Long List of Card Games
Often times when I gather to play cards, I hang out in groups ranging from 2–8+ friends. We usually spend some time debating which card game to play, taking into account the group size and different card game comfort levels. From empirical experience, here is a list of time-tested, enjoyable games for all occasions.
Many of these games require working knowledge of poker hands.
A
Avalon
Avalon is a complicated role playing game that works best in groups of 6–8 players and can be played with 1 deck of cards. Avalon is a more complicated version of resistance (see: R). There are additional special roles to help gather information and deduce everyone’s identity.
B
BS Poker
BS poker is a go-to crowd pleaser for large groups. This game works for groups of 4+ players and involves 1 deck of cards. It involves a working knowledge of poker hands. Players claim larger and larger sets until someone is BS’ed.
C
California Speed
California speed is an easy 2-player game that involves 1 deck of cards. You can learn to play within one round. This game relies on speed and agility.
Codenames
Code names is an easy-to-learn word association game that is a more advanced version of Taboo. This game is suitable for 4+ players and requires the Codenames board game. Players work together to guess all of their team’s words while avoiding trap words.
Coup
Coup is a fun, strategic game involving assuming roles and deceit. The game works best for 4–6 players and can be played with 1 deck of cards. (A: assassin, K: duke, Q: contessa, J: captain, 10: ambassador).
D
Deuces
Deuces goes by many names: Pimps and Hoes, Big Two, etc. Deuces works best with 4 players and 1 deck of cards. The premise is to rid your hand by placing singles, pairs, triples, or five-card combinations. 2 is the largest card in the game.
Dominion
A challenging modular card game that rotates the cards in play. The game is suitable for 2–6 people and requires the Dominion board game. Dominion requires an adaptable and strategy-intensive mindset to win. You can also play online.
M
Monopoly Deal
Monopoly deal is a fun card game for 2–6 people that requires special Monopoly Deal cards. Players play money and action cards to help assemble three full sets of properties. Unlike Monopoly, one round of Monopoly Deal lasts around 5–10 minutes. You can also play online.
N
Napoleon
Napoleon is a traditional, fun 5 player game that can be played with 1 deck of cards. The host is determined by initial rounds of betting and teams (2 versus 3) compete to win tricks by playing the highest card following suit or a trump card if they are out.
O
One Night
One Night is a fun 5+ player game that involves a special set of One Night cards. I do not advise substituting One Night cards with regular playing cards unless everyone is comfortable with the game. I also advise downloading the app from the App Store. The app has a timer and refreshers on roles if you are less familiar with the rules.
R
Resistance
Resistance is an easier version of Avalon (see: A) with a minimal roles set-up. Resistance works best with 6–8 people and can be played with 1 deck of cards. The premise is a role playing game with two teams: spies and the resistance. I recommend getting comfortable with resistance first before switching to Avalon.
Rummy
Rummy is an easy-to-learn game of matching triples/4-of-a-kinds and straights that involves 1 deck of cards. Rummy is best played with 2–4 people.
S
Spyfall
Spyfall is an easy-to-learn role-playing game for 2–5 people. I recommend you download the Spyfall app. This game works best when playing with close friends.
T
Tractor
Tractor also goes by the following names: Sheng ji, Zhao peng you, Finding Friends, etc. Tractor is a challenging card game involving teams, points, trump cards, and tractors (consecutive pairs). The game can be thought of as a mix of bridge (teams) and Napoleon (trick winning). Tractor can be played with 4–8 people and requires 2–4 decks of cards. I recommend playing tractor with friends who have played cards before and enjoy strategy games. A full round can take 6+ hours, although you can stop anytime.
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Please let me know of any additional games I should add to the list by commenting below. Hope this was useful!
