Durak Card Game: play Durak online free
Welcome to Durak Card Game, the easiest way to play Durak online. Durak is the classic Russian card game with a simple goal: get rid of all your cards, and don’t be the last one holding them, because that player is the durak, the “fool”.
Play Durak for free in any browser, on your phone or computer, with no download or sign-up. Practise against computer opponents, or open a private table and play Durak with friends in seconds. New to the game? A short tutorial teaches you the rules as you play.
What is Durak?
Durak is one of the most popular card games in Russia, Ukraine and across Eastern Europe, played for generations at kitchen tables, on long train journeys and in summer camps. The name means “fool” in Russian.
There is no winner in Durak, only a loser: the last player still holding cards is the durak. It’s quick to learn, but there is plenty of strategy. Every bout is a battle of attack and defence, and playing a trump at the right moment can turn the whole round around.
How to play Durak in 60 seconds
The deck
Durak is usually played with 36 cards, sixes up to aces. Everyone gets 6 cards, and the next card is turned face up: its suit is the trump suit for the round.
Attack
The attacker plays any card to the player on their left, the defender.
Defend
The defender beats it with a higher card of the same suit, or with any trump. A trump attack needs a higher trump.
Throw in
The attackers may add more cards of a rank already on the table, up to six, as long as the defender has cards to answer them.
Beat or take
If every card is beaten, they go to the discard pile and the defender attacks next. If not, the defender picks up everything on the table and misses their turn to attack.
Draw back up
After each bout, everyone draws back up to 6 cards, the attacker first, until the deck runs out.
Don’t be the fool
Once the deck is empty, players who run out of cards are safe. The last one still holding cards is the durak.
Ways to play
Podkidnoy (throw-in)
The classic game: other players throw in cards of a rank already on the table to pile on the defender.
Perevodnoy (transfer)
The defender can pass the attack on to the next player by adding a card of the same rank, so the defence can turn into an attack.
Play vs computer
Pick up to five computer opponents, each with their own character and style, from a gentle beginner to a sharp card counter.
Play with friends
Create a table, share the invite link and play with 2 to 6 people. Friends join from their browser in one tap, and empty seats can be filled with computer players.
Daily challenge
One deal a day, the same for everyone. Play it once for the daily leaderboard, then practise as often as you like.
Ranks and Hall of Fame
Online rounds earn a rating shown as a card rank, from Six up to Ace. The best players hang on the Hall of Fame board by the fireplace.
Tips to win at Durak
- Save your trumps. Beat small attacks with ordinary cards and keep your trumps for when nothing else will do.
- Get rid of low cards early. Sixes and sevens are best spent attacking while the deck is still full and you can draw new cards.
- Watch the discards. Keep track of which high cards and trumps have gone, so you know what can still beat you.
- Attack with pairs. Two cards of the same rank let you throw in a second card once the first is beaten.
- Taking isn’t always losing. Picking up a few low cards early can leave you with a stronger hand for the end of the round.
Frequently asked questions
Is Durak free to play?
Yes. Durak Card Game is completely free and runs in your browser on phones, tablets and computers. There is nothing to download, and you can play as a guest.
Can I play Durak online with friends?
Yes. Create a room, share the invite link and play with 2 to 6 people. Empty seats can be filled with AI players.
Can I play Durak against the computer?
Yes. Pick up to five AI opponents, from a gentle beginner to a sharp card counter, and play at your own pace.
What is the difference between Podkidnoy and Perevodnoy Durak?
In Podkidnoy (throw-in) Durak, the other players may add cards of a rank already on the table. Perevodnoy (transfer) Durak also lets the defender pass the attack on by adding a card of the same rank.
Who wins in Durak?
Nobody wins Durak. Players who run out of cards are safe, and the last player still holding cards is the durak: the fool.
Does it work on my phone?
Yes. Durak Card Game works in any modern browser on iPhone and Android, in portrait. Add it to your home screen to play like an app, without the browser bars.
What does “durak” mean?
“Durak” (дурак) is Russian for “fool”. The player left holding cards at the end of a round is the fool.
Which languages can I play in?
The game and these pages are in 29 languages, from English, Spanish and Russian to Japanese, Thai and Hebrew. Pick yours with the globe button.