How to Play Egyptian Rat Screw

Egyptian Ratscrew, also known as French Slap and Egyptian War, is a fast-paced card game for two or more players. To play the game, you’ll need a standard deck of 52 cards (or multiple decks for more players).

General Gameplay

To begin, the deck is shuffled and each player is dealt an even number of cards face down. At no point during the game are the players allowed to look at their own cards.

The person to the left of the dealer begins the game by flipping the top card of their pile and placing it face up in the middle to start a center pile. The player flips the card away from themselves so that all players may see the card at the same time. The play of Egyptian Rat Screw continues around the circle with each player placing one card face up on the center pile until a face card or an Ace is played.

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When this occurs the next player or “challenged” has four chances after an Ace is played, three after a King, two after a Queen, and one chance after a Jack to place another Ace or face card. If the player completes the allowed number of chances without placing the correct card, the play continues.

If the challenged player manages to place a face card or an Ace, then that player becomes the “challenger” and the next player is given the same number of chances to place a correct card. As long as an Ace or face card can be placed, the game will continue to the next player. If not, the challenger takes the pile and begins a new one. Once a player collects all the cards in a deck, the Egyptian Rat Screw game is won.

Slapping

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Certain combinations of cards agreed on beforehand allow players to slap the pile and claim it. Some examples of slap combinations are a Double, any two cards of equal value; Sandwiches, a Double that has a card of different value between the two cards of equal value; Big Mac’s, a double that has two cards of different values between the two equal cards; consecutive runs of at least three cards, ascending or descending; wild cards, generally Jokers; and Marriage, a King and Queen on top of each other.

The person who slaps the pile the quickest is able to claim the entire pile. If two players slap the pile simultaneously, the one who has contact with the most number of cards wins the slap.

Player Elimination & Penalties

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A player is eliminated once he or she has no more cards to flip. If the player’s cards run out while challenging an Ace or face card, then either of two situations can occur. The next player may use the remaining chances to try and counter the challenge or the challenger can collect the pile and begin a new one.

One or more penalty cards must be given if a player slaps the pile on a combination that is not set forth prior to the game beginning. The cards must be placed face up at the bottom of the pile so that the play may resume with the last card played. If a player incorrectly slaps more than five consecutive plays, then they are out of the game.

Even without any cards left, a player may still slap at appropriate card combinations. If, however, they slap incorrectly they are given a strike. Three strikes and they may not slap until the next game.

Wrap Up

There you have it, the step-by-step process on how to play Egyptian Rat Screw. Enjoy this fun card game with family and friends. Check out the rest of the site for more fun cards games.

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Splendor: The Ultimate Gate-Way Board Game

Do you want to introduce more board games into your family time? No, I don’t mean Monopoly, Candyland or Scrabble. I mean a fun game that all ages can enjoy and won’t consume your whole evening (unless you want it to)? Splendor is a fast paced, easy to pick up board game that doesn’t break the bank.

When I first encountered Splendor it was my grandpa that owned a copy! My grandparents are not typically “board-game-people”. We pulled it out and played a quick round with two young adults, one tween, and one grandparent. It only took a minute to set-up and a minute more to explain the rules. In 20 short minutes the game was over and everyone had fun!

How it Plays

The concept is simple: collect gem tokens to buy gem cards. The cards have a point value as well as an assigned gem color. Each gem card you buy can then be used in place of a gem token. The more cards you have, the more cards you can then buy! The first player with 15 points signals the last round. At the end of the last round, the player with the most points wins!

I found many interesting, yet simple features of this game that make it enjoyable. The game plays three tiers of cards laid out in a grid which represents the board. There are 6 types of gem tokens: Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Garnets, and Gold. The gold tokens act like a wild card and are only received by reserving a card. I found this especially useful for winning! There are also Aristocrats for high point values, which you receive automatically as soon as you qualify for them.

The game is simple and easy to explain. The rounds are short, so no one is waiting too long for their turn, and there are multiple strategies that can be employed to win the game. For example, when I play, I always aim for an aristocrat and so far I have never lost! If you want to play with young children, the bright colors and tangible tokens are great for helping them keep track of what they have and what they need. If you decide to play a round or two with your die-hard board game buddies, the tactical opportunities can create a riveting experience with triumph and revenge.

Why it’s worth the buy!

