Card games come with a variety of playing formats. Some hold to a strictly cards-only policy, some combine cards and dice, and many combine cards, dice, and boards to create their unique gameplay mechanics. Unlike board games, card games are known for their adaptability, portability, and ease of setup. They also maintain an element of mystery due to hidden information, which can enhance player interactions and relationships during gameplay. A few even toss in some odd components like smashing fellow players with a NO! Stick or silly actions required by cards to keep the game going.
Check out the following popular card games for some of the most fun you’ll have in your life, no matter who you’re playing with, when, or where.
Introduction to Card Games
Card games have been a staple of entertainment for centuries, providing a fun and social way to spend time with friends and family. From classic games like Poker and Blackjack to more complex games like Bridge and Canasta, there’s a card game out there for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a quick game to play during a break or a more involved game for a long evening, card games offer endless possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore the world of card games, including their history, popularity, and how to choose the right game for you.
History of Playing Cards
Playing cards have a rich and fascinating history that spans over 1,000 years. The earliest known playing cards originated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where they were used for a game called “The Leaf.” From there, playing cards spread to Japan, Korea, and eventually Europe, where they evolved into the traditional card games we know today. The modern deck of 52 cards, with its four suits and 12 ranks, emerged in the 15th century in France. This evolution has given us the diverse range of card games we enjoy today, from Poker to Bridge, each with its own unique set of rules and strategies.
Why Card Games Are So Popular
So why are card games so popular? For one, they’re easy to learn and play, making them accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. Card games also offer a unique combination of luck and strategy, allowing players to use their skills and experience to gain an edge. Additionally, card games provide a social aspect, allowing players to interact and bond with others while competing in a fun and relaxed environment. Whether you’re playing a quick game of Go Fish with the kids or a high-stakes game of Poker with friends, card games bring people together in a way that few other activities can.
The Top Ten Popular Card Games
The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine – A Trick Taking Game
Age: 10+ Players: 2-5 Time: 20 minutes
If you love trick-taking games and cooperative play, you’re going to love The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine. Rated as one of the absolute best popular card games of recent years, this fantastically fun game takes players into deep space as astronauts in search of the unknown planet and amazing adventures. The game has options for some 50 missions, with players not only playing cooperatively to achieve large tasks but also through individual tasks completed by each one. As each mission progresses, the gameplay becomes more difficult, with the option to pause the game and return to the mission later, if needed.
While you play, missions require the right tricks to be taken at the right time in order to count. And that mission can only be completed if each player fulfills their tasks. At the beginning of each round, the deck is dealt evenly among the players, with four suits (blue, green, pink, and yellow) numbering from 1-9, with a trump suit (black) from 1-4. The person who winds up with the black 4 becomes the Commander. Throughout the game, you’ll aim for a variety of objectives chosen by players from the deck (such as “yellow 4”). The game progresses with each player working towards those objectives during each mission. And the extra twist? There’s no speaking permitted to communicate your objectives to one another.
Arboretum
Age: 10+ Players: 2-4 Time: 30 minutes
For fans of beautifully crafted games with gorgeous, nature-themed artwork, check out the stunning game of Arboretum. The strategy card game for two to four players is designed specifically for players 10 and older to run for about 25 to 30 minutes per game. The tile-laying, set collection, and hand management game allows players to create beautiful gardens along their paths in an arboretum.
The deck includes 80 cards in 10 different colors. Each color features a different species of tree, and each card bears 1 number (1 through 8). The use of a different number of colors depends on the number of players, each starting out with 7 cards in their hands at the top of the game. As turns roll through, players draw 2 cards from the draw pile or discard pile, lay down a card as part of the arboretum collection, and then discard into the pile. When the deck runs out, players must compare the cards remaining in hand to score, with the highest value of cards in hand for a given color scheme collecting the win.
The Mind
Age: 8+ Players: 2-4 Time: 20 minutes
Described as “ingenious” and “highly addictive,” The Mind stands out among the top popular card games in the world these days. The simple rules make it easy to learn but the complexity of the challenge the game provides ensures amazing fun and replayability every time you pull it out. The Mind is a collaborative card game in which players must work together to play cards in ascending order, without communicating directly with each other. Instead, play through non-verbal cues and silent language to play as one. The team experience allows for incredible cooperation and interactions, so The Mind is a great bonding tool for families, friends, work groups, and even introductory game nights when folks meet new friends.
The deck contains cards numbered 1 to 100, with 2 to 4 players attempting to complete 12, 10, or 8 levels. At the start of each level, players receive a hand of cards equal to the level being played (1 card on level one, 4 cards on level 4, etc.). Each person playing receives the same number of cards as the level number. Collectively, you must determine who has the highest card in ascending order, and play these cards without saying a word to beat each level. So, if Sally has card 94 on level 1, she’s definitely likely to be the first to play successfully – but you never know, Breanna might have 100! You’ve got to figure out how to silently direct each other on the ascent.
