We have a laugh, but the Khans soon decide to join us. You can feel the tension in the air. Let the games begin!

Dan covets my near pristine deck of Tichu gold cards while the riffle shuffles ensue. I point out that the new printing by Rio Grande Games, which this isn't, has a full set of cards in gold *and* black and I'll be ordering one soon, keen to switch to a full black deck. Shernett approves. Dan places an order. We cut for the deal, Dan gets the 1, Di the Queen, me the Ace, and Shernett the Dragon. It's looking good for the FoG.

1st hand sees Shernett call Tichu *before* passing. This takes me by surprise at first, but I'm happy to see Shernett playing with confidence. I pass my highest card. Mid hand, big hand Dan crashes the party and lays down a 4 bomb. Shernett fails to recover; they get most the points, we crash and burn. -70 to 70.

2nd hand, Dan calls the first Tichu for the FoE. It goes well, but not without drama. Singles are being played. Shernett plays an Ace. Dan's big hand visibly shakes while reaching for a card to play. He pauses for some chin stroking action. Shernett takes this moment to take back her Ace! "Dan hasn't played yet", Shernett justifies. "You can't do that", Di calls her out, "You got a read on Dan" (or something to that effect). I always play you can take back a move if the next player hasn't moved, but in this case I had to agree. Shernett re-tables the Ace. I think Dan took the trick anyway. Later that hand Di drops a 7 bomb. We got half the points, but the Khans are charging. -25 to 225.

3rd hand, with confidence in place, Dan calls Tichu again. Shernett & I are helpless, both with dud hands, and the Khans romp home with a Tichu 1-2. FoG -25 to FoE 525.

4th hand I get some decent action and call Tichu, no problem there. 145 to 555.

5th hand the chasm is still evident, so I take a risk and call Tichu again. Big mistake and the FoG get Khan'ed 1-2. 45 to 755.

6th hand I draw a 9 bomb before passing and have enough supporting cards to call Tichu for the 3rd time in a row. Still, the FoE get enough points to be well into the danger zone. 190 to 810.

7th hand I start trying to cause dissention in the Khan camp. Some cracks are appearing. The odd disagreement over who should be taking the trick and subsequent lead. They're playing conservative. I try to get in a house rule, "You have to win with a Tichu", but they're not biting. No one calls, we take most the points. 265 to 835.

8th hand, conservative play all around, but FoG are gathering momentum, better late than never, we take the hand with a 1-2 finish. 465 to 835.

9th and last hand. My taunts about winning on a Tichu call come back to haunt me. Di calls Tichu. Shernett pleases with a 2 bomb, but Di maintains composure with a 4-8 straight-flush bomb, and the FoE clean us out with a 1-2 punch. Game over. 465 to 1135.

We decide to play another game. FoE refuse to accept the previous game was "a warmup game". Same result though, so I guess they did deserve the win afterall!

Tichu Mini League
SS's Vs. Khans
Saturday June 14th
		SF	FoG			SG			DA	FoE			DI
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	-70			N		T	-70	70						70
2	45						-25	155	T		Y			225
3	0						-25	300	T	Y	Y			525
4	170	T		Y			145	30						555
5	-100	T		N			45	200		Y				755
6	145	T		Y			190	55						810
7	75						265	25						835
8	200		Y				465	0						835
9	0						465	300		Y	Y		T	1135

Breaking The Tichu Loop

2008-06-16T09:19:00.006+12:00

Friday night saw a round 4 match between the Khans and the Aussies at Chez Attic. After a good takeout curry feed and home humping of sofas, we all settled down to Tichu on the baize around a roaring log fire.

Hand 1: Off to a good start, as Di lays a quick Tichu call over the airwaves after the pass. Di passes Kurt a 4 in the pass which later turns into a bomb used to good effect against Di’s tichu call – round 1 to the Aussies although recovered with a few good points FoG: -30, FoE 30.

Hand 2: Di passes Dan the dragon and things are looking up, no aces for Dan so passes on calling Tichu. The end showed his true weakness since Dan came out first picking up 50 points in a Kings over 10s full house and only played three hands – weak. Di rounds the corner to pull up a nice 1-2 for 200 points, Aussies failed to trouble the scorers. FoG: 170, FoE: 30. Stay on target.

Hand 3: And no Tichu call where have all the cards gone? Dan comes out first again, pipping Steph who laid down a timely A to 10 run and crush the 1-2. Still, more points for the FoG: 245, FoE: 55.

Hand 4: And still no Tichu call, and very much an even hand for 50 points each. Dan finishes first again, Steph knocks out the 1-2 again.

Hand 5: Kurt gets in on the action and calls Tichu, passing me the 6, and later calling it out with the pesky Mah jong card on the first hand. DI thinking she’s made of something, tries to knock down Kurt’s tichu gambit with a weak bomb threes, but kurt, proving he’s the master and rightly called takes her down with a bomb 7’s – points on the board for FoE and bringing up the competition. FoG: 340, FoE: 260.

Hand 6: And Dan’s winds up with 3 aces after the pass thanks Di, but still fairly weak supporting cards. Di goes out first, and ends up with point devastation ending the round with -10. FoG: 330, FoE: 370. Danger! Danger! FoE overtake the FoG for the second time this game.
Hand 7: Knowing the pressure is on, Dan enters the Tichu loop – making tichu call #1, well fought, but ultimately taken down by Steph, leaving a weak -65 point round for FoG. Extreme danger! FoG: 265, FoE: 435.

Hand 8: Dan has 3 aces and a kings, and a phoenix run to 10 after the pass. Tichu loop stage #2 engaged. Dan calls Tichu, and comes out first, with Kurt taking down his teammate to avoid the dreaded Tichu 1-2. Comeback mode locked in, FoG: 445, FoE: 455.

Hand 9: Kurt calls Grand Tichu. Three more aces eh Dan? Thanking his partner as she passes the remaining 4th ace. Tichu Loop stage #3 engaged as Dan tries to take down the Grand Tichu. A good hand well played, but Dan forgets to factor in the random Aussie bomb element and his Tichu call is taken down at a crucial controversial pair aces play by Kurt’s 6 bomb to let Kurt take the Grand Tichu call and 200 points, damn. Still, well still recovered for a potentially disastrous hand -100 + 90 = -10 points. FoG: 435, FoE: 665 – warning!