If Splendor becomes a family favorite in your home, as it has in mine, that might open the door to other unique board game experiences. When introducing more complex games to your family, you can refer to Splendor for any similarities or as a measure of difficulty.

Splendor is truly a game for all ages and experience levels, so, whether you are introducing your kiddos to board games or opening your parents or grandparents eyes, Splendor is the perfect “gate-way” game.

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The Best Card Games to Play of all Times

The Best Card Games of All Time


History of Card Playing

Many families own a pack of playing cards as there are so many fun games to explore. But have you ever considered where all of these games originated? Let’s take a look at the history of card playing and where it all began (and why)!

Earliest References for Playing Cards

Scholars believe that playing cards were first invented in the ninth century by the Chinese. Their designs and symbols resembled Chinese paper money of that time. This suggests that people traded these cards the way we trade money today. It wasn’t until the 13th century that the novelty of playing cards reached Europe.

The Europeans had completely different card styles than the Chinese. Many styles of these styles were supposedly invented by a famous knight called Etienne Vignoles. France created the four suits in the 1400’s as we know them today: Hearts, Diamonds, Spades, and Clubs. Shortly thereafter, England adopted this same structure around the year 1462. This was right in the middle of the War of the Roses, which is often culturally connected to the symbols on modern playing cards.

That being said, Germany really took the cake when it came to printing playing cards in the highest volumes. This made card games even more popular, with a huge increase in distribution and accessibility.

Number of Cards in a Pack

It’s believed that the first deck of printed cards contained 32 in the pack. Today, we have variations from 24-52 cards per pack. Some suggest that the 52 cards were developed based on the 52 weeks in a year. If you add up the numbers in each deck, you will have a sum of 365, the exact number of days in the year.

Materials Used and Designed

In the early years, cards were printed on wood and bone. Later on, they started being printed on a wide variety of materials throughout the centuries. This variety could be seen in a variety of places like India, Persia, Egypt, and Europe. Germany, for example, used wood-cutting techniques and copper resources to create engraved picture. These pictures, made with fine handiwork, resulted in stunning playing cards. Those playing cards, then as now, made for cherished collector’s items.

When the card-playing trade landed in the United States, soldiers brought the cards home with them in their pockets. This led to cards being made out of paper. Now they’re now packaged small enough to carry with you anywhere you go.

Card symbols have drastically changed since the ancient Chinese began creating them. Historians believe that the four different suits represent four classes in Medieval society. Clubs represent peasants, diamonds for merchants, spades for the military, and hearts for members of the church.

As cards became more popular amongst gamblers, their designs simplified to not distract players. Gamblers didn’t want their opponents to see what cards they were holding, so cards developed to have stars on the back so you couldn’t see through them.

You can pick up a pack of playing cards from almost anywhere now as they’re printed on paper. Cards are now available from in standard form to themed, and you can even purchase cards with large print and braille. They might have lost their rarity, but the accessibility of playing cards today means that there are many more game variations to choose from, suitable for everyone preschool aged children to adults.

Using Playing Cards as Money

Cards have been used for playing games, generating income, and as a popular form of entertainment throughout the centuries for people of all ages.

France was the first country to use playing cards in exchange for goods due to a money shortage. Soldiers needed payment for their duties, but with no coins to hand to them, the Governor demanded all the playing cards in the colony. He then cut up the playing cards into quarters, signed and stamped them and handed them to soldiers as a form of payment. When coins finally returned to the country, people swapped their cards for money. All playing cards were then destroyed in order to stop the black market currency exchange. This exchange of playing cards crept back into the colony many years later. At that time merchants accepted the playing cards instead of money. During this time, playing cards were made out of paper – which was a rarity. So shopkeepers welcomed cards instead of money.

Using Playing Cards for Entertainment

As obtaining playing cards became easier, most people used to own a pack of cards for entertainment purposes. The King, prisoners, prostitutes, sailors, noblewomen, and everyone in between used cards to kill time and connect with others.

Playing cards also helped people of different languages communicate freely and engage in entertainment. Games are the ultimate language barrier breaker. Use this list of best card games to make international friends next time you’re abroad. Teaching a game through actions and practice is loads easier than learning or teaching a new language.

People have been known to compete with cards, seeing who could stack them into “card houses” without knocking them down. Many people use cards to perform magic tricks as well. Even to this day, playing cards are basic gameplay in households to bring people together.

