Last Updated on April 10, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Tunk, also known as Tonk, is a rummy-style card game for 2-4 players, played with a standard 52-card deck. In Tunk, Kings are high, Aces are low, and 2s are wild. The goal is to end the round with the fewest points.

For more rummy-inspired games, check out our guides for Canasta and Gin.

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How to Play Tunk

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Set Up

To start, a dealer must be chosen. Each player draws a card from the shuffled deck, and the player with the lowest card becomes the dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and distributes 7 cards to each player in clockwise order.

The remaining cards form the stock and are placed in the center. The top card of the stock is flipped over to create the discard pile.

How to Play

The game begins with the player to the dealer’s left and proceeds clockwise. Players choose to either draw a card from the stock or the discard pile. They must then discard one card to end their turn.

Melding
Players can form sets (three or more cards of the same rank) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). Once a player creates a meld, they lay it face up on the table. Players can also add cards to other players’ melds.

Going Out
A player who discards all their cards is “out.” All remaining players then get one more turn to improve their hands. After the round ends, players tally their scores.

Scoring

Points are calculated based on unmelded cards. Face cards (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) are worth 10 points, numbered cards are worth their face value, and Aces are worth 1 point. Once a player reaches 100 points, they are eliminated from the game. The last remaining player wins.

If a player has 50 points during the first draw, they can declare “Tunk!” and win the game immediately.

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Tunk is an engaging and fast-paced rummy-style game where strategy and quick thinking can lead to victory. Whether you’re eliminating points by forming melds or making the bold move to declare “Tunk!” early, each round offers a fresh challenge. The key is to minimize points and be the last player standing. Enjoy the game with friends and family, and keep an eye on your cards—one wrong move could cost you the game!