Toma Todo (Pirinola) guide: rules, how to play and tips
What is it?
Toma Todo is the pirinola game, played with a six-sided spinning top that has been part of Mexican parties, posadas and family get-togethers for generations. Each side tells you what to do: put in, take out, or, if you’re lucky, take it all! On WePlay the pirinola spins on everyone’s screen at the same time, and the chips are play chips with no value outside the game, so you play purely for the thrill of each spin.
Setup
- Two or more people can play, each on their own phone.
- Everyone starts with the same number of play chips.
- To begin, each player puts one chip into the pot (el bote) in the middle of the table.
Rules
- Players take turns spinning the pirinola and doing what the top side says.
- Pon 1 and Pon 2: put one or two chips into the pot.
- Toma 1 and Toma 2: take one or two chips from the pot.
- Todos ponen: every player puts one chip in. Toma todo: you take the whole pot.
- When the pot is empty, everyone puts in one chip again. A player with no chips is out, and the last player with chips wins.
How to play on WePlay
- Open weplay.zone in the browser on every phone. There is no app to install and no account to create.
- If everyone is on the same Wi-Fi, they land at the same table automatically. Anyone far away or on cell data taps Invite and joins with the link, the QR code or the 4-letter code.
- The host picks Toma Todo (Pirinola) and taps Start. Each phone shows only its own player’s information; the table is shared in real time.
- For now Toma Todo (Pirinola) is played with other people: invite family or friends with the link.
- Tap or flick the pirinola on your phone to spin it; everyone watches it spin and land, and the chip count updates automatically.
- No wooden top or hand counting needed: the game keeps track of the pot for you.
Tips and strategy
- Toma Todo is almost pure luck, so the fun is in the atmosphere: call out each spin and cheer every Toma todo.
- Play with a time or round limit if your group is large, so nobody sits out for long.
- It pairs perfectly with lotería at a posada or family party.
- For kids it is a fun way to practice simple adding and subtracting with chips.
FAQ about Toma Todo (Pirinola)
Is money involved?
No. On WePlay the chips are play chips with no value; Toma Todo is just for fun.
What sides does the pirinola have?
Six: Pon 1, Pon 2, Toma 1, Toma 2, Todos ponen and Toma todo.
How many can play?
Two or more, with no strict maximum; the more the merrier.
Is there a computer mode?
For now Toma Todo is played with other people; invite someone with the link or the QR code.