Preferans was once considered Russia’s card game of choice, but Durak has since taken over that mantle. However, once you’ve got the hang of things then you’ll be able to enjoy a delightfully strategic card game.

It will take time to familiarize yourself with the complex rules of Preferans, and the importance of bidding and contracts. There are different scoring systems that pay tribute to different parts of Russia, with some players electing to use Sochi scoring, Leningrad scoring, or Rostov scoring – proof that this is a true card game of Russia. This is a plain trick-taking game, in which the player who simply takes the most tricks ends up as the victor. Preferans uses a 32-card deck and is traditionally played by three participants, with each player receiving five batches of two cards throughout the game. Preferans is the Russian interpretation of the Austrian card game Préférence, one with a history in Russia that dates back to the 1830s. Conversely, poker is a game with universal appeal, and one that has fostered great appreciation among Russian players. The likes of Preferans and Durak might be unfamiliar to those outside of Russia or its neighboring countries, but anyone who wishes to appreciate all aspects of the culture in Russia may want to learn the rules before visiting.

In Russia, you’ll find popular card games that fit both categories. Some card games transcend borders, while there are other card games that are still mostly played within their country of origin. From one-player problem-solving activities to fierce competitive action, card games can take many forms. It’s amazing how many gaming variations people can come up with from the humble deck of playing cards.

Real Durak Old Russian cards game Durak