Red Dog is a card game for any number of players with 32 cards (7 to Ace). Each player receives three cards. Three cards are placed face down in the centre. Each player pays a basic amount into the "pot". The first player turns over the first of the cards in the centre of the table and must now try to capture this card with the cards in his hand. 7 is the lowest value, Ace the highest. A card can only be played in the same colour.

If the player can take this card, he receives double the amount of his basic bet back. If he cannot take the trick, the second player turns over the second card and tries to take one of the two cards. If neither player can take the trick, the respective stake must be doubled.

The round is over when each player has tried once to take the face-up cards. If the pot is empty, all players must pay the basic amount again.