Durak - offline game 4.2.9

Durak is a widely played card game in Russia and other post-Soviet countries. It is known for its strategic depth and engaging gameplay. This trick-taking game is easy to learn and can accommodate 2 to 6 players, though larger groups can play using multiple decks of cards.

Objective:

The main objective of Durak is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards. The player left with cards at the end of the game is considered the "fool".

Setup:

Durak is played with a standard deck of 36 cards, removing the 2s through 5s. The cards are ranked from Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, to 6. The trump suit is determined by drawing a card from the remaining deck.

Gameplay:

The game starts with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing six cards to each player. The top card of the remaining deck determines the trump suit. The player to the dealer's left goes first. The attacker plays cards of the same rank as those played by the previous attacker, aiming to play higher-ranking cards. The defender must beat these attacking cards by playing higher-ranking cards of the same suit or trumps. If the defender cannot beat the attackers, they must pick up all the played cards. The round continues in a clockwise direction. The game ends when a player successfully gets rid of all their cards, declaring them the winner. The player with remaining cards is deemed the "fool".

Scoring:

Durak can be played as a single round or as a series of rounds. In multi-round games, the fool from the previous round usually becomes the dealer for the next round. Scoring can vary, but players generally aim to avoid accumulating penalty points, with the fool potentially receiving additional points.

Durak is a game that combines strategy, psychology, and luck. Players must make careful choices of when to attack and defend, using tactics to outwit their opponents. The dynamic nature of the trump suit and the shifting roles of attacker and defender make each round of Durak an exciting and challenging experience for players of all skill levels.

Play Durak without internet!