Durak: The Popular Russian Card Game Durak is a popular card game that originated in Russia. It is a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The word "durak" translates to "fool" in English, which is quite fitting considering the objective of the game. The game can be played with a standard deck of 36 cards. The number of players can vary, but typically it is played between two to six players. The objective of the game is to get rid of all your cards before the other players do. At the beginning of the game, each player is dealt a hand of cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in a deck, with the top card flipped over to start the game. The player to the left of the dealer goes first. The gameplay revolves around attacking and defending. A player can attack by playing a card of the same rank as the card on top of the discard pile. The defending player must then try to beat the attacking card with a higher-ranked card of the same suit or use a trump card to beat it. If the defending player is unsuccessful, they take the entire discard pile into their hand. The game continues in this manner, with players taking turns attacking and defending, until one player has gotten rid of all their cards. This player is declared the winner, while the remaining players are labeled as the "durak" or the fool. Durak is not just a game of luck, but also requires strategy and skill. Players must carefully consider the cards they play and anticipate the moves of their opponents. It is a game that can be enjoyed casually or played competitively, making it a popular choice for many card game enthusiasts in Russia and beyond. In conclusion, Durak is a captivating card game that has gained popularity not only in Russia but also worldwide. With its simple rules and strategic gameplay, it offers endless hours of entertainment for players of all skill levels. So why not gather some friends and try your hand at Durak? You might just discover a new favorite card game!