🇦🇺 What is Two-Up?

Two-Up is sometimes called Australia's national game, and is certainly its most romanticised form of gambling. The game is played using two coins (or sometimes three) and a whole lot of cheering. Think of it like heads or tails — but louder, rowdier, and a whole lot more fun.

It’s only legally played in public on Anzac Day (April 25), in honour of the diggers (Aussie and Kiwi soldiers) who played it during and after World War I. This poignant history makes Two-Up one of the most unique — and meaningful — parts of Anzac Day in Australia.

A painting of a 2-up game in Paddington from the 1890s by unknown artist

🎯 How Does the Game Work?

It’s super simple:

1. A “spinner” stands in the middle ("the ring") of a crowd (or "school") and tosses two coins into the air using a flat wooden paddle called a kip. The coins must spin and must go above head height or you'll hear "barred" - a call to say it was an invalid throw.
2. Everyone around the ring places bets with each other — no house, no casino — just you vs. your mate. You can either offer a bet by shouting the amount e.g. "ten dollars head" and holding the cash to your head (or backside for Tails) or you can "cover" a bet being offered by someone else.
3. You're betting on whether the coins land:
4. • Heads (both coins heads up)
   • Tails (both tails up)
   • Odds (one head, one tail – nobody wins)

Photo by Roland Scheicher (CC BY-SA 4.0)

🧠 If it lands on your call, you win. If not — well, time for the "Ringie" to shout “Come in, spinner!” and try again.

💸 Important: Two-up is a cash game, so make sure to bring notes and coins!

🕊️ Why It’s Special on Anzac Day

Two-Up isn’t just a party game — it’s a piece of history.

It was a favourite pastime among Australian soldiers in the trenches during World War I and authorities turned a blind eye to the game as they became a regular part of Anzac Day celebrations. Over time, Two-Up became a symbol of mateship, trust, and Aussie spirit, and it’s now woven into our Anzac Day traditions.

Playing two-up after the dawn service or veterans' march might at first appear disrespectful, but it's actually a way to remember the good humour for which Anzac diggers were renowned.

👏 Tips for First-Timers

• 🕛 Arrive early – popular venues fill up fast
• 💰 Bring cash – card won’t cut it in the ring
• 👕 Dress casually, but respectfully (many still wear rosemary, laurel or medals)
• 🧠 Remember: It’s about community, not just winning

So this ANZAC Day, soak up the morning sun at a dawn service, then grab your mates, head to a local pub, and give Two-Up a go.

It’s loud, it’s proud, and it’s Australia at its most iconic. 🇦🇺