Well now, if ya wanna learn how to play Toma Todo, ya gotta listen close, ’cause it’s a fun little game that can make a good time for both young ‘uns and old folks like me. It’s a game that comes from Mexico, and let me tell ya, it’s simple enough for anyone to pick up but fun enough to keep ya comin’ back for more.
First off, ya gotta know about this thing they call the pirinola. It’s a fancy word for a top, but not the kind we used to play with when I was a girl. This one’s got six sides, and each side has a different thing written on it, so when you spin it, ya never know what’s comin’ next. It’s like a little surprise every time, and that’s what makes it so exciting!

Now, the way you play is real easy. Each person sittin’ around the circle starts with a little pile of chips or pennies or whatever ya got to use. Usually, it’s 10 chips per person. Everybody takes turns spinnin’ that pirinola, and depending on which side it lands on, you either put some chips in the middle or take some from the middle. It’s a back-and-forth kinda thing. But let me break it down for ya in simple terms:
- Pon 1 or Pon 2: If the pirinola lands on this, ya gotta put either one or two chips into the middle. That’s the “pot” where everyone’s playin’ for.
- Toma 1 or Toma 2: If it lands on this, then you get to take one or two chips outta the pot. Feels real good when it’s your turn, trust me!
- Toma Todo: This one’s the biggie, folks! If it lands on Toma Todo, ya get to take all the chips outta the pot. Every single one of ‘em. It’s a mighty good feeling, let me tell ya.
Everybody keeps playin’ till the pot’s empty, or till one person has taken all the chips. Whoever’s left with chips at the end of the game wins. Simple as that. Ain’t no need for complicated rules, just spin and see what ya get!
Now, I know what you’re thinkin’. You might be thinkin’ this is just a game for kids. But let me tell ya, folks of all ages can get in on this. I play it with my grandkids, and they love it. Heck, we even play it at family gatherings, and it don’t matter how old ya are, it’s still just as fun as ever.
One of the best parts about Toma Todo is that it teaches ya a little bit of Spanish without ya even knowin’ it. The words on the pirinola help ya practice some simple verbs, like “toma” (take) and “pon” (put), which is good for folks who might be tryin’ to learn the language. Plus, it gives ya a little taste of Mexican culture, which is always a nice thing to know.
Now, there’s another way to play Toma Todo, too. Some folks play it with cards instead of that spinning top. They use a regular deck of 52 cards, and you still follow the same kinda rules. It’s fast-paced and fun, and you can play it with as many people as ya want, long as you got enough cards. But the rules are the same—put in chips, take out chips, and try to be the one who ends up with the most at the end.
So, whether you’re playin’ with the pirinola or the cards, Toma Todo is a great game to play with family and friends. It don’t matter if you’re at home or at a party, this game will bring folks together and make ‘em laugh. It’s a perfect way to spend some time with the people you love, and it don’t cost nothin’ except a little time and maybe some pocket change.

So go ahead, get yourself a pirinola or a deck of cards, gather up your friends and family, and give Toma Todo a try. You won’t regret it, I promise ya. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it’s a real nice way to pass the time!
Tags:[Toma Todo, Pirinola, Mexican games, traditional games, family games, how to play Toma Todo, Toma Todo rules, Spanish games, fun card games, learn Spanish, spinning top games]