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Card games in Greece

This page is part of the National and Regional Card Games Index of the Card Games Web Site.

French suited cards are in general use. Some popular games include:

• Diloti is a fishing game, somewhat similar to Casino.
• Koltsina (or Koultsina), also known as Pastra - a fishing game, which may possibly be similar to the Arabian game Basra.
• Kseri is another fishing game, said to be similar to the Turkish game Pishti. Here is a computer version of Kseri by Christos Tzoumakis, implemented as a Java applet.
• Biriba - a two pack rummy game in which the aim is to make "biribas", which are sets of at least seven cards of the same rank or seven cards in sequence in suit.
• Koum-kan - sometimes written Kum-kan or Kun Kan - is a two deck rummy game in which each player is dealt 11 cards.
• Thanassis is another Rummy variation.
• Prefa - a variation of Preference, highly valued among university students and old village people!
• Eksintaeksi (66) - the Greek version of the German game of 66.
• Agonia (Agony) is the Greek version of Crazy Eights, as usual with lots of variations.
• Koupes, the Greek version of Hearts is becoming more and more popular lately, mostly among younger people.
• Pilotta - similar to the French game Belote - is played with 32 cards, especially in Cyprus. Mpourloto is a similar game. Vida is a more complex version with bidding by points, played in mainly Northern Greece (around Thessaloniki).

Thanks to those who have provided information for this page, especially Michael Mihelakakis and Thanos Tsakonas.

From Thanos Card Games you can download freeware programs for a range of Greek and other card games.

The World Casino Directory includes a listing of Casinos in Greece.