Hand 10: Failing to break the Tichu loop, Dan picks up the dragon, nice, phoenix, nicer, 2 aces fantastic, 3 kings queen and jack. Di passes an ace, and even with the Joey single passed by the Aussies, Dan enters Tichu loop stage #4 – “Tichu!” – played for and got. The Aussies make light work of scoring, weighing in at 5 points overall to bring the hand 10 scores up to: FoG: 630, FoE: 670.

Hand 11: Failing to find a way to break this damned loop, Dan calls Tichu again, supported by 3A’s, a high straight, a set of doubles, and a beautiful 3-7 jade straight flush bomb. Teammate obliges, coming out tichu 1-2, smashing the aussies remaining hand cards of dragon, king, phoenix, and dog! FoG: 930, FoE: 670. Almost there....stay on target.

Hand 12: Kurt on the offensive pulls a Tichu out of thin air and breaks the Dan - Tichu loop. He bolsters the forces of evil’s points, bringing penultimate scoring up to: FoG: 990 (doh!), FoE: 810.

Hand 13: Pressure is on now as the finish line is in sight for both parties. 10 points required to limp the Khan’s over the finish line, 1-2 or Tichu to bring FoE out first. After the pass, nothing special. And the same for everyone else as no Tichu calls. After a well played hand, Kurt comes out a clear winner with some real high cards Dragon, phoenix, and some good runs from memory - but crucially failed to believe and call Tichu to the Aussie’s downfall. Coming out first and picking up 85 points in the last round, left the FoE a near-miss at 895 points, with the Khans limping over the finish line for the other 15 points to take a well fought comeback win.

Tichu Mini League
Khan's Vs. Aussies
Friday June 13th
		Da	FoG			Di			K	FoE			S
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	-30			N		T	-30	30						30
2	200		Y				170	0						30
3	75						245	25						55
4	50						295	50						105
5	45						340	155	T		Y			260
6	-10						330	110						370
7	-65	T		N			265	65						435
8	80	T		Y			445	20						455
9	-10	T		N			435	210	GT			Y		665
10	195	T		Y			630	5						670
11	300	T	Y	Y			930	0						670
12	60						990	140	T		Y			810
13	15						1005	85						895

I should have called Tichu

2008-06-09T12:49:00.004+12:00

Sunday night 08/06 was a Round 5 game between Blacks and GK

Fish, chips, burgers and fried banana first up.

The first hand saw the reigning Tichu Challenge Cup holders get off to a great lead but with a bit of brain fade from Josh. After placing his first cards then me following he said, "Damn I should have called Tichu!". He continued and played a 2-6 bomb, wow and finished first and GK took most of the points. 5 to 95.

Second hand, Josh this time calls Tichu, I was happy with that as I had a good hand, then playing my first I thought, "Damn I should have called Tichu!" As I had a 4 bomb, and a 10-Ace bomb. Bomb, Bomb. I went out first. 85 to 15.

Third hand, Josh unhappy with not getting his last Tichu, called again with a confident look on his face. I am not sure why as Pixie seemed to have all the Aces and took down the Tichu easy. I finished 2nd , yes! So 1-2 and FOE took a beating again. 285 to -85.

Marama unhappy that she was getting left out, called Tichu. It was looking up aswell, a great start then a Dragon play, then a Full house. Oh a Full house, how handy, Pixie has one of those. Bam!. Marama left with one card was unable to play on pixie's pairs. But did get out to stop the 1-2 with a Phoenix. 325 to -125.

FOE decided to carm it down a bit and did not call tichu in the next hand. Pixie again had a dominating hand and went out fast, I had a mix, but with a 5 bomb was able to get out second. Yes. 1-2 again! 525 to -125.

Pixie had an uber hand but had a brain fade , "I should have called Tichu!". Finishing before any of us had played much. I finished last so we only got 30 points. 555 to -55.

Sick of not calling Josh called again, he didn't finish first, I stopped him and Marama finished 2nd. 585 to -85.

Next hand saw a clean up of the extra points by the forces of good. Oh extra points, Oh thats a good lead. 685 to -85.

FOE were speculating calling Grand Tichu as they were so far behind. Marama calls Grand Tichu. Oooooh.

Marama starts the hand with a 1-10 straight, that is good. I had a 8 card straight , oh bad. Dragon and a Phoenix plus a pair and she was out, well done. Great hand. 715 to 195.

I got passed the 1, which is unusual and something I would not recommend. As it does give you opponent free choice on what to play. Remember you don't have to play the 1 first.

With the lead I took advantage and we got the most of the points. 785 to 225.

It was now 9:15 and Josh tells me that we will have to finish at 10 pm as Marama has to go to work at 4:30 am, ooooh now you tell me.

I drew two steps (1 low, 1 high), a triple 5, 1, 9, Dragon. Mmmm, I called Tichu. Played the low Step. No players. Good. Played the weak trip 5's, yes, no players. Played the 1, called a 6, which broke Marama's straight, woo hoo. Then the Dragon. High step, and out with the 9. Because of the break in her straight, Marama had 8 single cards to get rid of, which played into the 1-2, and that is all she wrote. 1085 to 225.

Blacks are the new Tichu Challenge Cup holders!

We have made the playoffs, who else will be joining us?

Tichu Mini League
Round 5 Blacks vs. GK
Sunday, 8th June 2008
		Wi	FoG			Ro			JG	FoE			MK
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	5						5	95						95
2	80						85	-80	T		N			15
3	200		Y				285	-100	T		N			-85
4	40						325	-40			N		T	-125
5	200		Y				525	0						-125
6	30						555	70						-55
7	30						585	-30	T		N			-85
8	100						685	0						-85
9	30						715	270				Y	GT	195
10	70						785	30						225
11	300	T	Y	Y			1085	0						225

The longest road trip

2008-06-09T09:10:00.006+12:00

Saturday night 07/06 was a Round 4 game between Aussies and Blacks

After some great pizza we where right into the action.

The first hand a bit of a warm up with a 50/50 split of points.

