March 15, 2023
History of the Card Game Durak
Few think about the game's history when dealing cards. But Durak isn't just entertainment — it's a cultural phenomenon with an amazing history.
Where did Durak come from?
The exact origin is lost in time. Some historians believe Durak appeared in Russia in the 18th century when card games became popular among nobility. Unlike preference or vint which required complex calculations, Durak was simple and democratic. That's why it quickly spread across all social classes.
Golden age of Durak
The 19th century was the heyday of card games in Russia. Durak was played in noble salons, military barracks, and peasant huts. The game is mentioned in works by Pushkin, Lermontov, Dostoevsky. In Soviet times Durak remained popular as one of few entertainments available to everyone.
Durak in the 21st century
Today Durak is experiencing a rebirth. From a street game it became digital entertainment available 24/7 on any device. Online tournaments, player ratings, even championships appeared. Remarkably, a simple card game survived revolutions, wars and the digital age.