Durak: strategy and tips on how to win more often

Durak is loved for its simple rules and excitement. It is played with a 36-card deck, from six to ace. One card is turned up from the deck as the trump, and cards of that suit beat any card of another suit. The goal is to get rid of all your cards first: whoever is left holding cards becomes the durak, the fool. You can play Durak online for free on our site.

Tip one: save your trumps. Small trumps are needed to defend in a tough moment, and trump aces and kings are better kept for the end of the game. Do not spend a trump on a card that an ordinary card can beat.

Tip two: attack with low cards. Start with small non-trump cards, and try to add values you hold several of. This way you get rid of a weak hand quicker and keep the strong cards.

Tip three: count the discard pile. If you remember which trumps have already gone, it is easy to understand what your opponent can answer with. It is especially useful to track the aces and the trump cards.

Tip four: sometimes it is better to take. If a card can only be beaten with a valuable one, and your opponent will add a couple more, it may be wiser to pick the cards up and keep your trumps. But do not take too many: a big hand gives your opponent more chances to add cards.

Finally, at the end of the game, when the deck is empty, memory decides everything. Remember which cards your opponent still has, and you can plan a win several moves ahead. Play Durak for free and train your attention.