Not sure how to play, or looking for a new way to play? Don’t worry. From old games to current games to games meant for solo play or playing with teams, we have you covered. Whether its games meant for children or for adults, you will find some of the best card games here. Without further ado, let’s get right to the list of the best card games in history.


Old Card Games


Gin Rummy

Gin Rummy was established in 1909 and is a derivative of the original game of rummy. This game is ideal for two to six players.

Using a standard deck of playing cards, the objective is to have a sequence of cards that follow the same suit in numerical order (i.e. 4, 5, 6 of clubs or 8, 9, 10 of hearts, etc.). Alternatively, you may win by having the same number in different suits, such as a 6 of hearts, 6 of clubs, and 6 of spaces. The first person to score 100 wins the game.

How to Play

Shuffle the cards and hand out 10 cards each if there are two players, seven for three or four players, and six for five to six players. Choose a dealer.

For any excess cards, create two piles; one called a ‘stock’ where the cards are face down, and the other called a ‘discard pile’ with cards face up. Begin by taking one card from either pile.

Play continues clockwise until a person knocks on the table to end the round. The knock will indicate that the player has completed all sets in a hand and is ready to go out. Then the people lay the cards down face up while saying “Gin”.

The score is then tallied per the face value of the cards: one point for aces, 10 points for face cards, and all other cards have the value of the number on the card.  


Canasta

Since 1948, Americans have enjoyed teaming up for a great game of Canasta. Using two standard decks of playing cards, including all four jokers, four people can play this game in two teams.

The object of this game is for each player to collect as many cards of the same suit. Each meld (which is a suit of card) makes up points, and the person with the highest score at the end wins canasta.

How to Play

Each player is dealt two hands out consisting of 11 cards each. The dealer must put all remaining cards face down in the center of the table, creating a draw and discard pile.

The play begins with the player to the left of the dealer and then continues clockwise with each additional player.

During each round, a player draws a card from their own pack, or chooses one from the deck For each card you pick up, you must replace with one of your own cards.

The play continues until a player goes out, and this happens if you have the lowest points for that round. The score is tallied by adding how many cards of the same suit you have, and the first team to get 5000 points wins the game.


Spades

Since the 1930’s, Spades has been a popular trick-taking card game that was invented by college students. It was created for two to seven players.

The object of this game is to have the highest number of tricks per round. A trick is matching cards by suit or number.

How to Play

Before beginning the game, players decide on a winning score. It’s typical that the first player to get 500 points wins the game.

Players have an even amount of cards, and the person with the highest card is the dealer. The next player proceeds clockwise and so forth with the aim of following suit.

If you don’t have the proper card in your hand to follow suit, you can then trump (a spade) or discard.

The person who wins the trick leads the next round, and the game continues until there are no cards left. Players cannot play a spade unless this is the only card left in their hand.


An Age of Electronics

With this electronic age, communication is almost a thing of the past. People are always looking at their phones for one reason or another, and verbal conversation is done through emoji’s and texts.

Games can be played on many devices from phones to gaming platforms, therefore, physical card playing is becoming obsolete.

There are many reasons that playing with an actual deck of cards is better than playing a virtual game over the internet.

Reality card playing gives you the opportunity to exercise your hands and brain. Eye-hand coordination is important, and watching a child’s eyes light up with excitement when they win a game against Mom is priceless.

One of the best reasons a physical game of cards is so important is the thought of bringing family and friends together for a few hours of socialization and relaxation.

A serious game of cards will keep your creative juices flowing, your brain working, and fun and laughter are the medicine to calm stress.


Single Player Card Games


Solitaire

Let’s begin with the ever so popular game of Solitaire. It was once a competitive two-player game that has now become a peaceful game to enjoy in your leisure time.

The object of the game is to stack all of the cards in descending order into four piles, ie. King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, etc. You can only create sufficient piles by alternating between colors.

How to Play

Start with a standard deck of 52 cards. Create seven rows with the cards face down. Add one card under the first row, two under the second row, three under the third row, and so on.

The last card on each row should be face up so you can see it. With the remaining cards, create a pile that you can use later.

With the cards laid out, see if you can move them across to each other to create a descending order; if you can’t, reach for a new card from the excess pile.

