Durak is a popular card game from Russia. If you enjoy casino games that require skills, you’ll love it. It’s played with specific cards from the deck and against others. The player who loses the game is durak (or the fool) and is the next to deal the cards. So, if you don’t want to lose and deal the cards in the next round, you should learn how to play it right away!
Can You Play Durak For Real Money?
Durak is the perfect casino game for free play. You can enjoy it with your friends and family or play it online without investing real money. However, you can also play it for real money if you’re good at it. Simply find an online casino with durak in its catalog. Register on the website, deposit some cash and start the game.
Nevertheless, make sure to find a suitable online casino when playing the real-money durak card game. It must have a valid license and operate legally. You need a venue with a high level of security, fair games, and a transparent website.
Also, you’ll want to have various games at your disposal. Many online casinos hold different card games, including poker, baccarat, blackjack, and more. If you’re a fan of card games, you may enjoy any of them. Finally, a fun online casino has other products, such as bonuses. So, find a reliable online casino (like 1xBet Casino, for example) and make sure it has what you seek before signing up!
But before you start playing, you should learn the rules first, so keep reading!
Durak Card Game Basics
Unlike many casino games, the durak game is played with 32 cards. You need a simple card deck you use for every other game. However, remove all cards that are worth five or less. When playing durak, you need cards from six to an ace, regardless of their suit. Once you modify your card deck, pick the dealer randomly. Then, each player gets six cards, and the game begins.
Before placing the remaining cards in the center, turn the top card from the deck. This card is called the trump, and its suit determines the trump suit of that round. So, it will affect the outcomes of the round. The trump card is placed beneath the card deck, also called the prikup. Every player should be able to see the face-up card at any time.
The card evaluation system is simple in durak. Namely, the highest-ranking card is the ace, whereas the lowest one is six. During the game, you’re supposed to attack other players and defend yourself when they attack you. The goal is to remove as many cards as possible. The player who’s left with more cards than others is the durak.
What a Round of Durak Looks Like
In the beginning, each player gets six cards. The trump card and the deck are placed in the middle of the table (or the online casino screen, depending on where you play). Then, the player with the lowest card of the same suit as the trump card plays the first. This player can attack others by placing a specific card in the center. The attacked player is supposed to defend themselves if they can.
For instance, you attack another player with the king of hearts. They can defend themselves with the higher-ranking card (an ace of hearts) or with the trump card (the card of the same suit as the face-up card). The attacker can attack again but only with the same-ranked card. So, if an ace and the king are the cards on the table, they must use an ace or a king to form the next attack.
Once the attack is over, the next player attacks, and the new player defends. Player turns rotate clockwise. The losing players (those who don’t manage to protect themselves) have to take all the used cards from the table. Other players must take a specific number of cards from the pile in the center if they have fewer than six cards. The round ends when all players except one have lost all their cards.
Durak Card Game Turn Rules
So, the durak game has a simple card evaluating system and rules. The standard game is played with four players and 32 cards (from six to an ace). The goal is to discard all your cards during the round. Namely, you attack other players and defend yourself. You can also pass your turn to someone else unless you’re the one who’s being attacked.
Each turn ends with one of the following outcomes:
- There have been six attacks
- A player successfully defends themselves
- A player fails to defend themselves
Whenever a player fails to defend themselves, they take the cards from the center and lose their right to attack. Then, the next player may attack if they wish to. Every player who doesn’t need to defend can join the attack or refuse to do so.
When the player manages to defend themselves, the cards are placed aside. The players need to have at least six cards during the round. So, you need to take the cards from the pile if you have fewer than six cards once the attack is finished. At one point, the pile in the middle will disappear. Then, the race to remove all your cards begins. The player who loses is the one who deals the cards in the next round.
Durak Card Game Tips
As you can see, durak is quite different from games like poker. But what tactics work best in durak?
When playing the durak game, you may not always want to defend yourself or join the attack. Sometimes, it’s best to save the “good cards” for later. For instance, if you can protect yourself only with the trump card, you may prefer to simply take the cards from the center and use it later during the game.
Additionally, always keep in mind that you need enough cards for attacking but also for defending. Don’t use all you have to form an attack if you can’t protect yourself later! For instance, if you have three Kings and want to attack, you may consider saving one for later if the defender manages to protect themselves.