Monopoly Deal – Managing the Discard Pile
Age: 8+ Players: 2-5 Time: 15 minutes
Taking the concepts of the long-time classic board game by a similar name, Monopoly Deal smashes the familiar stocks and properties game into a condensed, fast-paced card game. Many families and friend groups highly recommend this as an alternative for game nights, suggesting game times generally fly from 5 to 15 minutes with 2 players, and up to 45 minutes with players.
During Monopoly Deal, players aim to complete three property sets while staving off debt collectors, forced deals, and deal breakers – all just part of the game. And every card counts, as with every draw, your luck can change and the fate of the game could flip completely. Don’t get complacent! Action cards can initiate specific actions, property cards denote the properties in the various sets you may try to collect, money cards work as payment, and house/hotel cards can increase the values of a property set. Your goal by the end of the game is to be the first player with a 3-card set of three different properties of different colors, then announce your properties on that last turn to end the game. The player with the most points from their cards wins the game.
Taco Vs Burrito
Age: 6+ Players: 2-4 Time: 15-45 minutes
For quick-to-learn, fast-paced fun for the whole family, grab a copy of Taco vs Burrito. You’ll find mayhem and hilarity accompany the night, as the ridiculously silly game for 2 to 4 players launches the imagination and strategic thinking, or tosses a burrito in the rubbish for a trash panda. Whichever! This furiously fast popular card game is easy to learn and even easier to teach, and plays beautifully for kids as young as 6 years old. In fact, the game was actually created by a 7-year-old looking for some fun.
To play, draw one card on your turn and then add an ingredient to your taco or burrito, or add tummy aches to reduce the value, or add a hot sauce boss to double the value. Each player starts with seven cards in their hand. You could play an action card, too, but beware of the Health Inspector or Order Envy cards that could ruin your meal. Gameplay progresses clockwise with players drawing and playing more cards until the pile is gone. But once one player is out of cards, the game instantly ends and the player with the most points wins the game.
Skip-Bo
Age: 8+ (Community 6+) Players: 2-6 Time: 20 minutes
One classic card game that remains extremely popular to this day is the easy-to-play Skip-Bo. The delightful game comes from the makers of UNO, and engages strategy and critical thinking to win the game.
From the onset, each player is dealt 30 cards in a stockpile. Four shared building piles are laid out on the table, and players must build on those, starting from 1 to 12. So, keep your eyes sharp and your brain evaluating or someone will beat you to the win! On each turn, players draw cards from their stockpiles until they have 5 cards in hand, then play cards from their hand, a top card from a discard pile, or from their stockpile. At the end of the turn, players must discard one of the existing discard piles. Players aim to create sequences of cards of the same rank to win the game. Avoid number cards the next player needs to prevent them from emptying their hand and know when to play that Skip-Bo card that may come your way. The first player to empty their stockpile wins the game.
You Laugh You’re Out
Age: 8+ Players: 4-99 Time: 15-30 minutes
If you’re ready for a silly challenge – and don’t mind getting uber goofy – You Laugh You’re Out is the game for you! The card game contains a stockpile of 125 nonsensical, goofy challenges that when you draw them, you must act out. Whoever is deemed the “funniest person” of the night goes first – they’re the Joker. The Joker picks a card and has 30 seconds to get the other players to laugh by doing what the card they’ve drawn tells them to do. If anyone laughs, they lose and have to give up a laugh token to the Joker. The Joker role then rotates to others to try out their comedy skills. When any player runs out of laugh tokens, the game ends. And, of course, the person who earns the most laugh tokens wins!
So, your challenge is to keep a straight face when you’re not the Joker, and get as goofy as possible when you are. You could be challenged to dance like your pants are on fire or give an evil laugh without smiling. You never know what else might come your way, so prepare that poker face! The game also has variations that follow the same game structure with minor modifications, making it adaptable and fun for different audiences.
Poetry for Neaderthals
Age: 7+ (Community 8+) Players: 2-12 Time: 15 minutes
From the makers of Exploding Kittens, this hilariously goofy, fast-paced thinker game will win the night: Poetry for Neanderthals. The competitive word-game gives you clues that you must then speak out in single-syllable words. If you’re given the clue “asparagus,” you could say something like, “Green food for good health make pee smell weird” to encourage your teammates to guess the awkward veggie. If you mess up, though, by saying “veggie”, you get bopped with the NO! Stick and lose a point.
Using the 220 double-sided cards, sand timer, and point slates, you and your teammates must get through as many words as possible with 90 seconds on the clock. Just remember, Poetry for Neanderthals never uses big words. Players must match cards of the same suit to form sequences and win the game. Rush through the rounds but engage that brain or you’ll get bopped and go away grumpy.
