climbing · China
Dou Dizhu
Also known as Fight the Landlord · Doudizhu · Landlord
Dou Dizhu (Fight the Landlord) is the most-played card game in China — a fast, tense climbing game where one Landlord battles two Peasants. Shed your hand with singles, pairs, straights, bombs and the all-powerful rocket. Play free in your browser vs smart bots or friends, no signup.
3–3 players · free · no download · no signup
How to play Dou Dizhu
- The Landlord (auto-chosen) takes the 3 bottom cards and leads.
- Match the shape and play higher, or pass.
- Use bombs and the rocket to seize control.
- Peasants: cooperate to beat the Landlord.
- Empty your hand (or your team's) first to win.
Dou Dizhu rules
Players & deck
3 players, 54 cards (52 + two jokers). Rank low to high: 3,4,…,K,A,2, then small joker, big joker.
The Landlord
One player becomes the Landlord and takes 3 extra cards (20 total); the other two are Peasants who team up (17 each).
Combos
Play singles, pairs, triples (with an optional single or pair), straights (5+ consecutive), consecutive pairs, a bomb (four of a kind, beats any normal play), or the rocket (both jokers, beats everything).
Winning
Beat the last play with a higher same-shape combo, a bomb, or the rocket — or pass. The Landlord wins by emptying their hand first; if either Peasant empties first, both Peasants win. First side to 3 wins.
Strategy tips
- Save bombs and the rocket for key moments.
- Peasants should let whichever teammate is closer to finishing take the lead.
- Track the 2s and jokers — they decide late control.
- Break weak singles early while you hold the lead.
Variants
Fight the Landlord · 4-player Dou Dizhu
Dou Dizhu — frequently asked questions
How many players is Dou Dizhu?
Three — one Landlord against two Peasants who play as a team.
What beats everything in Dou Dizhu?
The rocket (both jokers together). Bombs (four of a kind) beat any normal combo, and a bigger bomb beats a smaller one.
Can I play Dou Dizhu online free?
Yes — free in your browser at Love Card Games vs smart bots or friends, no signup.