Once you’ve created a full line from King to 2, you can add these to one of the four piles accordingly.


Forty Thieves

Another fun Solitaire game is Forty Thieves. This game requires two standard decks of playing cards and a large playing space.

The object of this game is to make eight foundation piles in suit order from Ace to King. This objective is very similar to solitaire, although it’s more difficult as you have to match cards with the same suit.

How to Play

You start this game by forming 10 columns with four cards each – all of which are face up. Form a face-up pile with the remaining cards.

You can only move one card at a time into descending order. Once a column is free, you can move a single card into its place. If you’re struggling to make a move, replace this card with one from the excess pile.

The game is over when all the cards are piled in the proper order.


Quiddler

Play a short word game of Quiddler to sharpen your brain, while you work toward building words from all the cards in your hand. You can play this game alone, or with up to eight players.

The object of this game is to create the most words or the longest, and gain extra bonus points! Each round becomes more challenging as the number of cards dealt increase – beginning with three and ending with 10.

How to Play

Each player is dealt three cards, and the remaining cards are face down. On each hand, you have to create a word with as many of your cards as possible. If there’s more than one player, you take turns forming a word from the left of the dealer.

Each as the rounds increase, you pick up a new card from the spare pile. Scoring is like Scrabble; some of the letters are worth more points, and some letters are worth double points. The person with the highest score wins Quiddler.

If there are multiple players, the game stops when a player cannot form a word, and they’re then out of the game.


2 Player Card Games


Blink

Start with a fun and exciting game of Blink. Don’t look away because this fast-paced game moves so quickly it’s over within two minutes!

The object of this game is to get rid of your cards the quickest. Match your cards to those in the pile by color, shape or number.

How to Play

Everyone is dealt with the same number of cards to match their cards with the card on the table.

There are no turns and you can only play one card at a time to match the one at the top of the pile.

When the first person runs out of cards, the hand is over, and that person will win the game.


Peanuts

Another fun way to keep your hand and eye coordination in training is to play a fast-paced game of Peanuts. This is an ideal game for two players but can be just as much fun with three or more players. But the more people who play, the harder the concentration level!

The object of this game is to play cards into the middle foundation piles and score the highest points from doing so. The first player to score 150 points wins, and if multiple players reach this score, the person with the highest score overall wins.

How to Play

Each player is issued their own deck of standard playing cards. Each deck should be distinctively different from the others because they will get mixed up throughout the game.

The game begins with each person shuffling their own deck of cards and placing 12 cards down and one up in a pile of thirteen. Four more will be placed face up in four columns next to the pile of 13.

When an ace appears on the table by either player, the ace is then placed in the middle of the table for each person to build on up to King.

After each round, the cards in the middle are shuffled.


Cribbage

Cribbage, also known as “Noddy” in early English terms, is another card game that can be enjoyed by two people.

The object of this game is to earn points by making various combinations of cards on the pile, using a Cribbage board for making scorekeeping simple. The first person to get to 121 points wins the game.

How to Play

Each player takes a card from a pack, leaving at least four cards remaining. The person with the lowest card begins the game.

The first player presents their four cards face up to show the total numerical value. The ace counts as one, royals count as 10, and the remaining cards represent their face value.

The dealer then places a card in a pile and each player must present a card to make up to the value of 31 – but no more.

If it comes to your turn and the only cards you have left will make the total above 31, you’re out of the game.


Solid Wood Folding Cribbage Set

Purchase a Solid Wood Folding Cribbage Set and get everything you need to play the game. Although the game is intended for two people, four people can play in teams of two, and it is easy enough for anyone in the family to learn!

The object of this game is to try to build card combinations that total 15.

How to Play

Players take it in turns to create combinations that total 15 using the cards they’re handed.

If you’re unable to make 15, you’re out of that round and deemed the loser.


Speed

If you are looking for an exciting, fast-paced card game that two people can play, you will enjoy a fun afternoon with a card game of Speed. The game can only be played with two people and will be enjoyed by all ages.

The object of this game is to be the quickest to place cards in numerical order – either ascending or descending – until you have no cards left.

How to Play

The play area consists of four piles and each player is dealt five cards at the beginning of the game.

Each player then places a card on either pile in a descending or ascending order with the intention of throwing other players off.


3 Player Card Games


Karma

Karma is a fast-paced card game that can be played by three people from ages 8 to adult without a problem.

