Why is Big 2 the Best Card Game for 2 Players?
Big 2 is the type of card game that never gets old. The goal of the game is to be the first to put down all your cards and finding the best combinations of cards to do so. You can play it with up to 4 people, but it is best played with 2 players. It will probably take about 10 minutes to get the hang of this game. The more you play it the better you get at it and more strategic you will be when dropping your cards down. It’s a combination game, where you play cards following the combination on the table until all your cards are gone. The person that starts the round gets to choose which combination to play. The starting combination can only be beat by the same combination of cards at a higher number or suit.
We like Big 2 Card game because it’s very accessible, all you need is a normal deck of cards. It’s not a game of luck, there is strategy. You do not always have to play the card just because you have it. You can pass sometimes, as a strategy to play a different combination down the road. It pays to have a photographic memory like Mike Ross (suits reference inserted here) but patience is key. Big 2 is our “go to” card game, while travelling last year we played 300+ plus games while sitting at beaches, playing in pubs, or waiting in restaurants. These are the official backyard games rules that we have been passed down and played for years. It may be a bit complicated the first round but even our slowest friends have gotten it after the second or third game. Then it gets fun!
How to Play Big 2 Card Game
The lowest card in game starts first, the 3 of spades, and this person gets to decide which card(s) to get rid of. The combinations you get to choose from are singles, doubles, triples, quads, or runs (3 or more). You always need to play a higher combination. If the first person chooses singles you must play singles until the end of the round. The last person to play the highest card wins that round and gets to start off the next round with whichever combination they want. As singles were played last round, you may want to play doubles starting off with your lowest pair. Save your higher pairs for the end in hope to win that round and get to choose which combination to start off on the next round.
Big 2 Card Game Rules
In Big 2 you win the game by getting rid of all your cards first, so it is strategic to get rid of all your lowest cards first. The reason the game is called Big 2 is that the 2’s are actually the highest cards and 3 are the smallest. The order from lowest to biggest in card value is 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queens, King, Aces, 2. Suits are important too, you do not have to play a higher card if you have a higher suit of the same number. For combinations, the last card must be higher than the card currently played. Suits in Big 2 are in the order of Spades, Clubs, Diamonds, Kings. Therefore 3 of spades is the lowest card in the deck. When playing a combination of singles, a 3 of hearts is larger.
Summary of Rules:
- Suits are valued from lowest to highest (Spades, Clubs, Diamonds, Hearts).
- Cards are valued from lowest to highest (3, 4 ,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, 2).
- Lowest card starts the game first. This is the 3 of spades. They can choose whichever combination they want to play with this as long is it includes this 3 of spades. If no one has the 3 of spades, the next lowest card plays, the 3 of clubs etc.
- Combinations you can play include (single, doubles, triples, quads, straights, straight flushes).
- When playing a straight it can be any amount of (3 – 13) consecutive cards.
- Once a combination is played it can not be changed for the round. For example, if you start with playing a single card you can play a pair that is higher to beat it. Only play a higher single card. Same thing with a straight of 3 you can not beat it by playing 4 cards. You must play 3 cards that end in a higher value (either card or suit).
- Just because you can play, does not mean that you must. Feel free to pass if it works for you strategically.
- Once you pass you can not come back in the round. The player can continue with the same combination if they want. For example, if you pass on a competitor’s pair of 6’s they can put down (if they have it) their pair of 10’s, jacks, kings, and so on. In addition, as they were the highest hand they also get to start the new round with their combination.
- Random 2 Beater Rule – If someone has 3 consecutive pairs of cards (66, 77, 88 for example) can beat a single 2. It throws a curve ball into some strategies when a 2-beater is played. If you play a 2-beater, someone else can play the same 3 consecutive pairs but higher and win the round.
- The Winner is declared when they have played all their cards.
- Loser always deals the next round. Trash talk is not just allowed it is encouraged.
- Optional rule: Presidents and Asshole Rule. After each game the loser has to give 1 or 2 of their highest cards to the winner. Or the winner will randomly select 1 or 2 cards from the losers hand prior to the start of the game.
Big 2 Drinking Card Game for 2 Players
- 2 drinks for the player that loses each game.
- Losing a series (best of 7) means finish your drink.
- Playing a 2, only 2 lose to a higher 2 (take a drink).
- Playing a 2, only 2 lose to a 2 beater (take 3 drinks).
- Any time a single jack is played (take a drink).
- Loser always shuffles, deals, and offers to refill the drink of the winner
These are the rules that we play in our backyard and are excited to share our favorite big 2 drinking card game with you. Please feel free to leave any additional comments or variations that you like to play and cheers from all of us! Make sure to check out our 20+ other drinking card games here or board and card games for adults.