Action on the second hand with Kurt calling a Tichu and screaming in, Roberta stopping the 1-2 and a cleanup of the extra points by the Aussies, 250-50.

Kurt on a roll calls Tichu again and looked good as well, but I had received two 3's one from each of the Aussies. So had a 3 bomb, which brought the down fall of the tichu. 135 - 165.

Stephanie gets in on the action with a long straight and a Tichu call to open up. I was next and had a long straight also, I hit back with the contra-Tichu call. I then cleaned up the remaining hands with the Aussies losing the second Tichu call in a row. 80 - 310.

Next hand I drew cards and it was looking good, I had a black hand of swords to Q, but not the 10 of swords to complete the bomb. I passed and hoped. Yes, Roberta passed the 10 of swords. Tichu call. I played and called. It was not an easy road as Stephanie had a 7 bomb that could have put a spanner in the works, lucky Roberta also had a strong hand. So I went out with the strong bomb and that left Roberta to finish the Aussies off. 1-2. 80 - 610.

Important rules : When you have the 1 you do not have to open with it. The hand of the last player goes to the opposition and the tricks to the player going out first.

The following hands there was no calls I had an average hand but ok, and I have no notes for this hand other than we got another 1-2. 80 - 810.

Lost in the headlights of another loss the Aussies were a bit shocked with the third 1-2 in a row to get the win. 80-1010.

An ill advised rematch saw the Blacks leading -10 to 610 after 4 hands to call 2 failed Grand Tichus and lose 1125 to 175 near to midnight after 12 hands. One highlight was a 4, 5 , and 6 bomb from 3 different players on the same hand. Kurt didn't see a bomb all night, in fact he is not sure what they look like.

Three wins in a row and now just need to beat the GK to go into the finals with a 4-1 record.

Tichu Mini League
Round 4 Aussies vs. Blacks
Saturday, 7th June 2008
		St	FoG			Ku			Wi	FoE			Ro
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	50						50	50						50
2	200			Y		T	250	0						50
3	-115			N		T	135	115						165
4	-55	T		N			80	145	T		Y			310
5	0						80	300	T	Y	Y			610
6	0						80	200		Y				810
7	0						80	200		Y				1010

One Sunday at the Treehouse...

2008-06-04T08:58:00.011+12:00

This Sunday saw the second round match between the newcomers team GK facing off against the current cup holders (KKs) at the treehouse. After settling in around the log fire with a rules refresh, the game was underway.

Josh starts the excitement with a Tichu first hand, pipped to the post by Di followed closely by Dan, first 1-2 of the match. 200 FoG to -100 FoE.

Next hand no Tichu calls, Di passes Dan the dragon, and he manages to go out first with a lucky low 3-step combo winner and full house. No tichu call - joey. Play continues as the others face off - Marama left with single cards playing off against Di as she slams her singles
onto the table. She gets down to two cards - a 2 and the dog, and fubars laying the two first, allowing Di (to her right) to lay her three. After recovering a few points in the hand, FoG 265, FoE -65.

Marama calls tichu before the pass this time feeling the confidence rising, lucky as josh was also ready to call. Bang, Tichu 1-2 levelling the playing field. at 265 vs 235. Khans start worrying.

Pulling back on the 4th hand with Tichu Dan, played for and got; then feeling unconfident, but still going out first on the next two hands with a weak no tichu call settles the Khans back into complacency mode. After 5 hands FoG 535, FoE 365.

Josh breaks the Dan first place streak and trumps him out in the next hand, managing to dodge Di's A-9 straight flush bomb, and picking up most of the points for a 555 vs 445 comeback.
Next hand Josh takes with a weak no tichu call, but all the time pushing the scores up and up, Hand 7 FoG 600, FoE 500. Feeling like a real close game.

Khan's feeling a little unsettled step up prepared to score some big points, only for Josh to call tichu, bang get out, and on his final card of a low pair, Marama goes in for the kill - bomb 2's, then coming back round to bomb 5's as well. Damn, looking tricky. Tichu 1-2 to Team GK.
FoG 600, FoE 800. Danger Will Robinson!

Feeling the desperation, Di looses a Tichu call, taken down by Marama - points looking bad - 540 to 860. Extreme danger warning!!

Down to hand 10 with the Khan's needing some serious advantage to come back into the game. Dan comes out a good first, but seems to have a penchant for a scoring hand consisting mostly of Mr Phoenix, and no other scorers. Well done, team KK pick up 5 points, leaving a huge 95 for the opposition at this stage of the game. FoG 545 FoE 955.

We can do it - Tichu 1-2 would be great to even us up. Di's leads the rush pulling out a tichu and got out of her hat - things are looking up. Dan's lets down his side of the bargain.
FoG 745 FoE 955. Got to stop them getting any more points.

Down to hand twelve, and now working under pressure, this time Dan calls Tichu, and gets it! Things are looking up. Di also doing well to pick up most of the points in the game, for a crucial 215 points! After hand 12: FoG 960, FoE 940. It's anyone's game and down to the wire.

KK's need to just get 80 points to win, GK needing to remember what points look like, need only 60. It's neck and neck after a great comeback and it's anyone's game.

We pass over the baize, Dan's back melting more and more into the roaring log fire, Josh table talking about his hand being almost there... Then 1 second after the pass, Josh jumps up and uttering the words tichu before we even look at our cards, lays down his Mah Jong, followed by a two, followed by a three, followed by Mr Phoenix, followed by a 5, followed by a 6, followed by a 7, followed by an 8, followed by a 9, followed by a 10, followed by Columbo, followed by a queen, followed by a king, and topped off by the ace of pagodas!

The crowd look on stunned! Tichu tick! The mythical 14 card straight on the final crucial hand - bang bang.

Team GK whoop and cheer, KK's frantically trying to understand if they can still win...Nice hand - 100 for tichu, 0 for points in hand - hmmm, simpson eh! Dan looks down at his almost tichu call hand and mutters. Hang on - all they need to do to draw is get 80 points. It's possible even after a fantastic final hand by josh, KK's get excited....

Dan looks at the dragon and thinks. Dan's thinks some more. Hmmm...what's he thinking or has the analysis machine stuck in it's final loop of failure. Great hand and we could probably win the 80 points, but Mr Dragon...Hmmm, got to pass it to the opponents, and Hmm, Josh is already out so he'll pick up the 25 points, Hmmm 100 minus 25 points is 75 - not 80!!!

