By Ela Matters Staff 
At first glance, GTCC Tongits champions look like they’ve mastered the art of pure strategy. They’re cool under pressure, take calculated risks, and know how to read a table better than anyone else.
But if you talk to them after a match, you might hear something interesting—many still tip their hats to swerte, or luck. That’s because in Filipino gaming culture, no matter how sharp your skills are, there’s always room for a little magic (or mystery) in the mix.
And in the Philippines, luck often comes with rituals—those tried-and-tested pamahiin passed down from family card nights and neighborhood tournaments. They might seem old-fashioned, but in high-stakes GTCC play, these little traditions can become powerful mental tools.
Let’s go through some of the most talked-about Tongits superstitions, and see how you can use them—not just for luck, but for a psychological edge in your next GTCC Tongits game.
Don’t Leave the Table Before the Game Ends
One of the most popular beliefs says that if you stand up or walk away before a game ends, you’re “taking your luck” with you. The positive energy you had? Gone.
In the GTCC arena, this belief doubles as a tactic. Staying put shows your opponents you’re calm and collected—even if your hand is terrible. Body language is everything. If you look unbothered, others may second-guess their moves.
So even if you’re secretly hoping for a miracle draw, stay in your seat, keep your posture steady, and let them think you’re in control.
Skip the Shuffle After Calling “Tongits!”
Another superstition warns against shuffling the deck after declaring “Tongits” for the last game of the night. The thinking is that too much movement shakes off the luck you’ve built up.
Translated to tournament play, the lesson is clear: don’t complicate the final moments. When the last round comes, focus on precision and clean execution. You’ve done the setup—now finish the scene like the grand finale of a well-rehearsed performance.
Keep Those Cards in Hand
If you drop your cards, some say you’ve dropped your fortune too. Others even believe it invites bad spirits to meddle with the game.
At the GTCC level, this belief has a practical edge: dropping cards breaks your concentration, slows down the game, and might even give your opponents clues.
So guard your cards—not just physically, but mentally. Protect your strategies, your tells, and your reactions like they’re your most valuable assets.
Tap Three Times for a Fresh Start
In some barangays, players tap the table three times before a new hand to chase away malas and refresh the game’s energy.
That little ritual works wonders in tournament settings, too. If you just lost a round, a mental reset can keep you from spiraling. Whether it’s a tap, a deep breath, or straightening your chips, find your own “reset button” to start fresh.
Don’t Count Wins Before the Game is Over
Filipino players have a saying: Bilangin mo mamaya, baka mawala. Count your money—or your wins—only after the game’s truly done, or you might jinx it.
At GTCC Tongits tables, overconfidence is dangerous. You can have a strong lead and still lose it all in a single hand. Stay grounded, keep adjusting, and play like every round matters until the last card hits the table.
Let the First Card Guide Your Mood
Some players believe the first card you draw predicts your luck for the game—a heart might signal good fortune, a spade might warn of trouble ahead.
Even if you don’t believe in omens, this belief can be a mental advantage. If the first card is strong, use the momentum. If it’s weak, play more carefully. The point isn’t magic—it’s mindset.
End With Light, Not Darkness
In certain provinces, ending a game on a black card (spade or club) is unlucky—it’s said to “close the night in darkness.”
Of course, you can’t always control your final card. But you can control your energy. If you win with a black card, flip it with confidence and a smile. The mood you set can impact how opponents feel going into the next round.
Talk to Your Cards (Sort Of)
Old-school players sometimes whisper to their cards, asking them to “cooperate” or “bring their friends.”
While doing this aloud at the GTCC might raise eyebrows, the concept has value—it keeps you fully engaged with your hand. You don’t have to speak; silently narrating your game to yourself can help you stay focused and avoid autopilot decisions.
Why These Pamahiin Still Matter in 2025
It’s easy to think these superstitions are just cultural curiosities with no place in a professional tournament. But the truth is, they carry hidden lessons about focus, composure, resource management, and mental resets.
At the GTCC, where competition is fierce and every move matters, even a small shift in mindset can change the outcome. And if a little tradition helps you play sharper, why not use it?
Old Traditions, Modern Tactics
You don’t need to follow every superstition to the letter. But blending old beliefs with modern strategy can give you a unique advantage.
Think of it like having two mentors—your competitive self, trained in advanced gameplay, and your lola, reminding you not to leave the table before the game’s over.
Between skill and culture, you get a balance that’s both sharp and grounded with these Tongits superstitions.
Because Tongits isn’t just about winning—it’s about heritage, connection, and that small, thrilling mystery that keeps you coming back. And sometimes, mystery is exactly what wins championships.