Big 2 Variations

Big Two is a shedding card game popular in many parts of Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Singapore. The game has naturally evolved into a variety of regional and online variants. It is known as Capsa, Pusoy Dos, Dai Di, and Deuces depending on the region. 

Let’s take a closer look at the most commonly recognised variations: 

Hong Kong and Macau (Choh Dai Di)

Choh Dai Di is often considered the “classic” version of Big Two. The key features are:  

• The card “2” is the highest rank.  

• Suits are ranked (typically spades highest, then hearts, clubs, and diamonds).  

• Players can play single cards, pairs, or 5-card combinations (which must conform to standard poker hands like straights, flushes, full houses, and four-of-a-kinds plus a single card).  

• Passing and the order of play follow traditional rules, with the player holding the 3 of spades (or an equivalent low card) usually starting. 

Taiwan (Dai Di or Choh Dai Di)

Similar in spirit to the Hong Kong style but with notable twists:  

• May incorporate “bombs” or special 5-card combinations that can override any other play regardless of rank.  

• Sometimes features altered rules on what constitutes a legal play, with additional emphasis on combination hierarchy. 

Singapore and Malaysia

Popular within Chinese communities in these regions, these variants closely mirror the Hong Kong style with minor local adjustments. For example, it has similar card and suit rankings. Variations might appear in the specifics of legal 5-card combinations or in the rules about compulsory plays. 

China 

In Mainland China, Big Two (locally known as Choi Dai Dee) features regional variations, especially in how the starting player is determined and ties are resolved. Additionally, two related games – Da Lao Er and Bu Bu Gao Sheng – offer their own twists on the classic rules. In these versions, flushes aren’t recognised, and a full house cannot beat a straight. Notably, a four-of-a-kind or a straight flush can be played out of turn to trump any combination. 

Philippines 

The local variation of Big Two is called Pusoy Dos. It is a climbing game where players aim to empty their hands faster than their opponents. This exciting and fast-paced game is also known as chikicha and sikitcha in certain local dialects. 

Indonesia 

Indonesian Capsa Banting is a game similar to Big Two but allows four of a kind or a straight flush to be played as a “bomb” over a single two. 

Europe 

Despite its popularity in Asia, Big Two has also made its mark in Europe. For instance, in the Netherlands, players enjoy a variation known as Sjalaliën. Meanwhile, in Malta, a local variant called Cinzi or Giappuniza is a favourite among enthusiasts. 

Conclusion 

While the core objective of shedding all your cards remains constant, Big Two’s rich history in various cultures means that “all variations” span a spectrum from the widely recognised Hong Kong/Macau version to unique, locally developed house rules.