Inevitability sets in. Dan and Di play a heroic last hand, indeed winning all the remaining points, but that pesky dragon tips team GK over the edge. 75 points to the FoG, 125 to the FoE thanks to the Tichu call.

Victory dance ensues, challenge cup is virtually handed over. A close and exciting game with well earned defeat of team KK.

Final score:

1035 FoG
1065 FoE

Tichu Mini League (Challenge)
Defence #2 - Round 2 - Khan's Vs GK
Sunday 2nd June 2008
		Da	FoG			Di			JG	FoE			MK
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	200		Y				200	-100	T		N			-100
2	65						265	35						-65
3	0						265	300		Y	Y		T	235
4	165	T		Y			430	35						270
5	70						500	30						300
6	35						535	65						365
7	20						555	80						445
8	45						600	55						500
9	0						600	300	T	Y	Y			800
10	-60			N		T	540	60						860
11	5						545	95						955
12	200			Y		T	745	0						955
13	215	T		Y			960	-15						940
14	75						1035	125	T		Y			1065

A long road home from here

2008-06-01T22:06:00.005+12:00

Tonight was a Round 3 game between Black's and CC's

Just settling into our chairs and Roberta calls Tichu. Domination of the lead continued and with a 2 bomb finished nicely. I sneaked home 2nd and we started with a 1-2 Tichu, 300 to Zip.

Brandon on the second hand struck back with a Tichu call, he had little trouble. I finished 2nd to and Roberta third. Mark still failing to trouble the scorers. 350 to 150.

Hand three saw a turning point, Roberta called Tichu, and Mark Struck back with a contra-Tichu. Mark was not sure. I went along for the ride. Roberta in the end made it just, with a 2 to finish. Pushing Mark's Tichu aside. 530 to 70.

A long road back...

In a big hole Brandon calls Grand Tichu. A close call with Brandon down to 1 card, then a full house by Mark, I trumped it, then lead out. OUCH... 585 to -85.

Next hand another Tichu call , Brandon again, close, but no cigar. I stopped him again, but little damage down as they picked up 90 points on offer. 595 to -95.

The talk of cheese cake was in the air. But none was to be had.

Then what I have never seen before the hand of the night. Mark called Tichu, Roberta calls right back with a Tichu. So the battle was on, starting with low singles then a high pair. Roberta ups the ante with a straight flush to 7, stunning the crowd. The hand continued then Roberta finished with another straight flush to 7. WOW! 2 straight flush bombs. Leaving Mark down and out. 790 to -190.

A long road back...

BAM! CC's come back with a 1-2 . 790 t0 10. Above the line.

Brandon after the confidence of the 1-2, call Tichu. It didn't go well, as I stopped him and back below the line they go. 905 to -105.

Mark jumps out of his seat and swings his arms before picking up a card, it is a blind Grand Tichu call. Difficult to read, I picked up the Dragon and some other useful cards so I was happy and got out first, then Brandon, Roberta, Mark Last. 950 to -250.

Only 50 to go...

Mark is back up again, this time for a Tichu call, this time successful and Roberta and I are close. 995 to -95.

Last hand, a fast draw hand with some nice play but not enough for CC's to stay in the match. Final score : 1055 to -55.

WOW, Pixie played well for three tichu's and I took down three tichu's.

Tichu Mini League
Round 3 Blacks vs. CCs
Sunday, 1st June 2008
		Wi	FoG			Ro			BC	FoE			MC
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	300		Y	Y		T	300	0						0
2	50						350	150	T		Y			150
3	180			Y		T	530	-80			N		T	70
4	55						585	-155	GT			N		-85
5	10						595	-10	T		N			-95
6	195			Y		T	790	-95			N		T	-190
7	0						790	200		Y				10
8	115						905	-115	T		N			-105
9	45						950	-145				N	GT	-250
10	45						995	155			Y		T	-95
11	60						1055	40						-55

The Importance of the Lead

2008-05-23T14:55:00.005+12:00

Last night was the 2nd Round match between Black's and SS's

I had the afternoon off work as I was feeling a little sick. But the show must go on. Sean was worried about the germs.

Roberta has the one for the first hand and leads out with an impressive display and takes the first hand out. Sean out second. 80 pts to FOG, 20 pts to FOE.

The second had had saw more domination by Roberta with the lead and coming out first but the scores were reversed. 20 pts to FOG, 80 pts to FOE. 100 Each.
During this hand Shernett played a straight bomb to Ace but not sure how she came 3rd. I got last, feeling my head cold a little.

Third hand was the first Tichu call of the night and Sean was the caller, he made it but only got 30 extra points, so FOG 170, FOE 230. Will and Shernett still battling in the minors.

Then Sean calls again the second hand in a row. Was this a bridge to far? Going along well, he trumps everyone with the Dragon and has a grin, Roberta slaps down a straight bomb to 7. Ooooh That has got to hurt. But Shernett wins the lead back and plays the Dog to get Sean back on track for the Tichu. FOG 215, FOE 385.

Finally I get a decent hand that is not J high. Roberta has the 1 and starts well, I call Tichu. Getting out with not too much stress, now can Roberta finish the 1-2, Oh yes she can. 300 pts for the FOG, FOG 515, FOE 385.

Next hand back to usual programming Roberta out fist, Sean, Shernett, then Me.

Then surprise Shernett calls Tichu. Strong hand too, nothing was going to stop her. Roberta stopped the 1-2, and I came last. FOG 565, FOE 635.

Next hand back to usual programming Roberta out fist, Sean, Me, then Shernett.

Usual programming with a twist Sean first, Roberta, Shernett, then Me.

We were starting to notice a pattern, in that Roberta was leading most, had the most marjong's, dominating the lead. But as yet had not called Tichu.

Until now, Roberta called tichu. Wow, and I had a great hand also. A couple of straights and the dog. Roberta rushed home and then the battle started. I played my low straight, Shernett played a Q high straight which was a bit of mistake as she used her Phoenix as the low card instead of the high card. Before she could change it I slapped down my K high straight. Played the dog, and had an Ace left. Sean played a 10 and I was out 1-2, woo hoo. FOG 945, FOE 755.

