Optional: Before game play begins the player who holds a two (large deck) or six (small deck) ofthe trump suit in their hand may opt to exchange their card for the revealed trump card. Within the trump suit card hierarchy is maintained. Cards in this suit hold a higher value then the Aces of the other suits. This cardrepresents the trump suit and is now at the bottom of the deck. Place it on the middle of the table, place the deck on top of the revealed card, covering it half way. After the players have received all their cards, reveal the top card of the deck.If the large deck is used deal seven (usually) or six (rarely) cards to each player depending on general agreement. If the small deck is used, deal six cards to each player.The dealer must go around the table asking for people to cut the deck. Optional: If this is not the first game of the evening, the player may opt not to cut the deck by saying 'Nye snimayu shapkee Doo-rah-kam' ('I do not tip my hat to idiots'). The dealer asks the person to his left to cut the deck.PreparationExcept for the first game of the evening, the loser of the previous game is the dealer. Remove the Jokers, as well as all the cards of a face value of five or less (except the Aces).Ĭard values in ascending order: 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K A trump. Small Deck (preferable)Use one deck of 52 cards. Remove the Jokers.Ĭard values in ascending order: 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K A trump. For a smaller group and/or a faster game a smaller deck is used. For large groups (5 or 6 players) and/or beginners usually the whole deck is used. Preparing the DeckThere are several variations of this game depending on how many players, and the general level of expertise. PlayersThree to five or six players, usually four. Like in chess, each player may develop his or her own style of playing. The game involves some luck but mostly strategy. The last player with cards in hand is the loser. There is no single winner, but there is a single loser. Durak Durak (Russian for Stupid)This rules rendition by Alejandro Tkaczevski.

Durak games