The object of this game is to play a card that is the same rank or higher than the one in the pile so that you’re left with no cards at the end of the game.

How to Play

Each player is handed three cards and any remaining cards are placed in a pile on the table.

The game begins with one card face up on the table and the player to the dealer’s left places their best card on top.

The game continues with players taking it in turns to beat their opponents’ score. You can take a chance to pick up a spare card from the pile to play that instead of yours.

The person holding the least amount of cards at the end wins the game.


Ideal Rage

Ideal Rage is another game that can be easily played with three players from ages 8 to adult. This game comes with 110 cards and is a fast-paced game of revenge.

The object of the game is to score the highest number over the course of 10 rounds.

How to Play

Before the game begins, each player will guess the number of cards they will end up with at the end of the game.

The first player will lay down a card on the table; the first card will determine trump. All players will take turns trying to lay down cards with the matching trump color. Use a Rage Action card to change the color of the trump.

Score points for using Rage cards, by guessing the number of cards you will have, and for each trick you collect.


The Oregon Trail Game

Although the Oregon Trail Card Game is for two to six players, you will have a great time playing with just three! This blast from the past game that was once played as a video game can now be played the good old fashioned way from a box.

The object of this game is to help one member of your wagon part survive and safely arrive at Willamette Valley. The game involves working together to traveling over rivers and other obstacles while fighting to survive.

How to Play

Begin the game by placing the start card at one end of the table and the finish card at the other end. Deal supply cards to each player (5 cards for 2-4 players, 4 cards for 5 players, and 3 cards for 6 players).

Each player takes a turn to connect the trial to continue the route. The first team to reach their destination wins the game.

Be careful not to die, or your name will be erased and replaced on a tombstone card!


Duo

The lively, fast-paced game of Duo will have you anxiously awaiting to play your next turn. This game can easily be played with three people, but works best for two to six players.

The object of the game is to be the first one to run out of cards by matching two out of three components on the cards.

How to Play

Each player is handed a stack of cards and the game begins with one card face up in the middle of the table.

The first player draws their card that matches by either number, symbol or color. The game continues as such. But if you don’t have a similar card to the one in the center, you must take one from the draw pile.


4 Player Card Games


Uno

Uno is a classic family card game made by Mattel. Since the early 1970’s, this exciting game has been the center of every family get together throughout the country. For an interesting twist, try the game with a partner, or compete in a tournament.

The object of this game is to match the colors and cards in your hand, being the first to lay them down on the table. Win the game by being the winner of 500 points.

How to Play

Each player begins with 10 cards. The first player must match the color of the card in the middle, or pick a WILD card.

But, if you have a round where you can’t play, you must draw a card from the excess pile.

The game continues until the winning player is left with one card, and shouts, “UNO”.


Phase 10

A great four player card game for a Saturday night get-together is the exciting game of Phase 10.

The object of this game is to complete all 10 phases of this game without getting left behind. Each time you complete a phase, you can move on to the next, but if your opponent gets stuck with cards, they must add them to their score and repeat the phase.

How to Play

Each player chooses a card from the draw pile. You then choose a card of your choice to throw to the discard pile and the game moves on to the next player.

When you receive your cards, check the card information you’re given to solve (usually a math question). With your set of cards, you want to have the correct card combinations to win that round.


Dutch Blitz

Try your hand at a fast-paced game of Dutch Blitz. This game is suited for two to four people.

The object of the game is to be the first person to run out of cards from your Blitz pile It’s a race to put the cards from your Blitz pile onto the center Dutch piles in order of the same color.

How to Play

Each player lays three cards in front of them and creates a fourth pile of 10 cards face down. Face up the 10th card so everyone can see it.

Taking it in turns, each player places one of their cards on top of the center card in numerical order. You can switch the suits at any time, so long as the cards as in numerical order.

The first person to reach 150 points wins the game.


Euchre


Not Parent Approved

For a great family game night choice with the tweens, Not Parent Approved: A Card Game for Kids, Families and Mischief Makers will be a popular hit. Designed for four to ten players ages 8 and older, this amusing game will keep the entire family entertained for hours!

The object of this game is to fill in the blanks from the words on the cards and get the highest score.

How to Play

The cards are evenly distributed amongst players. Each round begins with a card that has a question on it.

