Decked Out: Continue To Build Your Card Game Collection
By Natasha LeNeave
If you read our first article, we are not done! Here are some more SVU card recommendations that provide a great way to spend time with your friends and family. Gather your cards, and let the games begin!
Uno
Players: 2–10
Ages: 7+
Game time: ?
Game blurb: UNO™ is the classic and beloved card game that’s easy to pick up and impossible to put down! Players take turns matching a card in their hand with the current card shown on top of the deck either by color or number. Special action cards deliver game-changing moments as they each perform a function to help you defeat your opponents. These include Skips, Reverses, Draw Twos, Color-Changing Wild and Draw Four Wild cards. You’ll find 25 of each color (red, green, blue, and yellow), plus the eight Wild cards, inside the 108-card deck. If you can’t make a match, you must draw from the central pile! And when you’re down to one card, don’t forget to shout “UNO!” The first player to rid themselves of all the cards in their hand before their opponents wins. It’s Fast Fun for Everyone!™ (Mattel) There are so many versions and varieties.
Bohnanza
Players: 2–7
Ages: 12+
Game time: 45 minutes
Game blurb: The cards are colorful depictions of beans in various descriptive poses, and the object is to make coins by planting fields (sets) of these beans and then harvesting them. To help players match their cards up, the game features extensive trading and deal making. One of the most unique features of the game is that you cannot rearrange your hand, as you need to play the cards in the order that you draw them. (Rio Grande Games) Plant and harvest your beans in this classic game that gets players interacting as they strategize, trade, and sometimes even give their beans away. Bonus: in addition to the base game, this edition includes a 50-card expansion that allows up to 7 players to grow beans together! (Amigo)
Skyjo
Players: 2–8
Ages: 8+
Game time: 30 minutes
Game blurb: In card game SKYJO the goal is to collect as few points as possible over the course of several turns as after every round every player’s points are counted and added to his or her score. As soon as a player reaches 100 points or more, the player with the fewest points wins. Collecting the fewest points means to look for low or even negative numbers. Further excitement is added by several special rules, which, for example, make it possible to remove several cards (and with it points) from the game — this can lead to unexpected turns. This motivates daring decisions that might even come back to bite, if the other players can counter faster than expected. What is needed to play? Enough space for 12 cards in front of each player. A positive side effect: when playing, your hands are free, so you can count points or eat snacks. As the game is quite easy to play, small talk during your turns is no problem. (Magilano)
The Great Dalmuti
Players: 4–8
Ages: 8+
Game time: 15 minutes
Game blurb: Life isn’t fair and neither is The Great Dalmuti. In one round, you’re at the top of the heap, and in the next you could be peasant scum. In this fast-paced game of medieval one-upmanship, players take their places in the pecking order, from Greater Peon to Greater Dalmuti. But the roles change in every round, so get rid of the cards in your hand fast. The quicker you rid yourself of your cards, the higher you’ll go. But don’t get comfortable in the cushy Greater Dalmuti chair because even the lowliest peon can unseat you and boot you out the door. Sounds unfair, sure it is. But the sweet taste of victory could make it all worthwhile. This short, fast-paced, fun card game is easy to learn and play. (Amazon).
Dutch Blitz
Players: 2–4
Ages: 8+
Game time: Short and Fast
Game blurb: Dutch Blitz is a highly interactive, highly energetic, family-friendly card game that will test your skills, smarts and speed. It’s the kind of game that makes your brain work really hard. But because you’re having so much fun, you won’t even notice. Perfect for parties and family game nights, Dutch Blitz has been a favorite of card players for decades. And it’s more popular today than ever. (Barnes and Noble)
Sushi Go
Players: 2–5
Ages: 8+
Game time: 15 minutes
Game blurb: Pass the sushi! In this fast-playing card game, the goal is to grab the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. Score points by making the most maki rolls or by collecting a full set of sashimi. Dip your favorite nigiri in wasabi to triple its value. But be sure to leave room for dessert or else you’ll eat into your score! Gather the most points and consider yourself the sushi master! gamewright
Also check out other versions: Sushi Go Party (2–8 players) and Sushi Roll (2–5 players)
All of these games are SVU student favorites! They are perfect to play in your dorm room/ apartment and would also be perfect to play in the common areas or the Round Table. Just a reminder, college life isn’t just about the textbook readings and the exams, it’s about creating bonds that last a lifetime. I challenge you again to get together with a group of friends and play a card game. They are bound to bring a lot of laughter and can create some wonderful SVU memories.
Did any of these card game recommendations spark your interest? If not, what’s your favorite card game? Reach out to let us know at our Instagram @theheraldeditorinchief and give our first article “Decked Out: Games to Add to Build the Perfect Card Game Collection” a read to see if those games are more up your alley!
