How to Play Durak Online
Durak is one of the world's most popular attack-and-defense card games. This online version keeps the familiar table flow: attack, defend, beat, take, refill hands, and keep going until only the fool remains.
Objective
Get rid of all your cards before the others. Each exchange starts with an attack, the defender must beat every card, and the table is cleared only when attackers say Beat. The last player left with cards is the fool.
The Deck
Rooms can use 24, 36, or 52 cards across hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades. One card defines the trump suit for the whole round. For a full breakdown, visit the Cards Catalog.
24-card deck
Ranks 9-A in each suit. Fast rounds for compact tables.
36-card deck
Ranks 6-A in each suit. This is the standard Durak setup.
52-card deck
Ranks 2-A in each suit. Best for larger rooms and longer rounds.
Trump card
The trump suit beats any non-trump attack. Higher trump beats lower trump.
Gameplay Flow
- 1
Deal and Trump
Each player receives 6 cards. The trump card is shown near the deck, and its suit is strongest for the round.
- 2
Attack
The attacker places a card on the table. In throw-in situations, additional attacks must match ranks already visible on the table.
- 3
Defend or Take
The defender covers each attack with a higher same-suit card or a trump. If they cannot defend, they take the table cards into hand.
- 4
Beat and Refill
When every attack is covered, attackers can say Beat and the table is cleared. Then players draw from the deck back up to 6 cards while cards remain.
- 5
Finish
Players who empty their hand after the deck runs out leave the round safely. The last player holding cards loses as the fool.
Table Actions
Attack
Start the exchange by placing a card. After the first attack, throw-ins must match table ranks.
Defend
Cover an attack with a higher card of the same suit, or with trump against a non-trump attack.
Take
If defense is impossible or too expensive, take all table cards and prepare for the next exchange.
Beat
When every attacking card is covered, attackers confirm Beat and all table cards leave the round.
Transfer
In transfer rooms, the defender can pass the attack to the next player by adding a same-rank card.
In-Game Boosts
Boosts are consumable power-ups you can activate during a game to gain a tactical advantage. Use them carefully because timing matters most in attack and defense. Learn more on the Strategies page.
Card Hint
Highlights a strong card choice from your hand for the current table situation.
Swap Card
Swap one card from your hand with a card from the deck when the boost rules allow it.
Cancel Move
Undo an opponent's recent table move and return the card to their hand.
Quick Tips
- Do not waste trump cards early unless the defense is important.
- Watch ranks on the table before deciding what to throw in.
- Pay attention to opponents' card counts before adding more pressure.
- Taking can be correct if defending would burn too many trumps.
- Check out the full Strategies Guide for advanced tactics.