Players present their card that has the most suitable answer on it. The player with the most question cards at the end wins the game.


Card Games for Kids


Go Fish!

Start the day off with a classic game of Go Fish! This colorful game full of excitement will have your little one fishing for the winning match! For ages 3 and older, this game can be played with three to six players.

The object of this game is to introduce little ones to numbers and teach them how to match them up while they are giggling because you have more cards than you do.

How to Play

Each player is given five cards and all remaining cards are placed face down in a pile.

One by one, each player takes it in turn to read out a question to the player beside them. The recipient then holds up the correct answer from their card selection.

If you don’t have a card that suits the answer, say “Go fish”. The game continues until people run out of cards.


Memory

Although this classic card game can be played with a standard deck of 52 cards, you will keep your child’s interest much longer when you play the Original Memory Game by Hasbro. They can play solo, or with friends. The more people that play, the bigger the challenge!

The object of this game is to match cards to similar pictures to help improve a child’s memory. For each round you get right, you score points. The person that makes the most matches wins the game.

How to Play

Each player is handed an equal set of cards out of 48, and there’s always a card in the center of the table.

As players take their turn, they put down a card that matches the one in the middle.


Smack It!

Sit down with anticipation, waiting for the first person to smack the pile with this exciting game of Smack it! The whole family will enjoy playing this fast-paced card game, and it won’t take hours to learn because it is that simple. This card can be played with a group and is recommended for ages 6 and up.

The object of this game is to teach patience and self-control to the kids, and it allows everyone to work together as a team to accomplish a goal.

How to Play

Each player takes a card from the divided piles and places it face up in the center of the table.

Everyone will anxiously wait for a smack it card to turn up, thus allowing the first person to smack the deck and win the pile.

Don’t be surprised when Grandma asks to play again, because it is that much fun!


Family Scavenger Hunt Card Game

This exciting Scavenger Hunt Card Game will have the whole family scouring to find the items listed on the cards. Everyone 6 and older will enjoy this game, but younger children could play as a “helper” for an older player. Although it should be played with at least two players, you could create a version of your own for one.

How to Play

Everyone is dealt 10 cards each, and you choose items found outdoors, or play the indoor game; that way you can enjoy the sunshine, or play inside on a rainy day.

If you can’t find an item on your card indoors or outdoors, you can pass, and the game moves on to another player (or another round, if playing individually).

These colorful cards will keep minds intrigued for hours of play!


Old Maid

This card game goes back many years and can be played with a standard deck of playing cards, but colorful games will hold the attention of a child much longer. Purchase a special game of Old Maid Illustrated Card Game that is specifically designed for children ages 4 and older, and watch their eyes light up with excitement!

The object of this game is to guess the 22 careers to help children learn different occupations.

How to Play

Evenly distribute the cards amongst players and each player holds up their card and states the occupation from the picture.

The player left with the Old Maid card loses the game.


Card Games for Adults


Never Have I Ever

Be careful what you say in the popular Party game of  Never Have I Ever. The game is best played in a group. As seen on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Never Have I Ever is the fun game of telling the truth, but will you?

The object of this game is to be the first player to get 10 “wall of shame cards.” Remember, what that means is that the winner is the person who has done the most crazy stuff. So, if you’ve led a particularly wild life and don’t mind sharing, you’re going to do well in this game.

How to Play

Evenly distribute cards amongst all players, and take turns to read out a statement on the card.

When one player reads from the red question card, everyone else will answer the question using the best blue card they have.

If you have done the activity read out by a player, you raise your hand, or choose another method.

When the card proves that the person is guilty, the card will then go on the individual’s “wall of shame.”

This is a great game to break the ice at any party or play the game to get to know your partner better. The game can get pretty raunchy in terms of topics, so we don’t blame you for some selective lying.


Poker

Get your friends together and make it a Poker night! The game is designed for adults only (if you’re betting money), and it is best to play with poker cards designed specifically for the game.

The object of this betting game is to have the highest rank of cards. For example, the highest rank is King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and Ace, but no suit is higher than another.

How to Play

Evenly distribute cards and chips amongst all players. Take it in turns going around the table and placing a bet with chips.

You can fool other players into thinking you have bad/good cards, but how much you bet depends on your risk and the value of your cards.