Home run, I had the lead and played 2233 step, run, 1 (Ace call), Phoenix, pair (out)
That will almost do it, as any points that Roberta wins are guaranteed pts and the Dragon had to past to her also. FOG : 1020, FOE 780.

Roberta finished 1st 5 times, 2nd 5 times, only slipping to 3rd in the last round. Also I think she had the marjong 7 times. Amazing.

Tichu Mini League
Round 2 Blacks vs. SSs
Thursday, 22nd May 2008
		Wi	FoG			Ro			Se	FoE			Sh
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	80						80	20						20
2	25						100	80						100
3	70						170	130	T		Y			230
4	45						215	155	T		Y			385
5	300	T	Y	Y			515	0						385
6	15						530	85						470
7	35						565	165			Y		T	635
8	70						635	30						665
9	10						645	90						755
10	300		Y	Y		T	945	0						755
11	75						1020	25						780

Speed Tichu

2008-05-19T21:40:00.010+12:00

It's 9.30pm.

I am at home. I am not supposed to be. I am supposed to be playing Tichu. How did this happen?

Well, Marky-Mark skived off work today at 3.30pm and went to Ironman. When he came out it was already 6pm, and he was running a bit late. So he scooted home, piucked up some beers, and came over to my place. We jumped in my car and headed off. As we approached Tamaki Drive Marky-Mark asked: "Just how far out into 'The Wops' are we actually heading?"

"St. Heliers." I replied.

Mark stared fixedly ahead out through the windscreen. He didn't say anything for at least 20 seconds. I was worried that panic was setting in...

We arrived a little late, at 7.15pm, and Kurt was just about ready to pull the onions and burger patties off the out-door gas-cooker. We did the Kurt - Mark, Mark - Steph, Steph-Mark, Mark-Kurt intros, and sat down to gourmet monster burgers. Buns, burger patties, tomato relish, whole grain mustard, onions, pineapple rings, cheese, tomato, lettuce, bacon, charred red peppers... we had it all. YUMMO.

After two said burgers we were all well stuffed. So we decided to delay the raspberry cheesecake until the 500 point half-way point in the game. And so the game began.

Hand 1. Brandon opens up with a tichu call, makes it, and Marky-Mark lays down the night's first bomb to follow him out for a Tichu- 1 - 2! CC's 300, Aussies, thanks for dinner.

Hand 2. Marky-Mark leads the Mah-Jong with a call of "Two please." Steph doesn't have a 2, so she plays a 4. Brandon has a 2. He has four of them. 2 hands, 2 bombs. Oh well. Kurt calls, and gets a Tichu, and Steph is pleased that no nudie-runs around the block will be needed.

Hand 3. Brandon, still smarting from his bomb being bled out of him, calls, and gets a Tichu. Go the Cc's. 3 hands, 445 points... almost cheesecake time.

Hand 4. Marky-Mark springs up out of his chair, raises one hand high in the air above his head while pointing menacingly at the table with his outstretched other hand. "Ahhhhhhhhh TICHU!!!" he calls. And gets it on the back of a Columbo - Mao - Samurai Jack - Pixie bomb. 555 to 345.

Cheesecake and hokey-pokey ice cream time.

Hand 5. This hand was a let down really. No Tichu calls. 5 points to the CC's and 95 to the Aussies, whose confidence reaches a high tide mark at this point... 560 to 440 and they can almost see the lead...

Almost.

Hand 6. Marky-Mark springs out of his chair again, assumes the pose and calls "Ahhhhhhhh TICHU!!!", and gets it. Brandon has been sitting on 4 Aces bomb, a King and the Phoenix, and casually follows him out for the CC's second Tichu - 1 - 2 of the night! 860 - 440.

Hand 7. Brandon calls, and gets a Grand Tichu, and Marky - Mark casually follows out on the back of a 5 card straight flush bomb for a Grand-Tichu - 1 -2 walk off grand slam home run!

1260 - 440.

700 points in two hands. Mark and I stood up, grabbed our coats and ran out the door laughing leaving the shell shocked Aussies writhing on the floor in disbelief. "Thanks for dinner, gotta go, Bye."

And home in time for tea.

Amazing.

Tichu Mini League
Round 2 Aussies vs. CC's
Monday, 19th May 2008
		St	FoG			Ku			BC	FoE			MC
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	0						0	300	T	Y	Y			300
2	175			Y		T	175	25						325
3	80						255	120	T		Y			445
4	90						345	110			Y		T	555
5	95						440	5						560
6	0						440	300		Y	Y		T	860
7	0						440	400	GT	Y		Y		1260

It's mate against mate...

2008-05-19T09:33:00.004+12:00

...It's trans-Tasman rivalry at it's best...

...It involves the Coomeymiester travelling WELL beyond the bounds of the Grey Lynn - Ponsonby - Kingsland triangle, into the depths of the Eastern Suburbs! No really, it does...

Having not heard back from the GK's, the CC's have given up on their round one match, and are now doggedly heading east to take on the Aussies tonight at the SGC (Steph & Kurt's Gaming Club). Who will triumph? Who will teach who? Will they do so in Grand style? Will the CC's get off to their traditional poor start and have to rise like a Phoenix to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat? Will the Aussies' intense training regime pay dividends? (Did you know they even flew opponents in from the West Island to help them prepare for this tournament?)

Stay tuned, all Will B revealed after tonight's big match up...

Mini League Draw Updated

2008-05-12T12:01:00.009+12:00

	Home		Away
Round	Team 1	vs	Team 2
1	Khan's		Black's
	CC's		GK
	SS's		Aussie's

2	Black's		SS's
	GK		Khan's
	Aussie's		CC's

3	Black's		CC's
	Khan's		SS's
	GK		Aussie's

4	SS's		GK
	CC's		Khan's
	Aussie's		Black's

5	SS's		CC's
	GK		Black's
	Khan's		Aussie's

	Playoffs
	Game	Home	vs	Away
Week 1	1	4th		5th
	2	2nd		3rd
		1st		Bye
Week 2	3	Winner 1		Loser 2
	4	1st		Winner 2
Week 3	5	Winner 3		Loser 4

Final	6	Winner 4		Winner 5

Awards :
Mah Jong : 1st After Round Robin
Dog : Most successful Grand Tichu calls (+1 Successful, -1 Unsuccessful)
Phoenix : Greatest comeback to win the game - from the ashes.
Dragon : Grand Final Mini League Champions.

