Two-Up
Two-up is a traditional Australian gambling game, closely associated with ANZAC Day. It holds special significance as it was widely played by Australian soldiers during World War I, particularly in the trenches and on the troopships. On ANZAC Day, it’s legally played in pubs, clubs, and returned services leagues (RSLs) across Australia, as part of the day’s celebrations and commemorations.
How Two-Up Works
Two-up is a simple game that involves betting on the outcome of two coins being tossed into the air. Here’s how it’s played:
- The Spinner: One person, known as the “spinner,” tosses two coins into the air using a small wooden paddle called a kip.
- The Bets: Before the coins are tossed, players place bets on whether the coins will land on two heads, two tails, or one of each (known as “odds”).
- Winning: If both coins land on heads, the spinner wins. If both land on tails, the spinner loses. If one head and one tail land, the coins are tossed again.
The History of Two-Up and ANZACs
World War I: During World War I, Australian soldiers frequently played two-up to pass the time, especially while waiting in the trenches or during breaks from combat. It became a favourite pastime because of its simplicity and the camaraderie it fostered.
ANZAC Day Tradition: After the war, two-up continued to be played in Australia, especially on ANZAC Day to honour the soldiers who served in the wars. Because gambling laws are strict in Australia, two-up is generally only legal to play on ANZAC Day, making it a special, one-day-only event.
Two-Up Today
ANZAC Day Events: On ANZAC Day, two-up games are hosted in pubs, clubs, and RSLs throughout Australia. These events often bring people together in a fun and festive atmosphere, celebrating the spirit of the ANZACs.
Respectful Commemoration: Although it’s a gambling game, two-up on ANZAC Day is played in a spirit of respect and remembrance for the soldiers. The game is not just about winning or losing but also about bringing communities together, just as it brought soldiers together during the war.
By playing two-up on ANZAC Day, Australians connect with a tradition that dates back to the soldiers of World War I, honoring their resilience, bravery, and sense of mateship. Alongside other ANZAC Day customs, such as wearing poppies and baking ANZAC biscuits, two-up remains an enduring part of the day’s events.