After each round, everyone presents their cards to each other to see who has the highest value. Whoever does, wins that round.

There are loads of various combinations of this game that you can play. The most common hands known are ranked from five of a kind to nothing. Pro tip: if you’re new to poker, go easy on the money betting. Watch and learn from the experienced players at the table.


Keep Calm

Keep Calm the Game will have everyone shaking in their shoes when they must decide what they would do in each scenario. Gather your friends and try to relax and keep calm no matter what happens! Not recommended for players under the age of 17.

The object of the game is to collect six Situation cards, and the first person to do so wins.

How to Play

Keep Calm will give a scenario and you must figure out which one of your answer cards would best fit. The game can get pretty creative with a wide range of options.

If you are at your wit’s end, throw down a panic card, leaving everyone else in shambles!


Battle of the Sexes

What does he know about cooking? What does she know about football? Find out when you play this hilarious card game version of Battle of the Sexes. This is a fun game to play in a group, or just with the two of you (assuming you’re not the same sex).

The object of the game is to be the gender that answers the most questions correctly.

How to Play

Teams are divided by the sexes. Each team receives an equal amount of cards, each with questions on them.

In this game, the guys must answer questions that the girls will most likely know, and the girls must answer questions that the guys would know.

This would make a great after dinner game, or play as a group at the next grown-ups only party. It also makes for a fun drinking game.


Easy Card Games


Spoons

Sit down, play a round, and with great luck, you will snag up a spoon! This easy card game of spoons will create a constant array of movement around the table. This game is designed for three to six players ages 7 and up, but can be played by more when using additional plastic spoons.

The object of this game is to be the first to collect the four cards you have been waiting for, and grab a spoon each round.

How to Play

The game begins by passing all the cards around the table, racing to collect four of a kind.

There is always one less spoon on the table than players. So, each round, someone is going to get left out.

For a twist in the excitement, keep score by giving each person a letter for each spoon they miss.

Keep going until the first person has lost so many times that they have the word “spoons” spelled out under their name.

Remember, it’s just a game, so there is no need to fight for the spoon until someone gets hurt.


Family Feud

Who doesn’t like the long-running television game show Family Feud? With the Family Feud Strikeout Card Game, you can play this easy game on-the-go, or at home, it’s that simple! For three or more players ages 10 and up, the cards come in a convenient box that is easy to tuck away! This is a great game for family nights, especially on a rainy day.

The object of the game is to be the team with the highest score at the end of the round. The way to win is simply by correctly answering the most survey answers.

How to Play

Players split up into two teams. It’s fun to do this by young and old, girls or both, or any random comination.

The game consists of answering the survey answers correctly. The first round is a head-to-head challenge with one member from each time.

For the second round, you’ll work as two teams to guess the survey answers. The team with the highest score at the end of the game wins.

Complete with all the survey questions and the strikes too, the whole family can enjoy this easy game of Family Feud.


Ratuki

Pull up a chair and stay awhile, because once you start, you will be addicted to this game of Ratuki. This fun game is easy to play and exciting to win! It’s suitable for ages 8 and up and for two to five players.

The object is to be the person who lays a 5 down on the top of the pile, and when you do, shout “Ratuki” and take the pile! The person that wins the most piles, in the end, wins the game.

How to Play

Each player is handed an equal amount of cards. Next, the dealer places one card at the center of the table prior to starting.

Start the game by building piles from 1 to 5, and try to slam the pile before your opponents. Continue stacking the cards in numerical order.

But it’s not as easy as it sounds because each card has a different way of presenting the numbers to cause confusion.


Pokeno

Much like Bingo, you can also Pokeno by marking spaces on a card. But the twist comes with a standard deck of cards. Between two and twelve players can enjoy this game. Adults can appreciate this game along with kids over the age of six.

The object of the game is to be the first to score a horizontal, vertical or diagonal line (similar to Bingo).

How to Play

Each person is dealt a Pokeno card printed with five rows of cards across and down that represent various Poker hands.

The dealer calls out one card at a time, and the players will match the spot on their Pokeno cards hoping to win the round by covering all five spots in a row on the card.

Several variations of this game have been played using coins in place of the chips. Additionally, you can add another twist with special games such as four corners or picture frame.

Make your next party a pokeno night!