Tichu Mini League - Round 1 - Khans Vs Blacks - Session Report

2008-05-11T23:28:00.007+12:00

This afternoon saw the first round of the Tichu Mini League: Khan's vs. Blacks at the Treehouse.

A great game and amazing how much tension and pressure there was knowing that this was a cup game - funny that, like playing poker for a few dollars, suddenly every move you make, and every hand you play is really nerve-wracking.

The game started in a similar vein to last, with Newcomer Roberta, laying down a 2-bomb early into the game, and also having a 6-bomb in her hand and breaking it due to a lucky Mah Jong call - wow, newcomer?? or hustler? The Khans managed to pull back a few key points throughout this first hand to level the scores at the end of round one 50 a piece, phew, not bad after bombs flying loose all round.

The second hand saw a 75 point shift to the forces of good, starting to build a lead for the Khans. Not being deterred, Will pulls out a Tichu call on hand three. Not letting Will take all the glory, the Dan-Khan-analysis-machine fires up and eventually spits out a contra-Tichu call - take that! A nerve wracking hand seeing Will lay down an uber-run and Dan sitting panicking, only to discover Will's backup hand past the straight was weak, Dan's few full-houses empty his hand, and steals the tichu from under Will's one card nose! Scores after round three: FoG: 300, FoE: 0!

Needing some hard work to dig themselves back into the game, Will pulls another Tichu out of his hat, and got, plus a round of other points for 340: 160 - looking up? Not half, following up the next hand with 1-2, the Khans start to look rightly worried, only 40 points in two hands compared to 360 points in the Black two hands...hmmm, simpson eh?

Needing to pull the white rabbit out of the hat and under tournament pressure, Will calls another Tichu - he's on fire! Uh oh, the Dan Khan analysis loop finally reaches a breakpoint, and seeings as it worked so well last time, calls another contra-Tichu. Will's head falls, aha! looks like his Tichu might be only semi-confident now. After another great hand, Dan just eeks it through to win over Will again (gotta love history written by the winners ;) Things are looking up for the Forces of Good. 470 vs 330. Not too bad a defeat for the Blacks though, managing to rack up a cool 70 points to make up for the fallen tichu, to weigh in at only -30 - could have been worse.

Complacency aside, the Blacks steam roll in with another 1-2 finish bringing the scores in their favour for the first time this game at 470: 530. Danger Will Robinson. Seeming on fire, Will calls yet another tichu, and manages to get it - might have been stoppable if the the Forces of Good hadn't wished out a 3-bomb from their teammate - doh! 550: 650 something's starting to go wrong...

So Di now feeling the pinch, draws what she thinks is a goody, handing over an ace to partner at swap time, and then making her first tichu call - confident young padawan. After a gripping round, she plays for it and gets it - nice one. After a bit of tooing and froing, Dan comes out second, adding a much desired Tichu 1-2 at a critical stage of the game swinging scores back in their favour at 850:650.

Feeling the pressure, Roberta calls and unsteady tichu on the next hand straight after the pass. Will's head drop again - he had a definite tichu hand as we found out towards the end, but got pipped at the post by his partner - literally: his cards were so good that no-one could beat him. Failing to loose the lead, he out tichu'd his own partner, going out first and losing his team 100 points in the process - sweet, especially after a controversial kings over aces full house play by Roberta, Dan's 8-bomb, Will's 4-bomb, and Roberta's 5-bomb - phew, glad to be outta that one. Scores after this round came in at 880: 620, and the gap widened.

So, the end in sight, just 120 points away from glory, "don't do anything rash" floats over the air from Di and reaching the ears at the wrong stage of the recursive loop, breaks at the "do-nothing-rash" point and outputs a Tichu call. Looking good with a 9-bomb, the phoenix and the dragon (for the first time this game). Just a little unsure with a queen high full-house and a few singles to excise. Hinging on the queen high full house to be a winner, Dan waits in agony as the pressure starts to mount, only for Will to lay down his tichu-busting 7-bomb - bang! Failed tichu. Compensated by a good point-haul to bring the end of hand scores to 840:660. Almost there, stay on target...

Final hand, no tichu calls made, pressure mounting, Di manages to go out first...almost there...Dan's cards are going down a little too well also, would be a nice end to finish up on 1-2 to tip us over the winning edge. Hmm, few cards left, a few single stragglers, Dan leads low, Roberta plays, and will slams down a king, bugger....guess I have to play my ace then - Doh's from the other side of the table. Dan leads low again, roberta plays, Will lays his other now-broken-pair king hopefully calculating correctly that Dan had laid the last ace in play. Guess I have to play my other ace then! Major doh's from the other side of the table.

Down to five cards and Dan has the lead. Di's out and looking sweet, hoping her points might make a difference, dan's sweating under the pressure already having the dragon and a stash of points in his stack that doesn't want to go to the opponent. Five cards left, the blacks starting to sweat as they've not managed to win a hand for a little while now and Dan's cards are disappearing - can't let them go out on a 1-2. Back to Dan, tricky decision - do I play the three queens or the pair of sixes....just leave them sweating for a little bit longer...hmmmm...bang full-house on the table!!! It's all over rover, Di does a victory dance around the lounge, there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth from the Blacks.

1:0 to the forces of good. Final score: 1040 FoG : 660 FoE. A valiant effort, and triumph to the victors. A great game and excellent first round score for the Khans. Amazing what a bit of added pressure adds to the game play.

Looking forward to our second round 1 match next week.

Good effort, and thoroughly enjoyable by all. Will be interesting to see the other week 1 round 1 scores to come in.

