Every Russian person knows this game from childhood. Its rules are simple and easy to grasp: when someone attacks you - defend with the same suit or with a trump, and when it’s your turn - attack and throw in cards if you can. It may seem simple, but that’s only on the surface.
The name of the card game Durak is deceptive. It’s actually a game for intellectuals. The professional and amateur levels differ greatly. Amateurs play like this: a good hand means victory, a bad hand means defeat. Professionals, however, aim to win regardless of what cards they’re dealt.
Few people know that Russia hosts official championships for this game, attracting professional players. The Russian champion in Podkidnoy Durak, V. L. Zheleznyakov, considers it one of the most complex logical games in the world. Of course, that’s debatable, but it’s hard to deny that mathematical calculation, memory, and analytical thinking are the key factors required for victory. The game allows players to develop a clear plan of action from the very beginning of a match. The number of possible combinations in Durak is comparable to chess.
As for digital gaming platforms, the game’s popularity in its online form is mainly limited to countries of the former Soviet Union. In Europe and the United States, people prefer what they consider more “serious” card games - like poker, for instance.
Say "No" to Cheaters!
Most card games involve an element of chance and various forms of cheating. Surprisingly, this doesn’t apply to Durak. Anyone familiar with the rules understands that cheating is difficult here because all cards are revealed during play, and there’s always the possibility of checking them. It’s nearly impossible to slip in or discard cards - the deck has an even number of cards, so any manipulation would have to be done in pairs. Even the most common cheating method - marking the back of cards - has little effect, since even an average player (let alone a professional) can keep track of 3–4 high-ranking cards in their head.
Rely on Skill, Not Luck
As mentioned above, the element of chance in the game is minimal. Even if a beginner receives a strong hand, they are unlikely to stand against an experienced master whose strength lies in knowledge. Of course, luck sometimes favors newcomers, and a novice might win a few rounds, but that’s about it. No fortune will help a beginner who dares to face a professional over ten or more matches.
A Game with a Future
The potential of most traditional card games has long been exhausted. It’s difficult to add anything new to their mechanics or expand their possibilities. But this doesn’t apply to Durak. By simply using a 56-card deck, the number of possible combinations increases dramatically - similar to the way draughts evolved into checkers. Thus, the traditional Durak can easily become an international game.
The Positive Qualities of Cards in General and Durak in Particular
Some people believe that cards serve only for entertainment, but that’s not true. Of course, most play for pleasure, but that’s far from their only benefit. Above all, card games have a positive effect on social interaction. They develop communication skills and help build personal relationships and social connections. They also improve analytical and mathematical abilities. Playing cards is an exercise for memory - it requires analyzing and evaluating possible scenarios, counting points, forming combinations, and more.
The beloved childhood pastime Durak Online awaits you on our website.