Daifugō – Rules

Play Daifugō against the computer

1. Overview

What is it about? Daifugō is Japan's best-known card game among pupils and students – a close relative of President. Whoever is first to shed all cards becomes the “grand millionaire”, the last one left the “grand pauper”. In the next round the pauper must hand over their best cards. A “revolution” can turn the ranking upside down.

2. Cards and material

• Pack: 52 French cards plus 2 jokers.
• Ranking (low → high): 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2.
• Jokers: wild – replace any card; played alone, a joker is the highest single.
• Suits: only matter for sequences.
• Face up and face down: Hands concealed, played cards face up in the middle.

3. Preparation and start

1. Shuffle.
2. Deal: All cards are dealt; some players may get one more.
3. Card exchange (from round 2): The Daihinmin (last) gives the Daifugō (first) their two best cards; the Daifugō gives back any two. Hinmin and Fugō exchange one card each.
4. Start: In the first round whoever holds the 3 of diamonds starts; afterwards the Daihinmin.

Start example: First round. Player 3 holds the 3 of diamonds and plays it.

4. Goal and winning

• Round: The first to shed all cards becomes Daifugō; then come Fugō, Heimin (commoner), Hinmin and finally Daihinmin.
• Game: After an agreed number of rounds, whoever has the most rank points wins (e.g. Daifugō 2, Fugō 1, Heimin 0, Hinmin −1, Daihinmin −2).

5. Play in detail

Combinations.

• Single, pair, triple, four of a kind (equal ranks).
• Sequence (kaidan): at least 3 consecutive cards of the same suit (e.g. 5-6-7 of hearts).

A round of play.

1. The starter plays any combination.
2. In turn, each plays a higher combination of the same type and number – or passes.
3. A player who passed may still play when their turn comes round again.
4. When everyone else passes, the last player clears the middle and starts anew.

Special rules.

• Revolution: Playing four of a kind (or a sequence of 4+ cards) reverses the ranking: from now on the 3 is highest and the 2 lowest – until the next revolution.
• 8-giri: Playing an 8 (or a combination with 8s) clears the middle at once and the player starts anew.

Example with Players 1 to 4. Order: Player 3, 4, 1, 2.

1. Player 3 plays the 3 of diamonds. Player 4 plays a 6, Player 1 a queen, Player 2 a 2.
2. Players 3, 4 and 1 pass. Player 2 clears and starts: a pair of fives.
3. Player 3 plays a pair of eights – 8-giri: the middle is cleared at once, Player 3 starts anew.
4. Player 3 plays four nines: revolution! Now low cards are strong – Player 1's threes and fours become valuable.

6. Scoring

• With three players there are only Daifugō, Heimin and Daihinmin.
• Recording: One column per player.

7. Special rules and situations

• Going out with a joker: Usually forbidden (variant).
• Going out with a 2: Not allowed in some groups.
• Miyako-ochi (variant): If the Daifugō doesn't finish first again, they drop to last place at once.
• Card exchange: The best cards are the highest in the normal ranking (joker, 2, A …).
• Common mistakes: using twos too early; forgetting a revolution; playing the wrong number of cards.

8. Variants

Standard in this description: 2 jokers, revolution, 8-giri, card exchange from round 2.

When playing against the computer on cardgames.zone you play with 3 to 6 players for 1, 3 or 5 rounds, with or without jokers and with or without 8-giri.

9. Tips for beginners

1. Save twos and jokers: They win you the lead whenever you need it.
2. Eights as resets: An 8 ends the round at once – ideal for starting fresh.
3. Shed low cards: Play them when you have the lead.
4. Pairs and sequences: They're beaten less often than singles.
5. Plan a revolution: With many low cards and four of a kind, flip the ranking.
6. Pass calmly: Passing costs nothing.
7. As Daihinmin: Use the first lead to shed many weak cards.

10. Summary in 10 steps

1. 52 cards + 2 jokers, all dealt.
2. Ranking: 3 low … A, 2 high; jokers wild.
3. First round: the 3 of diamonds starts.
4. Play a single, pair, triple, four of a kind or sequence.
5. Next: higher, same type and number – or pass.
6. Everyone passes: the last player starts anew.
7. 8-giri: an 8 clears the middle.
8. Revolution: four of a kind reverses the ranking.
9. The order of going out sets the ranks.
10. Next round: the Daihinmin gives the Daifugō their 2 best cards.

11. Frequently asked questions

What is a revolution?

Four of a kind reverses the ranking: the 3 becomes highest, the 2 lowest.

What does 8-giri mean?

Playing an 8 ends the round at once and you start anew.

What is a sequence (kaidan)?

Three or more consecutive cards of the same suit.

What must the Daihinmin hand over?

Their two best cards to the Daifugō, who gives back any two.

Is Daifugō the same as President?

Almost – both belong to the same family, but Daifugō adds revolution, 8-giri and sequences.

How long does a round take?

Three to six minutes.

Origin & history

Daifugō (“grand millionaire”) is a Japanese climbing game; its origin and age are not precisely documented. Typical are the players’ ranks, which require exchanging cards in the next round. In the West the principle is known as President or Arschloch.