Barnorama All Fun In The Barn
Games nowadays can be so complex and confusing. The most popular are video games that usually require a special console. Even board games come with a lot of pieces and rules. Luckily, card games never go out of style. In fact, with a standard 52-card deck of playing cards, there is no shortage of games that you can play. Let’s look at 20 fun games that are so simple they can be played with a deck of cards.
Solitaire
Most computers come with a digital version of solitaire because it’s a great one-person activity. If you prefer, you might be surprised how good it feels to have the cards in your hands during a game of solitaire.
Accordion
Try not to confuse this with the musical instrument. This is simply a matching game in which you create piles of cards of the same number or suit. It’s a great game to teach kids for when they’re bored and need a one-person game.
War
Who can forget playing war growing up? It’s the ultimate game of luck, yet it feels like there is a strategy to it. You simply flip cards over with the higher card taking both cards until one person owns every card.
King’s Corner
In this game, you try to get rid of your cards. However, you have to do them while alternating between black and red cards. That’s the catch that makes it fun.
Go Fish
This is probably the best card game for people of all ages. It’s easy for kids to learn the rules. You have to politely ask others for cards that can help you create matches. Somehow, it remains fun no matter how old you get.
Blackjack
For those who love math and probability, nothing is better than blackjack. You play against the dealer with the hope of getting closer to 21 without going over. It’s fun to play for fun, although this game can also be played for money. In fact, there are countless online blackjack sites where you can play blackjack the same you can in a real casino.
Trash
For young kids still learning their numbers, trash is the ideal game. The purpose is to line up your cards in ascending order. Therefore, it helps kids to learn without realizing it because the game is so much fun.
Baloney
There’s another name for this game with the initials BS. Either way, it’s a great game for those who love to bluff. This game can also be used to develop bluffing skills while also figuring out when others are bluffing, both of which are good skills for life.
Old Maid
Okay, so you might have to add the Joker to the 52-card deck for this game. But you can also designate one of the queens as the “Old Maid.” Either way, you make pairs with your cards while trying to avoid getting caught with the “Old Maid” at the end of the game.
Spoons
As the name implies, you’ll also need a few spoons in addition to a deck of cards for this game. Whenever a player successfully makes a set, everyone has to grab a spoon. If you don’t have spoons, just have every player touch their nose instead.
Rummy
If you have a big group of people, rummy is an excellent choice. There’s plenty of thinking and strategy involved in winning. Just keep in mind that you’ll need two decks of cards and you’ll need to have the jokers included in them.
Crazy Eights
This is a great game for quick-thinkers who play a card that matches the suit or number of the previous card. Of course, every eight in the deck is a wild card that can be played any time, which is the wrinkle that makes this game so much fun.
Hearts
This game can be played with up to seven players, so it’s great for a group setting. As the name implies, you’re trying to avoid getting hearts while passing cards around the table from one person to the next.
Poker
You can play for chips, pennies, money, or just pride. Either way, poker is a ton of fun whether you have two people or 10 people. Just make sure you know the ranking of the different hands. Also, there are tons of variations on poker, so you can try out different versions to find your favorite.
Blitz
This can be played with up to 12 players, although sometimes two is enough. It’s wonderful to play at a party because you can socialize while playing. With three cards in your hand, you keep passing cards around with the hope of getting close to 31 in a single suit.
Mao
For a long time, this game has been popular with college kids. It’s similar to Crazy Eights, although the variations aren’t shared with new players. Instead, they must observe and figure it out for themselves, which adds a compelling twist.
President
This is another game with a few alternate names, some of which aren’t very endearing. The game, on the other hand, is loads of fun. Players have to play sets of numbers with higher values than the previous set. If they can’t, that player has to pick up all of the cards, which obviously makes it harder to lose all of their cards, which is the goal of the game.
Speed
Some will also call this game Spit, although spitting doesn’t have to be part of the gameplay. However, true to its name, this is a game that moves quickly and is great to show kids to get them to start thinking and reacting quickly.
Euchre
Who doesn’t remember playing some version of this in the school cafeteria? It’s perfect for four people to play. The players are split into pairs with players working together with their partner to take the most tricks.
Bridge
Don’t let the reputation of this game fool you; it’s not just for retired people. It just takes a little time to learn the rules of Bridge. Plus, the game requires a certain level of skill. That’s why older folks tend to be better at playing it. In any event, if you take the time to learn to play Bridge, you’ll have a fun hobby for the rest of your life.