Game Rules
Durak — the most popular card game in CIS
Game Basics
Game Goal
Get rid of all cards. The last player with cards is the "fool" and loses.
Deck and Deal
- Deck of 36 cards (from six to ace)
- Each player is dealt 6 cards
- One card determines the trump suit
Card Ranking
From lowest to highest: 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A
Trump always beats non-trump card
Attack Durak
Most popular variant (90%+ players)
Features
- Attacker plays a card of any rank
- Defender beats with higher card of same suit or trump
- All players can throw in cards of the same rank
- Maximum cards for attack = defender's cards (but no more than 6)
If failed to defend
Defender takes all cards from the table and skips their attack turn.
Classic Durak
Simplified variant for beginners
Features
- Only attack and defense, no throwing in
- Attacker plays one card
- Defender beats or takes
- After beat or take — next turn
Ideal for
Learning basic mechanics and game strategies.
Transfer Durak
Dynamic variant for experienced players
Features
- All rules of Attack Durak
- Can transfer attack to next player
- Need a card of same rank to transfer
- Cannot transfer if next player already threw in cards
Tactics
Adds depth and unpredictability. Important to watch neighbors' cards.
Variant Comparison
| Variant | Throwing in | Transfer |
|---|---|---|
| Attack Durak | Yes | No |
| Classic Durak | No | No |
| Transfer Durak | Yes | Yes |