Cheers,
-Dan

Tichu Mini League (Challenge)
Defence #1 - Round 1 Khans vs. Blacks
Sunday, 11th May 2008
		Da	FoG			Di			Wi	FoE			Ro
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	50						50	50						50
2	75						125	25						75
3	175	T		Y			300	-75	T		N			0
4	40						340	160	T		Y			160
5	0						340	200		Y				360
6	130	T		Y			470	-30	T		N			330
7	0						470	200		Y				530
8	80						550	120	T		Y			650
9	300		Y	Y		T	850	0						650
10	30						880	-30			N		T	620
11	-40	T		N			840	40						660
12	200		Y				1040	0						660

Bomb's Away

2008-05-06T15:10:00.002+12:00

WOW, Roberta and I hosted the Khan's in what was a learning game for Roberta. We started with a few test hands where open discussion of play was made. And Three Tichu calls were made and all failed as BOMBs came from everywhere.

Then into the game after a stop for Pizza. An average start with the Khan's taking a 95-5 lead. Some interesting passing gave me a 6 bomb and a 7 bomb in one hand but I still could not make a tichu. The Khan's grafted a 1-2 and took off. I lost a Grand Tichu call, when I called I had top half hand, but the remainder were rubbish. Roberta was looking at me strange as we where now behind by 600 pts as the Khan's 1-2 ed again.

Roberta jumps in with a Tichu. plays well and finishes with a straight bomb. WOW. 1 for 1. So Roberta and I are on the mend and back in the Positives.

The Khan's are edging towards a win, Roberta calls Tichu again, super stuff from the newbie. Starts with a J high straight , Di trumps it with a K high straight, then with no hesitation Roberta slaps down a Ace Bomb! BAM! WOW!, Then finishes the remainder of her cards. 2 for 2.

With the Khan's getting close, Roberta and I needed 1-2's but the drama finished fast. The Khan's won by 800 or so, I will post the chart soon.

Cut Please

2008-03-12T12:54:00.002+13:00

Oh what a game was had last night.
Will/Shernett Vs Brandon/Mark.

I was a bit late so we played Blockus, that was fun. Then into it.

First up Grand Tichu call by me (After 7 cards...just to be on the save side) of which I run down the road laughing as I took all the tricks and was out within minutes. 50/50 split of the rest, great start 250/50.

Some more enterprising play and Mark showing his nerve with a Tichu call, which was smashed by Shernett..... mid way thru and the lead was down to 100.

Then I called Grand Tichu again, I had a long straight with 4 cards, Phoenix, then 4 cards. So I could not play a pair, and I was forced in the end to play a five card straight and that ended the chance. big swing now behind.

The game continued and the score was 300/600 when

I called Grand Tichu again (After 1 card....just to be on the safe side) I drew the Dragon first up, then looked at the score 300 behind, and called Grand Tichu. I then picked up the Phoenix and a few triples and pairs, I was going to give it a go. I was floored by the pass from Shernett, A 6! WTF..... I finished first and got what is a great Grand Tichu. But even better Shernett finishes 2nd , for a 1-2 Grand Tichu. 715-600 now and the end game is close.

After one or two more hand the scores are in the late 700's each and the end game was announced.

Rightly so, as Brandon calls Grand Tichu on the next hand, and wipes the floor and Mark sneaks in a low pair that neither myself or Shernett can beat and gets the 1-2 to finish the game.

Super stuff, well for BC and Mark anyway.

Until next time.

Will B

The 7 Card Grand Tichu and the Fall of Zion

2007-09-11T00:00:00.000+12:00

Well Tuesday night at the chall saw two great events in the Tichu Challenge cup - firstly a quorum of current defenders and challengers which was impressive on both counts of BC's chall-cnut-spurnage, and Marky-Mark's newborn-leave-pass-combo; secondly, a change of fortune in the challenge cup. Still, no opportunity missed, and DK having brought the Tichu cards just in case of such a paradox occuring we sat down to play the first Tichu Challenge Cup.

In the red corner, defending Heavyweight Champions of the World, the forces of Good, BC and MC.

In the blue corner, amassed the Forces of Evil, the Tichu-challenging lightweight yet-to-be-chumpions of Laingholm, DK and DK.

Well, the game panned out amazingly well with much tooing, froing, wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

Di was keen, Tichu call on the first hand. Her overconfidence was her weakness. FOG laughed in the puny challenger's faces as they smote the tichu call with an all-out 1-2 cementing an early position for the challenger's to go home now.

Obviously shaken, things looked bad for the FoE after the next few hands - faced with a (now infamous 7-card) GT call by MC which Dan took down, followed by a BC Tichu 1-2 left the Khans weak(er) and rolling on the floor.

Summoning courage from somewhere, DK pulled a tichu out of his hat, only to be followed up on the next play by tichu BC. Things were not looking good for the challengers with FoG already half way to their target, and over double points than the challengers.

The next few hands playing right into the FoE. Tichu call by MC, countered by DK's tichu and got, followed by GT BC, countered by DK's tichu and got (unfortunately allowed by BC's sloppy play accidentally breaking up the mother of all bombs - Ace high 5 card run), not only leveled the playing field, but up-turned it, and buried the FoG defenders 6 feet under. Scores after these high-tension rounds left FoG 420 and FoE a whopping 880!

FoE feeling their goal nearing let their overconfidence be their weaknesses once again, allowing a Tichu MC 1-2, slip, then a Tichu B slip after DK failed with another counter Tichu call as ammo. Out of nowhere the rightful defenders put on a mighty show of why they are the defenders , leveling the playing field back to 850-all. Impressive. Most Impressive.

Feeling the end was nigh, DK picked up a fantastic finishing hand, but unconfident about calling the Tichu given the closeness to the end of the game, plays out the last hand - Dan came in for a victory call, but his partner trumped him at the last second phoenixing his power-ace to go out first. Damn, change of plan. Di left the table for short minute, and it's was all over in a flash. Full house, pass, ace, pass, alarm bells start to ring..., ace, pass. Get in there - 1-2 to the FoE and game over. Muwhahahahahahah!

There was much rejoicing and victory lappedness. The pretenders(defenders) knocked from their throne. The gauntlet was thrown, played for, and got (with a slight oversight by BC's bomb).

The Khans drove home happy, new Tichu Heavyweight Champions of the World.

