Daifugo is a Japanese climbing card game for 4 players using a standard 52-card deck. You beat the table combination with the same number of higher-ranked cards; the first player out becomes Grand Millionaire. Four of a kind triggers a revolution that inverts card strength, any play containing an 8 clears the field, and between deals lower ranks pay their strongest cards upward.
Play now — it's freeA standard 52-card deck is used (no jokers). Four players are dealt 13 cards each. This site plays 4-player tables; 3- and 5-player variants exist as house rules.
Card strength runs 3 (weakest) → 4 → 5 → 6 → 7 → 8 → 9 → 10 → J → Q → K → A → 2 (strongest). Suits have no ranking.
The leader opens with any combination. Each following player must either play a higher combination of the same type and size, or pass.
When everyone else has passed, the field clears and the last player to play leads a new combination. Passing is always allowed, but a player who passes may not play again until the field clears.
The first player to empty their hand is ranked 1st (Daifugo/Grand Millionaire); the rest are ranked in finishing order as 2nd (Millionaire), 3rd (Commoner), and the last player holding cards is 4th (Extreme Poor).
The following combinations may be played:
| Combination | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Single (1 card) | Any card; only against a single |
| Pair (2 cards) | Two cards of the same rank |
| Triple (3 cards) | Three cards of the same rank |
| Four of a kind | Four cards of the same rank; triggers a revolution |
| Sequence (3+ cards) | Consecutive ranks of the same suit (e.g. 5-6-7 of spades); the 2 may not be used |
To beat a combination you must play the same type with the same number of cards and a higher card. Four of a kind can only be beaten by a higher four of a kind.
Any combination containing an 8 — a single 8, a pair of 8s, or a sequence that includes an 8 — immediately clears the field, and the player who played it leads again.
Playing four of a kind triggers a revolution: card strength is inverted for the rest of the deal, so 3 becomes the strongest card and 2 the weakest.
Another four of a kind played during a revolution cancels it (kakumei-gaeshi) and restores normal strength. Sequences do not trigger revolutions. While inverted, comparisons between sequences invert too — a sequence starting on a lower card becomes stronger.
At the start of each new deal the lower ranks pay their strongest cards to the higher ranks — known as the tax (or "return to the capital"):
| Transfer | Cards |
|---|---|
| Extreme Poor → Grand Millionaire | 2 strongest cards (Grand Millionaire returns any 2) |
| Commoner → Millionaire | 1 strongest card (Millionaire returns any 1) |
Strength before payment is judged under the normal ranking (2 highest). On this site the returning cards are chosen automatically as the weakest.
Scoring per deal: Grand Millionaire +3, Millionaire +1, Commoner −1, Extreme Poor −3. A match is 3 deals; the highest total wins.
Shed your weak singles and short sequences early; keep your strongest cards to control the endgame.
Count your 3s: if you hold many low cards, a four-of-a-kind revolution turns them into weapons.
Pairs and sequences that include an 8 clear the field — great tempo, but remember it hands the lead back to you only if you planned the follow-up.
Passing is a weapon: let two opponents exhaust their strong cards fighting over a field, then take it back cheaply.
A standard 52-card deck — no jokers.
Traditionally four. Three- and five-player house variants exist, but this site plays 4-player tables.
3 is weakest, then 4 through K, then A, and 2 is the strongest card. Suits have no ranking.
Three or more cards of consecutive ranks in the same suit, e.g. 7-8-9 of diamonds. The 2 may not be used in a sequence.
Four of a kind played to the table inverts card strength for the rest of the deal — 3 strongest, 2 weakest. Another four of a kind during a revolution restores normal strength.
Any play containing an 8 clears the field instantly, and the player who played it leads the next combination.
Between deals the lower ranks give their strongest cards to the higher ranks: 2 cards from Extreme Poor to Grand Millionaire, and 1 card from Commoner to Millionaire.
Per deal: Grand Millionaire +3, Millionaire +1, Commoner −1, Extreme Poor −3. A match runs 3 deals and the highest total wins.
Yes — you can play Daifugo online free at daifugo.yeeqia.com directly in your browser, no download or sign-up required.
Yes, the site is mobile-first and runs in any modern browser with full Japanese and English support.