You have probably came across a deck of Hungarian playing cards (the literal translation of „Magyar kártya”) at a souvenir shop before, but didn’t even think of purchasing it because, duh, you know nothing about Hungarian card games. It is a problem so easy to fix; let us guide you through the basics, and learn a new, fun way to spend your freetime.

Basics

The Hungarian deck, or “pakli”, as we call it, consists of 32 cards, and they are divided into 8 ranks in each of four suits: acorns (makk), hearts (piros), leaves (zöld), and bells (tök). Fun fact: under and upper knaves feature the legendary Swiss folk hero, William Tell, and his rival, a Habsburg bailiff called Herman Gessler. You’ll also find some numbered cards, and four cards of unknown kings in the deck, as well as 4 aces representing the four seasons.

21

You must be familiar with Black Jack, right? There is a very similar Hungarian card game, “21”, where multiple players (maximum 6) can test their fortune. The dealer gives 2 cards (face down) to all players, and one by one, they can decide whether to stand, or ask for another card in an attempt to get closer to a count of 21. In case of a tie, the one with less cards in hand wins.

Makaó

Every player starts with 5 cards, face down. The rest of the cards must be placed in a draw pile face down. You will need space next to the pile for the discard pile where the top card should be placed. The gameplay follows a clockwise direction, players must view their cards and try to match the value or the symbol of those in the discard pile. In case the player has no matches, they have to draw a card from the draw pile, and the game moves on to the next person in turn. It is very similar to UNO, but without colour altering, reverse, and skip cards. Cards with the number VII. equal with the “+2” cards, meaning that the next player has to draw two cards and forfeit their turn, but only if they can’t place another card of the same number on it. When players only have one card left in their hand, they must say “Makaó” before the next player makes a move.

Delicate Beauties at Műcsarnok

Visit Műcsarnok between 21 June and 3 September and take a closer look at the magnificent porcelain collection of Gusztáv Merényi, displaying the 200 years of coffee traditions with the most beautiful pieces of internationally acclaimed manufacturers such as Augarten, Meissen and many more!

Palotai Csaba: Kozmic T-Junction

Vague memories of romances, melancholic blues melodies, lyric improvisations, North American native rock and funeral music from Kalotaszeg – Paris based artist Csaba Palotai performs on the stage of Opus Jazz Club. Don’t miss out on the cosmic concert on 22 July!

Westkunst – Ostkunst

Popular and favourite pieces will be put again on display in the newly organised permanent exhibition: the acclaimed works of Pablo Picasso, Simon Hantai, Judit Reigl, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Chuck Close and Joe Tilson can be seen between 7 July and 31 December.

Stars of the Opera

Within the confines of Budapest Summer Festival, you can enjoy the performance of such international opera stars as Ailyn Pérez, Gabriele Viviani or Ramé Lahaj, putting some of Verdi’s, Puccini’s and Mozart’s most memorable opera scenes on stage.

Guided tours in English at the Pesti Vigadó

Vigadó is looking forward to your visit! Explore the breathtaking inner spaces and the history of this beautiful building, which is classified as one of Budapest’s historic monuments. The unparalleled panoramic view from the building is likewise a must-see for tourists.

20th Sambosi – Törley Jazz Festival

Visit the Törley Champaign Cellar between 2 and 3 August and enjoy the fabulous concerts of local jazz singers and bands completed by a real chic atmosphere while sipping some glasses of silky champagne!

Gateway to Space

The special exhibition displaying the history of NASA and the adventures of space traveling returns to Budapest: visit Millenáris between 1 July and 11 September to discover the many exciting facts and have fun with the interactive parts of the space expo!

14 WuU

Visit Esernyős as the popular spot in the greenbelts of Óbuda awaits you with a special program series between 28 June and 30 August: enjoy the light summer nights and the awesome concerts of acclaimed Hungarian talents!