How to Master Card Tongits and Win Every Game You Play

You know, I’ve always been fascinated by games that reward strategy and patience—whether it’s a digital classic like Backyard Baseball '97 or a card game like Tongits. That’s why I decided to write this guide on how to master Card Tongits and win every game you play. But wait—what does a 90s baseball video game have to do with a Filipino card game? Stick with me, and you’ll see exactly how exploiting opponent psychology works across totally different games.

First off, what’s the core idea behind mastering any game?
It’s about understanding not just the rules, but the loopholes—the tiny cracks in your opponent’s logic. In Tongits, you’re not just arranging cards into sets or sequences; you’re reading your opponents, predicting their moves, and sometimes, just sometimes, nudging them into mistakes. It’s a lot like that old Backyard Baseball '97 exploit I came across recently. The game never really got those “quality-of-life updates” you’d expect from a remaster, but it had this beautiful quirk: you could fool CPU baserunners into advancing when they absolutely shouldn’t. By repeatedly throwing the ball between infielders instead of to the pitcher, the AI would misjudge the situation and get trapped. That’s the kind of subtle manipulation that separates good players from unbeatable ones.

So, how do you apply this to Tongits?
Simple: create patterns, then break them. Let’s say you always draw from the discard pile early in the game—your opponents will notice. After a few rounds, switch it up. Suddenly, they’re second-guessing their own strategies, much like those CPU runners who thought tossing the ball around infielders meant a shot at advancing. Before they know it, they’re in a “pickle”—discarding the exact card you need to complete a run or set. I’ve won about 70% of my games just by keeping opponents on their toes this way.

But is it really about forcing errors, or just playing smart?
A bit of both. In Backyard Baseball '97, the developers overlooked refining AI behavior, which became its greatest exploit. Tongits isn’t broken, but human psychology often is. I’ve noticed that intermediate players tend to play too safely once they have a decent hand—they stop picking from the discard pile, avoid bold moves, and wait for luck to hand them a win. Don’t be that player. Instead, use their caution against them. Toss out a mid-value card that seems harmless but actually sets up your next big play. Before long, they’ll take the bait, assuming it’s safe to advance their own position.

What’s the biggest mistake you see Tongits players make?
Overlooking the “throw between infielders” tactic—metaphorically, of course. They focus so hard on their own cards that they forget to watch others. In one match last month, I noticed my opponent always hesitated before drawing from the stock if they had a strong hand. Once I spotted that tell, I adjusted my discards to force them into uncomfortable picks. It’s exactly like that Backyard Baseball trick: repetitive actions lull the opponent into a false rhythm. Break that rhythm, and you create openings.

Can patience really be a weapon in a fast-paced game?
Absolutely. Think about it—in Backyard Baseball, you didn’t rush the throw to the pitcher. You took your time, moved the ball around, and let the CPU’s impatience work against it. In Tongits, I’ve won countless rounds not by going out early, but by hanging back, building a killer hand, and striking when the discard pile is stacked in my favor. Last week, I held off going out for three extra turns just to maximize my score—and it paid off with a 30-point swing.

How important is adapting to different opponents?
Critical. Just like the unpatched AI in Backyard Baseball, some players never learn. Others catch on quickly. I remember this one player who always picked from the discard pile if it had a face card—every single time. By mid-game, I was discarding low cards just to keep them distracted while I built sequences. It’s all about tailoring your strategy in real time.

What’s your final tip for someone looking to dominate Tongits?
Embrace the mindset of a remaster—not of the game, but of your approach. Backyard Baseball '97 didn’t need a graphic overhaul; it needed players to uncover its hidden exploits. Similarly, to master Card Tongits and win every game you play, you have to look beyond the obvious. Watch, adapt, and occasionally, let your opponents believe they’re one step ahead. Because once they commit to that mistake, you’ve already won.