- Easy to learn and quick to play
- Encourages creative thinking and vocabulary use
- Suitable for a wide range of ages
- May become repetitive after multiple plays
- Some players might find the NO! Stick concept uncomfortable
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Age: 8+ (Community 6+) Players: 2-8 Time: 10-30 minutes
Another wildly popular card game – a new classic for many families – is the irrepressible Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. The fun-filled game packs hand-slapping mayhem into every moment of the 10 to 30 minutes it takes to play with the kiddos (or just grown-ups!). To play this silly game, players start out by placing a card face up in a community pile. While doing this, the players must say taco, cat, goat, cheese, or pizza in the proper sequence as the cards are laid down. When the card matches the word said, everyone slaps their hands on the deck and the one to slap it winds up picking up all the cards.
Special action cards, including Gorilla, Narwhal, and Groundhog, are included and indicate players must make certain gestures before they can slap their hands down. Players must evaluate how many tricks they can win based on their hands and the game dynamics. The first person to get rid of all their cards without error wins! Of course, throughout the game goofs will happen – the wrong word said or someone rushing to the slap when the wrong action is done – and that just adds to the mayhem and delight.
Uno – How to Draw Cards
Age: 6+ (Community 5+) Players: 2-10 Time: 30 minutes
Though it’s probably the best-known card game around, UNO remains one of the absolute most popular card games of all time. The fun-filled, colorful card game usually lasts about 30 minutes (though some have reported 2-hour games when it gets really bonkers!), with large decks filled with color-number cards, wild cards, and special action cards to keep the play going.
You may wind up with a Swap Hands card, Skip card, Wild Card, Draw Two, Draw Four, Reverse, or other special action card, which can completely change the face of the game in the moment. So, never get complacent. You might be down to just two cards this turn, but that could change in the blink of an eye!
If you’ve never played the long-time popular card game UNO, the gameplay is fairly simple. Every player starts out with several cards in hand at the top of the game. As the turn rotates around the table, your goal is to match a card in your hand to the color or number of the card on the top of the deck. Play as many cards as you can – including those special action cards – to eliminate all you can as quickly as possible. When you’re laying down your second to last card, be sure to shout “Uno!” or you’ll have to draw more. The first person to get rid of their cards entirely wins.
How to Choose a Card Game
With so many card games out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Consider the number of players: Different card games are designed for different numbers of players. For example, Poker and Blackjack are typically played with 2-10 players, while Bridge and Canasta are best played with 2-6 players.
Think about the level of complexity: Some card games, like Poker and Bridge, require a high level of strategy and skill. Others, like Go Fish and War, are more straightforward and easy to learn.
Look for games with a similar theme or mechanic: If you enjoy trick-taking games, you might enjoy games like Hearts and Spades. If you prefer games with a strong strategic element, you might enjoy games like Poker and Blackjack.
Read reviews and watch tutorials: Before committing to a new card game, read reviews and watch tutorials to get a sense of the gameplay and rules.
By following these tips, you can find a card game that’s right for you and start enjoying the many benefits of playing cards. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a complete novice, there’s a card game out there that’s perfect for you.
Also Read: Create Fun for All with These Kids’ Card Games
Conclusion
Ranging from long-time classics like UNO and Skip-Bo to the new classics of Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza and The Mind, these popular card games are sure to win the day for your card-loving crew. Most games play for 15 to 30 minutes, meaning you can squeeze in several hands or separate games in a single event. Be sure to stock up on non-greasy snacks and age-appropriate drinks for all for the best game night possible.
Popular Card Games FAQ
Q: What types of card games are discussed in the article?
A: The article covers a variety of card games, including cooperative games, strategy games, word games, and family-friendly options. Some combine cards with other elements like dice or boards, while others use unique components like a “NO! Stick” for added fun.
Q: What age ranges are these card games suitable for?
A: The card games mentioned in the article are generally suitable for ages 6 and up, with most games being appropriate for players aged 8 and older. Some games, like “The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine,” are recommended for ages 10 and up.
Q: How long do these card games typically take to play?
A: Most of the games featured in the article have play times ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Some quick games, like “Monopoly Deal,” can be played in as little as 5-15 minutes with two players, while others may take up to 45 minutes with more players.
Q: Are there any cooperative card games mentioned?
A: Yes, the article mentions cooperative card games such as “The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine” and “The Mind,” where players work together to achieve common goals rather than competing against each other.
Q: What makes these card games popular?
A: The games are popular for various reasons, including their ease of learning, quick gameplay, strategic elements, and ability to engage players of different ages. Many offer unique mechanics or themes that make them stand out, such as the silent gameplay of “The Mind” or the silly challenges in “You Laugh You’re Out.”
Q: How do you play gin rummy?
A: To play gin rummy, you need a deck of cards without jokers. The objective is to reach 100 points by forming sets of cards either of the same rank or sequences of the same suit.