Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Two-up is a coin-toss betting game: a spinner tosses two coins from a small board called a kip, while players bet on whether they will land as two heads, two tails or one of each. Australian soldiers played it extensively during the First World War, and it became an Anzac Day tradition—but the game predates the war, and remembrance, not gambling, is the day’s purpose.
How do you play two-up?
In the Australian War Memorial’s instructions, players gather around a ring and a chosen spinner tosses two coins from a small piece of wood called a kip. Players bet on the result. The toss must send the coins three metres into the air; they must not touch the roof and must land within the ring. See the Australian War Memorial’s instructions for playing two-up.
The three main outcomes
- Two heads: the spinner wins.
- Two tails: the spinner loses the bet and the right to spin.
- One head and one tail (odds): the spinner tosses again.
People around the ring may also place side bets on whether the spinner will win or lose, or on the next throw. These are the basic instructional rules; betting conventions can differ between venues, and the Memorial’s account does not establish every local practice. It also does not set out a universal payout or imply that every bet is even money.
Why is two-up associated with Anzac Day?
Australian soldiers, often called “Diggers,” played two-up extensively during the First World War. The Australian War Memorial says it became a regular part of Anzac Day celebrations for returned soldiers. By the mid-1930s, two-up was among the familiar practices of the day, alongside dawn vigils, marches, memorial services and reunions. The Memorial’s history of Anzac Day traces how those commemorative practices became established.
#1 Best Overall
- Metal Content: 0.1 Troy Ounces
- Purity: .9999 Fine Gold; 24-Karat
- Diameter: 16.10 mm; Thickness: 1.50 mm
- Stock Photo; Image is indicative of quality
- You will receive one coin per purchase in a protective acrylic capsule
Anzac Day is held on 25 April, the anniversary of the 1915 landing at Gallipoli by Australian and New Zealand forces. Its central purpose is remembrance. The Memorial says the meaning of the day broadened to honour Australians who died in the Second World War and in later military and peacekeeping operations. Two-up is one social tradition associated with the commemorations, not their purpose. The NSW Office for Veterans Affairs likewise describes Anzac Day as a day of remembrance and includes two-up among its traditions. NSW Office for Veterans Affairs: Anzac Day
Did soldiers invent two-up?
No. The game’s exact origins are unclear, and accounts of it predate the First World War. In an ABC report published on 25 April 2019, Australian War Memorial war historian Dr Meleah Hampton said: “We certainly don’t know when it began [but], there’s lots of evidence of convicts playing it 100 years before the First World War, so it didn’t actually come out of the war experience, but it certainly contributed to it.” The report describes soldiers playing during periods of waiting and boredom, and notes the game’s post-war popularity among returned servicemen and later miners. ABC News: Two-up’s history and Anzac Day tradition
Rank #2
- Purity: .9999 Fine Silver
- Metal Content: 2 Troy Ounces
- You will receive one coin per purchase
- Diameter: 50.8 mm; Thickness: 4.8 mm
- Stock Photo; image is indicative of quality
Is two-up legal only on Anzac Day?
There is no safe blanket answer for all of Australia: legality depends on the state or territory and on the venue and conditions. A Parliament of Australia search result describes Anzac Day as the one day the game may legally be played at venues, but that shorthand should not be treated as a complete statement of current law across every jurisdiction.
For example, a South Australian legislative version covering 17 August 2015 to 30 June 2017 said two-up was not unlawful on Anzac Day at an RSL branch or sub-branch, or at premises owned or occupied by the Australian Defence Force. That historical exception did not apply if a fee or other benefit was sought for the right to participate, if anyone took commission or a percentage of bets or winnings, or in relation to betting by or with someone under 18. This is a dated South Australian provision, not evidence of current national law. South Australian Gambling Authorised Persons Act 2000, historical version
Rank #3
- Purity: 99.99% Fine Silver
- Metal Content: 2 Troy Ounces
- You will receive one coin per purchase
- Diameter: 50.80 mm; Thickness: 4.8 mm
- Stock Photo; Image is indicative of quality
Before playing for money, check the current law and venue conditions for the specific state or territory. The basic game needs two coins and a kip; no particular branded set is required by the Memorial’s instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Two-up in the wider Anzac Day story
The Australian War Memorial records that the first Anzac Day commemorations were held on 25 April 1916, one year after the Gallipoli landing. More than 8,000 Australian soldiers died in the Gallipoli campaign, and more than 60,000 Australians died during the First World War, according to the Memorial’s historical account. Australian War Memorial: Anzac Day Those losses help explain why the day’s communal customs—including two-up—sit within a broader practice of honouring service and remembering the dead.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【250th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Set】 Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary with this 2PCS commemorative coin set featuring patriotic artwork, including the American flag, eagle, Liberty, Liberty Bell and 1776-2026 anniversary elements. A meaningful keepsake for Independence Day and America 250 celebrations.
- 【Veteran Eagle Patriotic Design】 One coin highlights a proud veteran tribute design with a bold eagle, stars and flag details, while the other showcases classic America 250th anniversary symbols. The detailed raised-style artwork makes each coin eye-catching for display and collection.
- 【Great Gift for Veterans & Collectors】 A thoughtful patriotic gift for veterans, military supporters, coin collectors, history lovers, family members and friends. Suitable for Independence Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, patriotic events, retirement gifts or America 250 themed celebrations.
- 【Display-Ready with Protective Case】 Each collectible challenge coin comes with a clear protective capsule, helping keep the coin clean and easy to display on a desk, shelf, office, cabinet or collection box. Compact and convenient for gifting, storing or showing with other keepsakes.
- 【Collectible Challenge Coin, Not Legal Tender】 Designed as a commemorative challenge coin set for collection, display and gifting. This product is a souvenir collectible and is not legal tender, currency, a half dollar, two-dollar bill or official government-issued coin.
Rank #4
- Purity: .9999 Fine Silver
- Metal Content: 1 Troy Ounce
- Diameter: 40.6 mm; Thickness: 3.5 mm
- Stock Photo; Image is indicative of quality
- You will receive one coin per purchase, protected in an acrylic capsule
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
