How To Play Two-Up (And When You Can Actually Do It Legally)

Every year on Remembrance Day, you’ll see crowds gathered in pub beer gardens, coins flying through the air, and someone calling out, “Come in, spinner!” That’s Two-Up, the slightly confusing, very loud, and usually outlawed beer garden game. 

What is Two-Up?

Two-Up is a simple coin-flipping game that became popular with Australian soldiers during World War I. These days, it’s played to commemorate their service and bring people together.

Here’s how it works: one person, known as the spinner, stands in the centre holding two coins on a small wooden board called a kip. They toss the coins in the air while everyone bets on how they’ll land. 

You can bet with anyone you match with by making eye contact, holding your matching bets (let’s say, a $5 bill) at your forehead, and agreeing on who is heads and who is tails. You lose? Hand your cash over. You win? Congratulations, you’re $5 richer. 

Two heads: heads wins
Two tails: tails wins
One of each: no result, and the spinner goes again

It’s quick, social, and loud. And we love it.

Image Credit: Getty Images

When Can You Legally Play Two-Up?

Under Australian law, Two-Up is generally considered gambling, which means it’s not legal to play any day you like. There are, however, a few important exceptions. ANZAC Day is by far the most popular day to play, however, you can legally play Two-Up on:

• ANZAC Day (April 25)
• Remembrance Day (November 11)
• Victory in the Pacific Day (August 15) in some states

On these commemorative days, pubs, clubs, and RSLs across the country host legal games. Outside of that, only venues with special permits can run them. The last spin is at sunset.

Fancy a drink to celebrate and commemorate? Head to one of Sydney's best beer gardens, as judged by you.

Main ​Image Credit: Getty Images