Tichu Challenge Cup
Defence # 1
Date: Tuesday, 11th Sept 2007 (Game 2)
		BC	FoG			MC			Di	FoE			Da
#	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total	Hand	Call	1-2	T	GT	Call	Total
1	200		Y				200	-100	N		Y			-100
2	30						230	-30						-30
3	-145				Y	N	85	45						15
4	300	Y	Y	Y			385	0						15
5	45						430	15			Y		Y	170
6	125	Y		Y			555	75						245
7	80						635	20						265
8	-100	N	Y				535	300		Y	Y		Y	565
9	25						560	75						640
10	-25			Y		N	535	125			Y		Y	765
11	-115	N			Y		420	115			Y		Y	880
12	300		Y	Y		Y	720	0						880
13	130	Y		Y			850	-30			Y		N	850
14	0						850	200		Y				1050

Score Controversy

2007-09-07T16:17:00.000+12:00

Hmmm...the scorecard down the bottom of this page - I'm assuming this is from our first game on Tuesday? Now I remember (controversially) calling and getting Tichu after Will called a GT towards the end of the game (in fact, maybe even the now infamous WillB GT hand...), but I can't seem to find this on the card... Simpson eh?

That'll Teach You

2007-09-07T15:34:00.000+12:00

(Hey, great job on the blog Will - keep up the good work.)

So, one of my reasons for suggesting more regular Tichu play was mainly because we end up playing this great game maybe once every 2 or 3 months. That's what?, about 6 seasons a year???? Crazy talk, after reminding myself how much fun this game really is after the last smashing of the FoG on Tuesday.

Also, I've noticed that although I can play the game well, and understand the main strategies, the lack of really regular play means that I've struggled to get over the final hump - which for me, is calling the big boss, the main man, the dangerous dude - yup the big GT. Every game I play and seem to almost climb this behemoth of a mountain, the night finishes, and we only seem to be (Tichu) quorate again in 2 months' time - just enough time for me to fall back down that uber-cliff into the morass of peondom.

I've analysed a few recent games now, and lets take the last few games as an example. Apart from the fact that BC, my teammate, called GT 3 times out of 11 during the first game and 2 out of 13 in the next (?), that still gave me at least 7 or 8 times to call GT per season. I think there was probably one hand that I was tempted to call GT on, but never felt confident enough to do so. Lucky as my finishing position wasn't first in those hand, but the strategy is worth further thought.

Generally, in my GT calling opinion, and after some sparse reading matter; GT seems to be a good statistical bet if you can pick up at least 2 of the special cards, and a good few aces in your start 8, especially if you draw some high kickers to help out. The various merits of the special cards make them all (maybe dog the weakest from GT point of view, but still equally valid) good candidates to a considering a potential GT as whilst not all winners themselves (bar dragon) they'll mostly create winners. Having a pair of pocket rockets is also another great sign for considering GT as equally you can use these as winners. On this basis, GT seems a good bet if you can draw a couple of aces, a couple of good specials, and then picture cards to bolster the rest, but then again - maybe not...

I was pondering the great WillB step-strategy-calamity of 2007 and his subsequent GT call during our penultimate game. Now Will passed a king, and ace and a ten away. I can't remember the detail, but I think he had the Dragon, and maybe phoenix even. This meant that at best he had Dragon, Phoenix, Ace, King, King, King, Queen, Queen which I guess is a great GT hand. But why the weak execution - hmmm, interesting. I guess the thing with steps, and high steps as well is they use up lots of great single cards - potential winners in their own individual right. I'm thinking that the ideal GT hand has lots of high single cards that aren't necessarily in pairs since, given the inherent risk of calling GT, you've got to assume the next 6 cards will be fairly poor (well at least the next 2 will be as you'll be given these in the swap (unless you get given a king, but that's another story)). You can get rid of one of those weak cards to your partner, but surely you've got to assume then, that for the most part your risky GT will playout with you spending one or even 2 good winners to get control, then playing the crap singles out and using the high single winners to keep control. I always think its madness to play pair aces, or even pair kings for that matter, as kings can soon become a winning commodity in the game.

I always wonder if the risk of calling GT is often so unbalancing if you don't have lots of high singles, or if you get fooled into playing your highs as pairs or more that maybe this is why I haven't really made many GT calls in my teachu history... If the call was good enough to make GT then it should also be good enough to win you most of the time in a small Tichu call also.

But then again, I guess this is the inherent gamble in the game that makes for real mastery - given the cards that you know are in your hand - most of the time you know whether or not you'll make a small Tichu call unless you're unlucky enough to be faced with a bomb-in-the-face. I guess when you reach this level of gameplay (which is the level I feel I've personally reached ), the only way is up and move the game to the GT level where the skill comes down much more to looking at what others have pre 9; the way they play pre-9; the way they pickup pre-9; and the stalling they do around the 9th card - more poker-style methods I guess.

Anyway, interesting musings - I'd be interested in others' thought on the GT to help lift our overall gameplaying experience ;-)

Sounds a bit rambling at readback, but hey, its a blog, live with it! Will be good to get a bank of Tichu knowledge and info gathered anyway, as there's very little out there from when I last looked.

-The wonkiest of donkeys

You Past What!

2007-09-07T10:07:00.000+12:00

Well, two great games of Tichu where played on Tuesday night.

SG - WB Vs DK (Dan) - BC

Game1 : Was going along well, after two hands FoG was up 120-(120), then increased the lead to 280-(80), then 365-(65). But the hand break was put on. FoE came screaming back with some great play a Tichu (1-2) and then a missed Tichu put them back to 640-260.

But the game turned on its head.

Grand Tichu called and got by BC, 650-550
Grand Tichu called and got by BC and 1-2, 650-950
11th Hand Finishing with 1-2 , 650-1150

Wow, the 11th Hand I also called Grand Tichu and passed a 10(Left DK), Ace (Across SG), K (Right BC), this game BC a bomb of K's and if SG had not passed an Ace back would have given her a bomb of Ace's. Crazy stuff.

Game 2 : A bit more of a rough and tumble game. Early lead to SG-WB, but after 4 hands it was 40-555, we never recovered. but faired better with an 13 Hand 730-1185 loss.

Scores will be updated on blog.

Tichu Challenge Cup

2007-09-04T08:10:00.000+12:00

Welcome to the Tichu Challenge Cup blog, post a challenge, post a result. The cup is at stake when the holder is defending.