January 1, 2026
How Many Cards in Durak Deck: 24, 36 or 52
Let's figure out how many cards are used in Durak. Standard deck, short deck, which to choose for different player counts — all in one article.
Standard 36-card deck
Classic Durak is played with 36 cards. It includes cards from six to ace of all four suits: spades, clubs, diamonds, hearts. This is optimal for 2-4 players. With this deck everyone gets enough cards and the game doesn't drag on.
Short 24-card deck
For two-player games sometimes a 24-card deck is used — from nine to ace. This makes the game faster and more dynamic. Fewer cards — less room for maneuver, each decision weighs more. Some consider this variant more skill-based.
Full 52-card deck
The 52-card deck (from two to ace) is rarely used, mainly for large groups (5-6 people). Games last longer with this deck, and cards 2-5 are practically useless in defense. This variant is less popular.
Which deck to choose
2 players — 24 or 36 card deck. 3-4 players — 36 card deck (optimal). 5-6 players — 36 or 52 card deck. In Durak Online we use the classic 36-card deck — it works for any number of players.
Trumps in deck
Regardless of deck size, there's always one trump suit — determined by the card under the deck. In a 36-card deck — 9 trumps (from 6 to ace of one suit). Remember played trumps to know how many remain.