Nothing brings people together like a good game of cards! For centuries, card playing has been a favorite hobby for people worldwide. You may even remember sitting down to a family game of Solitaire as kids, reminiscing over a bridge match between old friends, or cutting into low-stakes Poker at your local watering hole.
There are endless reasons why cards have become one of the most universal and beloved forms of entertainment. So what are some of history’s most popular and iconic card games? Read on to learn about all the different varieties and discover which one will be a perfect fit for you!
Choose from All-Time Favorites & Play a Game of Cards
Card games are simple yet entertaining enough to become a staple in everyone’s lives. Hundreds of different card games with various rules and objectives have been created, but some of the most classic and beloved games that have stood the test of time are:
1. Poker
One of the most popular card games from many years ago to date is Poker. It’s so popular; tournaments are held worldwide, and players win substantial jackpot prizes for being a good bluffer. In addition, numerous variations have been developed to provide more exciting possibilities for different types of players.
Different variations of Poker:
- Texas Hold’Em
- Omaha
- Caribbean Stud Poker
- Three Card Poker
- Seven-card Stud
If you want to experience some of the above variations, you can choose from many smartphone apps, such as Zynga Poker- Texas Holdem Game. This app allows you to play Texas Hold’Em against real players online for a more memorable gaming experience.
2. Spades
A game that has been around since the 1930s by college students, Spades is a trick-taking game that takes a bit of skill and strategy to win. 2 to 7 players are required to play, and the players must collect as many tricks as they can in one round. Fortunately, anyone can play Spades online if they don’t have friends to play with.
The principles of Spades:
- Players must decide the number of points they must accumulate to win
- The player with the highest card value will begin the game
- Players must follow the suit of the player before them
- If players don’t have the same suit or number, they can discard or trump a Spade
- The player who wins the most tricks in the first round will start the next
If you’re looking for a way to play Spades online, check out browser-based platforms or download a smartphone app. These will provide a more accessible form of playing with other card game fanatics or against an intelligent AI.
3. Cribbage
Cribbage is a two-player card game where players must arrange or create card combinations in a pile. For every combination, the player earns a point. They must collect 121 points to win, and the scores are recorded on a Cribbage board.
First, both players pick a card from the pack and leave at least four cards inside the box. The player who selects the lowest card will begin the game and place their first four cards face up so the other player can add the total value. Ace is one point, royal cards are ten points, and number cards are equivalent to their face value.
If you want to try Cribbage without downloading an app, numerous browser-based platforms are available today. It’s easier, and you can close the game anytime without using your mobile device’s space.
4. Peanuts
If you want to test your eye-hand coordination skills, Peanuts (Nerts, Pounce, or Squeal) will give you the time of day due to its fast-paced gameplay. Initially developed for two players, make it more challenging and fun with three or more players instead.
Concentration and focus must be employed during the game. But the more players there are, the more difficult it will be. Here, players must play cards in the middle foundation and score as many points as possible. The first player to reach 150 points wins. If several players earn this score, the one with the highest is declared the winner.
5. Hearts
Another iconic game that won the “hearts” of many is Hearts. Instead of taking as many tricks as you can, you have to avoid it. It stemmed from Réversi, another old-age trick-avoidance game where players must avoid taking tricks, especially counting cards.
The game’s objective is for the player to avoid taking a penalty point from the other player. The first one who reaches 100 penalty points loses. Cards that must be avoided are any Hearts card since these score one point, and the Queen of Spades of the “Black Maria,” as it’s equal to 13 points.
Hearts game basics:
- Generally played by four players
- Each player receives 13 cards
- The first player must pass three cards to the left in the first round
- The second and third round requires players to pass their cards to the right and across
- The fourth round doesn’t have a pass
With its popularity, Hearts became available on different platforms and gaming apps. One is Hearts – Card Game Classic, which allows you to play against an incredibly smart AI to test your skills.
6. Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy was derived from Rummy, which refers to card games where players must arrange three or more sets of cards with the same rank or number. Invented in 1909, Gin Rummy needs 2 to 6 players to start the game.
The game mechanics are relatively simple, making it one of the most popular card games today. All players need to do is form melds of cards with the same suit or are arranged numerically. For instance, they can play 4 of hearts, 4 of spades, and 4 of diamonds or 2, 3, 4, and 5 of clubs.
The first player to score 100 points wins, or if all players have no cards left. If no cards are left on the stockpile, scores are calculated with Ace cards at one point, number cards at their face value, and ten points for royal cards.
Prepare for a Compelling Game of Cards
Whether you wish to play online or offline, card games are available in numerous variations and platforms, allowing players to showcase or develop their skills. Start with the ones listed above, and experience the most prevalent card games of all time, either with friends and family or against a game’s impressive AI!
