(Public Domain)
Also known as "Er Qi Shi" or "2-7-10" is a traditional Chinese card game, closely related to Majiang and the Rummy family of games. It can be found in Guang Xi province of southern China, particularly to the city of Guilin (from which it derives one of its names), as well as in Sichuan province (specifically Leshan where a particularly ornate style of writing for the numerals is used) and in the city of Chongqing. It is rare, but not unheard of, to see it played outside of these environs.
It is traditionally played by 4 people, three players and one dealer. Cards are divided into two suits - informal and formal characters numbered from 1-10 and one "Phoenix" or joker card. There are 4 duplicates of each, with the 2's, 7's and 10's of both suits picked out in red (which are worth extra points when scoring). Play proceeds in a manner similar to Majiang, with players attempting to create a variety of different "melds" or special hands, with the winner's score being calcualted on the strength of his or her hand.
