Tonk is a fast rummy-style card game where you build sets and runs and try to finish with the lowest hand. Learn the rules and play Tonk online with friends.
Live on Google Play & App Store
Tonk (also spelled Tunk) is a lively card game from the rummy family. Each player receives five cards and tries to form sets (cards of the same rank) and runs (consecutive cards of the same suit), then get rid of the remaining cards or finish with the lowest total. It is quick to learn and fun to play with friends.
When you play Tonk online the game handles the dealing, checks your melds and counts the points, so you can focus on your strategy. You can play quick multiplayer Tonk rounds against other players, or practise against friends in a private room.
In this guide you will find the Tonk rules, how spreading and hitting work, how to score, a comparison with rummy, strategy tips and a glossary of Tonk terms.
Each player is dealt five cards from a standard 52-card deck. The remaining cards become the draw pile.
On your turn take the top card from the draw pile or the top card of the discard pile.
Group cards into sets (three or four of a kind) or runs (three or more in sequence of the same suit).
You may lay down (spread) a valid meld on the table. Once spread, other players can add cards to it by hitting.
On your turn you can hit a spread meld with a matching card, or drop (declare) if you believe your hand has the lowest total.
After a drop or a Tonk, hands are compared and points are scored. The lowest hand wins the round.
The traditional game: draw, meld, hit and drop until someone wins the round.
Shorter rounds for fast games when you only have a few minutes.
Invite friends with a room code and play Tonk online in your own room.
Join a public table with other players and see who has the lowest hand.
Knockout events with leaderboards where the best Tonk players rise to the top.
Learn the rules and try different strategies against computer players.
The game checks that sets and runs are valid, so you never spread a wrong meld.
Drag or tap to spread melds and hit cards onto other players' melds.
Hand values and round results are calculated automatically.
Every hand is shuffled randomly by the server.
Play with friends or other players and enjoy a social card game.
Learn the rules against computer opponents before playing others.
Compete on leaderboards and win the round after round.
Clear cards and buttons that are easy to tap on Android and iPhone.
Set your own limits and take breaks whenever you want.
Tonk is played by two to four players with a standard 52-card deck. Rules vary a little by region, but the basic game is the same everywhere.
The goal is to have the lowest total of points in your hand when a round ends, or to get rid of all your cards by forming melds.
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| Ace | 1 point |
| 2 to 10 | Face value |
| Jack, Queen, King | 10 points each |
| Cards in a spread meld | Do not count against you |
At the end of a round each player adds up the cards left in their hand. The lowest total wins. If a player Tonks — gets rid of every card by melding and hitting — they usually score a bonus, and a player who drops with a higher hand than an opponent is penalised.
| Tonk | Rummy | |
|---|---|---|
| Cards in hand | 5 | 13 |
| Round length | Very short | Longer |
| Main goal | Lowest hand or empty hand | Declare with valid sequences |
| Hitting other melds | Yes | No |
| Best for | Quick games | Longer strategic games |
Download the Tonk game from Google Play or the App Store, choose a table or create a private room and start a round. Cards, melds and buttons are designed for touch screens, so Tonk plays smoothly on Android and iPhone.
Tonk is a card game for entertainment. Play responsibly and check the rules that apply where you live before playing any game for money.
Discard high cards early — face cards cost 10 points each.
Keep pairs, because they can become sets with one lucky draw.
Watch the discard pile to learn what your opponents are collecting.
Hit spread melds to empty your hand faster.
Drop only when you are fairly sure you have the lowest hand.
Practise against computer players before joining tables.
Tonk is a rummy-style card game in which players draw and discard, form sets and runs and try to finish with the lowest hand or an empty hand.
Yes. You can download the Tonk game and play with friends or other players for free.
Each player is normally dealt five cards.
Tonk is usually played by two to four players.
A Tonk is when you get rid of every card in your hand by melding and hitting, which usually earns a bonus.
Dropping means ending the round by declaring that your hand has the lowest total. If another player has an equal or lower hand, you are penalised.
A hit is adding a matching card to a meld that has already been spread on the table.
Aces are worth 1, number cards their face value and Jacks, Queens and Kings 10 points each.
Tonk uses only five cards and lets you hit other players' spread melds, so rounds are much shorter than 13-card rummy.
Tonk mixes luck and skill. Remembering discards, choosing when to spread and knowing when to drop are all skills that help you win.
Yes. Create a private room, share the code and play Tonk together.
Yes. Download the game from Google Play or the App Store and play on Android or iPhone.
Yes. Download the game free from Google Play or the App Store and play Tonk on Android or iOS.
Yes. Gamostar develops custom and white label Tonk games — see our Tonk game development page.
Looking to build a game like this? See Tonk Game Development.
Download the free app and start your first game in seconds.