How to Play Dou Dizhu
Complete rules and strategy guide for the classic Chinese card game "Fight the Landlord" (斗地主)
What is Dou Dizhu?
Dou Dizhu (Chinese: 斗地主, meaning "Fight the Landlord") is one of the most popular card games in China. This exciting 3-player game pits one "landlord" against two "peasants" who team up to defeat them.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck plus two jokers (54 cards total). What makes Dou Dizhu unique is its asymmetric gameplay: the landlord has more cards but faces two opponents working together. This creates thrilling tension and requires both skill and strategy.
Whether you call it Dou Dizhu, Fight the Landlord, or simply "Landlord," this guide will teach you everything you need to dominate the table!
Card Rankings
Rank Order (Lowest to Highest)
3 is lowest, 2 is highest among number cards
The Jokers
Both jokers together form a Rocket - the most powerful combination!
Valid Combinations
Dou Dizhu has many unique card combinations. Here are all the valid hands you can play:
Single Card
Any single card. Higher rank wins (suits don't matter in Dou Dizhu).
Pair
Two cards of the same rank.
Triple
Three cards of the same rank.
Triple + Single (Three with One)
Three of a kind plus any single card as a kicker.
Triple + Pair (Three with Two)
Three of a kind plus a pair as a kicker. Similar to a Full House in poker.
Straight (Chain)
Five or more consecutive cards. Cannot include 2s or Jokers.
Consecutive Pairs (Pair Chain)
Three or more consecutive pairs. Cannot include 2s or Jokers.
Airplane (Feiji)
SpecialTwo or more consecutive triples. Can optionally add "wings" (single cards or pairs as kickers).
Bomb (Zhadan)
PowerfulFour cards of the same rank. Beats ANY regular combination and doubles the stakes!
Rocket (Huojian)
UltimateBoth jokers together. The MOST POWERFUL hand - beats everything including bombs!
How to Play Dou Dizhu
Deal the Cards
Each player receives 17 cards. Three cards are set aside face-down as the "kitty" (底牌).
Bid for Landlord
Players take turns deciding whether to "call landlord" (叫地主). The player who calls (or the highest bidder) becomes the landlord and receives the 3 kitty cards.
Landlord Plays First
The landlord (with 20 cards) plays first. They can play any valid combination to start.
Beat or Pass
Players must beat the previous combination with the same type (single beats single, pair beats pair). Or pass. Bombs and rockets can beat anything!
Win the Round
When two players pass, the last player to play wins the round and starts the next one with any combination.
Win the Game
The first player (or team) to empty their hand wins! Landlord wins alone, peasants win together.
Scoring & Multipliers
Multipliers stack! A game with 2 bombs and a Spring = 1 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 8x stakes!
Winning Strategies
For the Landlord:
- •Use your card advantage: You have 20 cards vs their 17 each. Play aggressively to control the tempo.
- •Save your bombs: Use bombs strategically to regain control, not just to win small rounds.
- •Watch for card counting: Track what high cards and 2s have been played.
For the Peasants:
- •Communicate through play: Help your partner by playing predictably and passing when they're winning.
- •Focus on one winner: It's better for one peasant to go out than for both to have few cards left.
- •Block the landlord: Use your 2s and bombs to stop the landlord's momentum, even if your partner could have beaten the play.
- •Let your partner lead: If your partner has control, don't beat their cards - pass and let them empty their hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dou Dizhu?
Dou Dizhu (斗地主, meaning 'Fight the Landlord') is a popular Chinese card game for 3 players. One player becomes the 'landlord' who plays alone against two 'peasants' who team up. It's one of the most played card games in China.
How many cards does each player get in Dou Dizhu?
Each player receives 17 cards. Three extra cards (the 'kitty') are set aside and given to the landlord after bidding, so the landlord plays with 20 cards while each peasant has 17.
What is a bomb in Dou Dizhu?
A bomb is four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Kings). Bombs can beat any regular combination and double the stakes. A rocket (both jokers) is the highest bomb and beats all other bombs.
What is a rocket in Dou Dizhu?
A rocket is both jokers played together (Big Joker + Small Joker). It's the most powerful combination in Dou Dizhu and can beat any other hand, including four-of-a-kind bombs.
How do you become the landlord in Dou Dizhu?
Players bid for the landlord position by choosing to 'call' (jiao dizhu) or pass. The player who bids highest (or the only player who calls) becomes the landlord and receives the three bonus cards.
What is an airplane in Dou Dizhu?
An airplane (feiji) is two or more consecutive triples, optionally with wings (attachments). For example, 333-444 is a basic airplane, while 333-444 with 5-6 or 55-66 attached is an airplane with wings.
What is Spring (Chun Tian) in Dou Dizhu?
Spring occurs when the landlord plays all their cards before either peasant plays a single card. This doubles the stakes. Anti-Spring is when the peasants win without the landlord playing after their first turn.
What are the card rankings in Dou Dizhu?
From lowest to highest: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2. The jokers are highest, with Big Joker (colored) beating Small Joker (black and white). Unlike Big 2, suits don't matter for ranking.
Ready to Fight the Landlord?
Now that you know the rules, put your skills to the test! Play Dou Dizhu online for free against AI or challenge your friends.