Introduction
Thunee is a beloved card game played primarily by the Indian community in Durban, South Africa. It is more than just a game—it’s a tradition passed down through generations, deeply embedded in social gatherings, family events, and even competitive tournaments. The game is known for its strategy, skill, and teamwork, making it both exciting and highly competitive.
The Origins of Thunee
Thunee is believed to have been introduced to South Africa by Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, where Durban became home to a large Indian population.
The game is said to have evolved from “Twenty-Eight”, a popular trick-taking game played in India, especially in regions like Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Over time, the game took on a local South African identity, with slight modifications to its rules and a unique Zulu-influenced name, “Thunee”, which means “small” or “tiny” (possibly referring to the small deck of cards used in the game).
By the mid-20th century, Thunee had spread beyond family gatherings and into social clubs, workplaces, and formal tournaments, making it a staple of Durban’s Indian culture.
How to Play Thunee
Number of Players & Teams
- Thunee is played with four players, divided into two teams of two.
- Partners sit opposite each other.
The Deck
- The game uses a 24-card deck, consisting of the following cards from a standard deck:
Aces, Kings, Queens, Jacks, Tens, and Nines of each suit (Spades, Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs). - Jokers and other cards are not used.
Game Setup
- Shuffling & Dealing: Each player is dealt six cards.
- Trump Calling: The player to the left of the dealer can call “Thunee” (trump) if they feel confident in their hand.
- Objective: Teams must win tricks by playing the highest-ranked card in the leading suit or trump suit.
Card Ranking (Highest to Lowest):
Trump suit order: 9 (highest), Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 (lowest).
Other suits: Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9 (lowest).
Playing the Game
- The player who calls trump leads the first trick.
- The winner of each trick leads the next one.
- Players must follow suit if they have the same suit in their hand. If not, they can play a trump or another card.
- The team that wins the most tricks earns points.
Scoring & Winning
- The game is usually played to 13 points.
- Winning all tricks in a round is called a “Grand Thunee”, which earns bonus points.
Fun Facts About Thunee
- It’s So Competitive That It’s Banned in Some Places!
- In the early days, Thunee was played for money, leading to heated disputes. Some workplaces banned the game to prevent fights!
- It Has Its Own Tournaments!
- Competitive Thunee tournaments are held in South Africa, with cash prizes and trophies. Players take the game seriously, developing advanced strategies.
- A Game of Signals & Psychology
- Teams often use secret signals (such as tapping the table or eye movements) to communicate strategies without breaking the rules.
- Passed Down Through Generations
- Many players learned Thunee from their parents or grandparents, making it a cultural legacy within Indian South African families.
- It’s More Than a Game – It’s a Tradition!
- Thunee is played at weddings, festivals, and Diwali celebrations, strengthening family bonds and friendships.
Conclusion
Thunee is not just a card game, it’s a symbol of heritage, skill, and camaraderie within Durban’s Indian community. Whether played casually with family or at high-stakes tournaments, it remains a cherished tradition that continues to bring people together.
If you haven’t played Thunee yet, now is the time to learn and experience this exciting game first hand!