How to play Big Two

One standard deck and four players (two or three can play with adjustments). Cards rank from 3 (low) up to ace and then 2 (high). Suits break ties: diamonds lowest, then clubs, hearts, and spades highest.

Be the first to get rid of all your cards.

1. 1Deal 13 cards to each player.
2. 2The player holding the 3 of diamonds starts and must include it in their first play.

1. 1Play passes to the right. The leader may play a single, a pair, three of a kind, or a five-card poker hand (straight, flush, full house, four of a kind plus one card, or straight flush).
2. 2Each following player must play the same number of cards with a higher value, or pass.
3. 3When everyone else passes, the last player to play gathers up the cards and leads anything.

• The first player out wins the deal.
• If scoring, others lose points for the cards left in hand—often doubled for ten or more cards.

• Three players: 17 cards each, with the last card going to whoever holds the 3 of diamonds.
• In some regions, suits rank spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs, and the 3 of clubs starts.
• Pusoy Dos in the Philippines is a close relative.

• Group your hand into five-card combinations early—they are hard to beat.
• Hold a two to win the lead back when you need it.