Russi: A Simple Card Game for Two

Welcome to Russi! This fun and strategic card game is perfect for two players. It’s similar to other popular games like Blind Don and Turnover Bridge. In Russi, you’ll have a row of playable cards in front of you on the table, as well as a hand of secret cards that your opponent can’t see. Your goal? To capture as many tricks as possible!

Getting Started: The Cards & The Deal

First, grab a standard deck of 52 cards. To determine who deals first, cut the deck and whoever gets the highest card deals.

Each player will be dealt 26 cards, one at a time. Here’s how it works: first, each player gets nine cards face down, forming a row. Then, on top of those cards, each player receives nine more cards face up. Finally, each player is dealt a hand of eight cards. Make sure to keep your hand hidden from your opponent!

Time to Play Russi!

Here’s the first rule:

When we start playing, I get to go first. I can play any card from my hand or from the face-up row. If I choose a face-up card and uncover a face-down card, I have to turn it up.

Now it’s your turn. You have to play a card that matches the suit of the card I played. You can choose from your hand or your face-up row. And remember, if you have a face-down card that gets uncovered, you have to turn it up.

If you don’t have a card that matches the suit, you can play any card you want. It’s your choice!

The trick is won by the player who plays the highest card of the suit that was led. And guess what? The winner gets to start the next trick!

Let me show you an example:

So there I was, holding all the cards. I was the non-dealer, Player 1, and it was my turn to make a move. With confidence, I decided to lead the trick by playing an Ace of Spades from my hand. The ball was in my court, and it was up to me to set the tone for the game.

Player 2, my worthy opponent, examined their options and strategically chose to play a 4 of Spades from their face-up row. Little did they know that their move would have consequences. As they played their card, a secret was revealed – a face-down card, unknown until now. Without hesitancy, they flipped that card over, granting us insight into a previously unseen element of the game.

In the battle between the Ace of Spades and the 4 of Spades, the mighty Ace stood victorious. It was the highest-ranking card in the suit that was led, and thus it captured the trick. With a sense of triumph, I, Player 1, reclaimed the trick and promptly led again, maintaining my momentum.

And so it went, back and forth, Player 1 leading and Player 2 countering. The excitement continued to build as the game progressed. Each move held the potential to unravel new strategies and uncover hidden surprises. The tension in the air was palpable as we battled for supremacy, both determined to outsmart and outplay one another.

This riveting play continued until all 26 tricks had been played. We left no stone unturned, no card unplayed, until every aspect of the game had been explored.

Ah, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

At long last, the moment arrived when all the tricks had been taken, and the smoke cleared. The player who had managed to capture the most tricks emerged as the victor. It was a hard-fought battle, filled with strategy, cunning, and a touch of luck. But in the end, one player stood above the rest, their skill and wits prevailing.

Yes, my friend, the player who captures the most tricks is indeed the winner. It is the culmination of their efforts, the ultimate validation of their gameplay. And so, as I reflect on this thrilling game of wits and cards, I am reminded that victory is sweetest when earned through skill and determination.