Card games such as Pusoy Dos are well-loved in the Philippines. Most of these are fun and entertaining regional games with local flavors, with the Pusoy tracing its roots to Calauag, Quezon Province. In Pusoy Dos, the player’s objective is to be the first to discard all 13 cards to the table. In different parts of the country, it’s considered a social game that’s played among friends and families. Real money games are also hosted which adds to its popularity through the years.
What is the Pusoy dos card game?
Pusoy is a variant of the big two and an example of a ‘shedding card game’. Players aim to become the first player to remove all 13 cards from their hands. Or if all fails to complete this initial objective, the other winning rule is to have the least number at the end of the round. In the Philippines, Pusoy is not just an entertaining and lucrative pastime but has a cultural impact, too. It’s one game that’s deeply ingrained in Filipino culture.
For example, the term ‘iwas pusoy’ traces its roots to the game which means to avoid getting caught or being in a compromised position. There are even Philippine movies that have been made about this game like the 1993 movie that starred Janno Gibbs and Dennis Padilla. These only show that Pusoy has been entertaining Filipinos for generations.
How to play Pusoy dos?
In Pusoy, your job is to be the first to discard your 13 cards using the agreed card suit rankings. The round starts with the dealer distributing the cards and after the deal, the one who holds the lowest card sets it in motion. The next person must play a higher combination using the same number of cards or passes.
Pusoy dos rules
The rules in Pusoy dos are simple and easy to follow. Each game will have three to four players, and after the deal, each gets 13 cards. From these 13 cards, the player decides a higher combination to play on the table.
Suit order
To win in Pusoy dos, you must know the suit orders. In a ranking from lowest to highest, you have clubs, spades, hearts, and diamonds. In the deck, the 2 of diamonds is the highest-ranked card, with the 3 of clubs as the lowest.
Dealing and playing
The game starts with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing cards to each player. If there are four on the table, each gets 13 cards. But if there are three, with 39 or 51 cards to play, one can have 13 cards or 17. After the deal, the one holding the lowest card starts the round and the play continues clockwise or counterclockwise.
Card combinations
There are several card combinations to play in Pusoy hands. For Single cards, 2 is the highest with 3 the lowest. If you have cards of the same rank, the higher suit wins. You can also play a Pair, like a 7-7 or 8-8 and this also follows the ranking for suits. Other card combos to play are Three of a Kind, Five-Card, Straight Flush, and a Royal Flush with five cards.
Winning and scoring
As mentioned, you can win in Pusoy if you’re the first to discard all 13 cards. Or if none manage to discard all cards, you’ll if you have the least number on your hand. There’s a scoring system used in playing Pusoy. For example, the winner earns a point for winning and losers collect zero. Or if the game continues until only one has the cards, the first gets 5 points and the second gets 3 points, and so on.
Pusoy dos strategies and Playing Tips
Your success on the Pusoy table depends on a few tricks and strategies. Knowing its unique rules and the card and suit rankings is just the start. To improve your chances, you also need to learn how to plan and strategize the placement of cards on the table. For example, you can put your lower cards first. Also, don’t arrange your cards straight that will make it easier for the pros to read your hand. Learn how to read their cards and master the art of arranging cards to get the strongest possible combo.
Pusoy dos card game versions
Pusoy is also available in different variants, and it’s present in different countries. For example, there’s the Frazz’s game with the Diamonds, Clubs, Hearts, and Spades as the accepted suit ranking. Instead of a point system, the loser becomes the dealer in the next round. Also, there’s a variant called ‘Daly City High School’ that’s played by Filipino Americans.
Can I play online?
Pusoy is now available online and you can play using a mobile app that is ready for download. Most of the Pusoy apps available are for entertainment purposes and playable for free. One popular provider of the Pusoy mobile app is ZingPlay and it’s currently available on the Android Play Store. With the Pusoy Android app, players can learn the rules, play the game or chat with other players. Since it’s free to download, different types of players can enjoy the game anytime without the usual risk.
Can I play Pusoy for real money?
Pusoy is not as popular compared to Texas Hold’em or poker, so you’ll not find many casinos offering the games. What you can find online are free apps and websites that let you enjoy this poker variant for free. But if you’re from the Philippines, you will find some physical casinos and gambling establishments that host this poker game and let you play for real money.
FAQ
If you still have some questions about this poker variant, then check the following section for answers.
Can I play the card game online?
Yes, Pusoy is available for free online. You can download an app and install it on your phone to play Pusoy anytime.
Is Pusoy dos a poker game?
Yes, Pusoy is another variant of poker and shares most of its rules and hand rankings. Like other poker variants, it’s possible to have three poker hands in play with three players. Or three cards into three poker hands with each playing Three-of-a-Kind.
Can you play Pusoy dos online for free?
Yes, Pusoy is playable in the free demo. For example, you can download an app that lets you enjoy the game and even socialize with other users on Facebook.