How Samgong works: chasing 30 against the dealer

Samgong, also spelled Sakong or Samyong, is a card game popular in Indonesia and played in many card apps. "Sam" is the Chinese-derived word for three, and the target explains the rest: each player tries to reach 30 points, the value of three ten-point cards, without going over.

This page is a rule guide. The old version promoted Indonesian agent sites and talked about profit; that has been removed.

Card values

Samgong uses a standard 52-card deck.

• Ace: 1 point in most versions.
• 2 to 9: face value.
• 10, Jack, Queen and King: 10 points each.

Suits do not matter for the total. Some versions use suits to break ties; if so, the rules screen will list the order.

The aim

Each player's hand is the total of its cards.

• Exactly 30 is called samgong and is the best hand. Some versions rank three picture cards (J, Q, K in any mix) above other 30s.
• Under 30: the higher total is better. 29 beats 27, and so on.
• Over 30: the hand is bust and loses, whatever the dealer holds.

How a round goes

The game is played against a dealer, often called the bandar. In app versions the dealer is usually the house or a player who has taken the dealer seat.

1. Bets. Each player places a bet before the deal.
2. Deal. Each player and the dealer get their opening cards, commonly two.
3. Draw or stand. Each player in turn decides whether to take another card. Many versions cap a hand at three cards, which fits the "three" in the name; some allow more. Drawing gets you closer to 30, but one card too many and you bust.
4. Dealer's turn. The dealer reveals and draws according to the table's rules.
5. Settle. Each player is compared with the dealer. Higher total without busting wins; a bust always loses.

A few worked examples

• You hold K and 9: 19 points. A third card of 10 or any picture card gives 29. A 5 gives 24. Nothing takes you over 30 on the third card, since the most any card adds is 10 and you only need to stay at or under 30.
• You hold Q, J and 8: 28. If your version allows a fourth card, anything above 2 busts you.
• You hold 10, K and Q: 30, a samgong.

The first example shows why the game feels friendlier than blackjack at first: with a two-card total of 20 or less, a third card can never bust you. The risk appears when you are already high or when a version lets you draw further.

The typical app table

App versions usually show the dealer at the top of the screen and players in seats around a green or blue table, each with an avatar and chip balance. Your cards are shown face up at the bottom, with DRAW (or HIT) and STAND buttons nearby, and a chip tray for bets. A result banner appears after each round. The layout is simple and rounds are quick, which is exactly why it is easy to play more hands than you meant to.

The house edge

The game is not even. Dealer-wins-ties rules, commission on winnings or a cut of each pot are the usual ways the house takes its share. Over many rounds, that edge wins.

For more card and table guides, see the card games and guides hub, including Domino QiuQiu rules and our piece on gambling myths.

Samgong for money is for adults 18 and over, and online gambling is restricted in Malaysia. Set your stake limit before the first hand; our responsible gaming page can help.