What is Durak Card Games? How to Play & Rules: Step-by-Step Strategy

If you’ve never heard of Durak, you’re in for a treat! It’s the most popular card game in Russia, and once you learn how it works, you’ll understand why it’s been a favorite for generations. “Durak” literally means “fool” in Russian, and the goal of the game is simple: don’t be the last person left with cards.That’s it. But beneath that simplicity is a fast, fun, and strategic game that’s easy to learn and hard to put down!

What You Need to Play Durak

Players: 2 to 6 players

Deck: 36 cards (6 through Ace in each suit)

Durak is played with a reduced deck—no 2s through 5s. That makes it tighter, faster, and more strategic. You can play with a regular deck by simply removing the low cards.

Objective of the Game

The goal is to get rid of all your cards first. The last person holding cards is the "Durak" (the fool), and they lose the game.

Setting Up the Game

Shuffle the 36-card deck and deal 6 cards to each player. Then, place the remaining cards face down as a draw pile. Flip the top card face up and place it under the draw pile so it’s still visible. The suit of that card is the trump suit.

Important: The lowest trump card in play determines who attacks first. Whoever has the lowest trump starts the game.

Understanding Attack and Defense

This is the core of Durak. It’s a battle—literally.

Here’s how a turn works:

One player becomes the attacker. They play a card face up to the player to their left (the defender). The defender must beat that card with a higher card of the same suit or any trump card.

If the defender beats the attacking card, the attacker (and others) can continue attacking by adding cards of the same rank that are already in play. The defender must beat all incoming cards. If they do, the cards are discarded, and it’s the defender’s turn to attack next.

If they can’t beat all the cards, they must pick them up and skip their turn to attack.

Rules for Attacking

– You can only attack with cards that match the rank of any card currently on the table.

– Multiple players can attack after the defender starts defending—taking turns in clockwise order.

– You can’t play more cards than the number of cards the defender holds in their hand.

Rules for Defending

– Beat the card with a higher card of the same suit.

– Or use a trump card to beat any non-trump attack.

– Trump can only be beaten by a higher trump.

– If you can’t beat a card, you must pick up all cards on the table.

After the Turn

If the defender successfully beats all cards, all played cards are discarded. Everyone replenishes their hands from the draw pile back to 6 cards (attacker first, then others clockwise, then defender last).

When the draw pile runs out, players stop drawing, and play continues until only one player is left holding cards—the Durak.

Key Strategies for Beginners

1. Save Your Trumps

Don’t waste your trump cards too early unless absolutely necessary. Save them for when you’re under pressure and need a solid defense or to escape a multi-card attack.

2. Low Cards First

Lead with low cards to bait opponents into using strong cards or trumps. It helps you control the tempo and manage your hand better.

3. Know When to Pick Up

Sometimes it’s smarter to pick up the cards instead of wasting strong defense cards. If an attack is too strong, take the cards and regroup next round.

4. Watch What’s Played

Keep track of what cards have been played, especially trump cards. The fewer trump cards remaining, the easier it is to plan your attacks and defenses.

5. Communicate (in Team Durak)

If you’re playing team Durak (usually 4 or 6 players), try to set up attacks that your teammate can defend easily. Don’t throw them into a trap with high cards they can’t beat.

Ending the Game

The game ends when all but one player have discarded all their cards. The last person holding cards is the Durak.

Traditionally, the Durak shuffles and deals the next round—because they lost.

Durak Variations

There are many ways to play Durak depending on your group. Some versions include:

–Team Durak: Play in pairs, alternating turns. Your partner’s success is your success.

–Perevodnoy Durak (Passing Fool): Defenders can “pass” an attack by matching the attacking card’s rank, pushing it to the next player.

–No-Trump Durak: Play with no trump suit at all for a more challenging experience.

Why You’ll Love Durak

Durak is fast-paced, full of bluffing, and has just enough strategy to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. Once you get the hang of it, the rounds go quickly—and there’s always a good laugh when someone gets stuck as the Durak.

It’s a great party game, a fantastic intro to trick-based play, and one of those games you’ll find yourself teaching friends again and again.

Final Tip: Don’t Be the Fool

Remember, in Durak, you don’t have to win. You just don’t want to be last. Play smart, defend wisely, and keep an eye on your opponents’ hands. Sometimes, just surviving is victory enough.

Now you’re ready—shuffle up, deal six cards each, and let the battle begin!