fan-tan
Definition
- Noun:
- A gambling game: "fan-tan" is a Chinese gambling game in which players bet on the number of counters (often coins or small objects) remaining after a random number has been divided into groups of four. The game is played on a table with a square marked with numbers 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- A card game: "fan-tan" also refers to a card game, also known as "sevens," in which players attempt to get rid of their cards by playing them in sequence to a central pile, starting with a seven of any suit.
Usage Examples
Noun (gambling game):
- The casino offered a game of fan-tan in a separate room. (A Chinese gambling game involving counters and betting.)
- He lost a fortune playing fan-tan at the underground club. (He lost money while participating in the gambling game.)
Noun (card game):
- The children learned to play fan-tan during the rainy afternoon. (A card game where players play sevens in sequence.)
- We spent the evening playing fan-tan with a standard deck of cards. (Engaging in the card game version.)
Advanced Usage
"to play fan-tan": to participate in either version of the game.
- The tourists were eager to play fan-tan in Macau. (To engage in the gambling game.)
"fan-tan table": the specific surface or area used for the gambling game.
- The dealer stood behind the fan-tan table, ready to handle bets. (The table designed for the game.)
Variants and Related Words
- Fantán (noun): an alternative spelling of "fan-tan," used in some contexts.
- The history of fantán dates back to ancient China. (The gambling game with a different spelling.)
Synonyms
Sevens: the name for the card game version of fan-tan.
- Sevens is another name for the card game fan-tan. (A synonym for the card game.)
Parlett: a term sometimes used for the card game, though less common.
- In some regions, the card game is called Parlett instead of fan-tan. (A rare synonym.)
Related Idioms