Decked Out: Games to Add to Build the Perfect Card Game Collection
By Natasha LeNeave
Playing cards is a great way to spend time with your friends and family! Whether you’re a seasoned card player or you’re just now dipping your toes into the water, the world of cards offers an endless amount of possibilities.
Here are some reasons why I recommend card games: They bring people together with laughter, banter, competition, and shared memories. A lot of games also require strategy and skill, providing you with a fun way to keep your mind sharp! With the large variety, everyone can find something that will suit their taste. Last but not least, card games are relatively small and can be taken with you to play anywhere. So go ahead, gather your cards, and let the games begin! Here are a few of SVU’s top favorites.
Skull King
Players: 2–8
Ages: 8–99
Game time: 30–45 minutes
Game blurb: Trick-taking on the high seas! Predict how ye’ll fair each round of ever risin’ stakes. Bid right to earn points. Bid wrong and sink your score! Battle with mermaids, pirates, and the formidable Skull King. Thar be other foes plottin’ in the depths as well: the mighty Kraken and vengeful White Whale! Treasure and glory awaits, but only for the bold! (Grandpa Beck’s Games)
Cover Your Assets
*New updated look!*
Players: 2–6
Ages: 7–99
Game time: 20–40 minutes
Game blurb: Battle to become the first millionaire! Build a stack of assets by matching sets to grow your net worth, but be careful: exposed assets atop your stack are at risk of being stolen! You’ll need to Cover Your Assets if you hope to win. Fast and addictive, it’s sure to become a new family tradition. Now includes two and three player rules, PLUS both classic and new advanced rules to enjoy! (Grandpa Beck’s Games)
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Players: 3–8
Ages: 8+
Game time: 10+ minutes
Game blurb: This is the social card game that is going to change your game night forever… ARE YOU READY FOR SOME HAND-SLAPPING MAYHEM? This addictive game is as unique as its name. It’s a power packed, quick and simple party game. Race against each other to SLAP a match between a card and spoken word. But — watch out! Your mind will play tricks on you. This game was engineered for maximum fun. Enjoy! (Dolphin Hat Games)
Skip-bo
Players: 2–6
Ages: 7+
Game blurb: Addictively simple, simply addictive! The Challenge: Be the first player to get rid of your stock pile. The twist: You have to get rid of them in sequence. It’s as easy as 1–2–3–4–5–6–7–8–9–10–11–12! (Mattel)
5 Crowns
Players: 1–7
Ages: 8–99
Game time: 45 minutes
Game blurb: Five Crowns is a five-suited rummy-style card game. It is a quick favorite for avid and casual card players alike. The unique deck provides you with multiple options for arranging your cards into books and runs. The game has 11 rounds. It starts with 3 cards and 3s are wild, then moves to 4 cards and 4s are wild and so on ’til the Kings Go Wild! Make the right combinations, be the first to go out, then watch your opponents scramble as they get one last chance to cut their losses. The player with the lowest score wins! (Play Monster)
Happy Salmon
Players: 3–8
Ages: 6+
Game time: 90 seconds
Game blurb: Happy Salmon is the fast-paced card game that gets everyone moving and laughing in under two minutes. How to play: Each card has a simple action that requires a partner. Players frantically shout their actions looking for matching players. Then, both players discard their used cards and repeat. The first player to finish all of their cards wins! (Exploding Kittens)
Did any of these card game recommendations spark your interest? If not, what’s your favorite card game? There’s a deck waiting for you! College life isn’t just about the textbook readings and the exams, it’s about creating bonds that last a lifetime. I challenge you this next week to let the cards shuffle. Get together with friends and make your dorm rooms or apartments echo with laughter and create unforgettable memories turning those late night study sessions into epic game nights! But remember, it’s not just about winning, it’s about the stories you’ll tell years from now and the memories you will carry with you. So, my fellow SVU students, accept the challenge and bring the most to your college experience!