Trading Card Games


Pokemon: Trading Card Game

Every millennial’s childhood dreams can come back to life with a classic game of Pokemon. Imagine acquiring 100 assorted Pokemon Trading Cards with a bonus of six Holo Foils free!

This is a great way to build your collection or add to the collection you have already established.

The title says it all, and with 100 of these sweet cards, you should have enough to get into the game quickly! When you have a friend gathering, this is a great way for everyone to dig out their Pokemon collection.


Yu-Gi-Oh!

With a collection of 500 assorted Yu-Gi-Oh cards, you will have no problem finding the cards you need to add to your collection.

With this collection of cards, you will also get Ultra Rare and Holographic Cards with a collectible tin.


World of Warcraft

Begin with the World of Warcraft TCG Dark Portal Starter Deck.

These cards come in a hard case, and it contains the cards you will need to get started including the possibility of a few character cards, and maybe a loot card too.

This is possibly one of the most addictive games in history, but don’t be scared off. It’s also super engaging and quite fun.


DragonBall Z

This one really never gets old. Get the game going with a DragonBall Z Trading Card Game Starter Deck.

In this set, you will get all the exclusives of a starter deck.

The set includes a pre-constructed deck of 60 cards, 5 Prizm Technology cards, 4 Parallel cards, and 3 foil parallels.


Magic: The Gathering

Who could ask for more when they are offered 1000 Magic the Gathering Cards with a bonus of 25 rare cards in the same package?

Combined with revised cards, along with the latest editions, this set will make a great beginning for the new trading card player, and it will make an excellent addition to a collection that has already begun to build.

This one is the best set for the money!


Card Battle Games


Stratego

With Stratego Battle Cards, you will stay busy setting up your front line for battle and defending your flag while trying to catch the enemies flag, all at the same time! For two players from ages 8 and up, this game is easy to learn and can be completed in approximately 10 minutes.

The object of this game is to have the card with the highest rank. Also, if you find your opponent’s flag, you win the game.

How to Play

Each player has eight cards each and choose five of them to place down on the battle line.

You then fill in the empty slots in your battle line by choosing a card that will make your opponent struggle.

When it’s your turn, you must move one of your pieces or you’re out of the game.

Exercise your brain and strategic skills with this battle card game.


Adventure Quest Worlds

For a great game of anything goes, this game of Adventure Quest Worlds is the best choice for a battle on battle card game. This fantasy card game is easy to play, and can be played with two people or four.

The object of the game is to line up your attack with a poison, pet, or a powerful weapon before your opponent comes at you with their own plan of attack that will backfire on you before you even have a chance.

How to Play

Each player begins with seven cards and the remaining cards are face down on the table. You then take it in turns to play as many cards you can in one go.

During your turn, you can make only one weapon, spell attack or pet attack card. Read more about how to play Adventure Quest Worlds.

Think about your strategy and remember, anything goes in this fast and easy card game.


Game of Thrones

This card game based on the super popular book and television series is out of print. However, the game is still widely available as a collector’s item. For those unfamiliar, the fantasy series takes place on the imaginary isle of Westeros. The Iron Throne is the seat of power in King’s Landing, the Westeros capital. Over millennia, more than half a dozen families have variously held onto the throne.

In the card game, you too can take up the sword as a member of any one of the major houses of Westeros. You will battle other players for control, kill competing characters, and aim for control of Westeros. It’s a fast paced strategy game especially fun for fans of the book or television series. You will continuously be trying to outwit your rivals and steal power, so its good game for competitive friends.

How to Play

The game is fairly complicated to play, with a steep learning curve. Players must provide their own decks for the game. After shuffling, players draw the top seven cards from their individual deck. You will also receive power points that can be used throughout play.

The game is played in rounds, each round divided into seven phases. Included within these phases are action moves that can be taken based on your card and character. At the outset, plot cards will be revealed by players to set down important baselines for gameplay and setting. Get the full scoop on Game of Thrones: The Card Game here.

Conclusion

There you have it, our definitive list of the best card games out there on the market. Now that you have all these card game ideas, you should have no problem keeping the kids busy. Whether it’s a rainy day or family game night, a lot of these card games apply to all ages. Furthermore, your friends will be begging for another one of your entertaining party game nights!

What do you think is the greatest card game of all time? Have we missed any great games or personal favorites on our greatest card games of all time list? If so, please let us know in the comments section.