Tonk glossary: A complete reference of Tonk terminology, from basic terms every beginner should know to advanced vocabulary used by competitive players.

B

Book — A spread (meld) consisting of three or more cards of the same rank. Example: 8♠ - 8♥ - 8♦.

C

Caught — When a player drops but another player has an equal or lower count. In the usual rules the caught player pays a double stake to every player with an equal or lower count. Groups vary this penalty (see how to play Tonk). Also called “burned.”

Count — The total point value of cards remaining in a player’s hand. Lower is better.

D

Deadwood — Cards in your hand that are not part of a spread. The total point value of deadwood is your count.

Discard — Placing a card face-up on the discard pile to end your turn.

Discard pile — The face-up pile of discarded cards. Players may choose to draw from this pile instead of the stock.

Drop — Another term for knocking. “Dropping” ends the round and triggers a count comparison.

G

Going out — Getting rid of every card in your hand. Going out by putting down a spread or by hitting, with no card left to discard, is a tonk and usually wins a double stake; going out with a final discard wins the basic stake.

H

Hand — The cards a player holds. Also refers to a single round of play.

Hit — Adding a card from your hand to any spread on the table (yours or an opponent’s). Hits reduce your count by removing a card from your hand.

K

Knock — Ending the round by declaration instead of drawing. All players reveal hands and compare counts. The lowest count wins. Also called “dropping.”

R

Run — A spread of three or more consecutive cards in the same suit. Example: 5♥ - 6♥ - 7♥. Also called a sequence.

S

Spread — A valid meld laid face-up on the table. Can be a book (same rank) or a run (consecutive same suit). Minimum of 3 cards.

Stake — The agreed-upon bet for each hand. The basic unit of payment in Tonk.

Stock pile — The face-down pile of undealt cards. Players draw from the stock at the start of each turn.

T

Tonk — (1) The name of the game. (2) A hand dealt worth 49 or 50 points, shown at once for an instant win worth a double stake. (3) Going out by a spread or a hit with no final discard, also called tonking out, which also wins a double stake.

Tunk — Alternative spelling of Tonk, used in some regions.

W

Wall — Informal term for the stock pile.

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