Looking for a fun way to entertain the kids without screens? Classic card games are a great way to keep little ones engaged, develop their critical thinking, and enjoy quality family time!
From Go Fish to Bluff, these games are easy to learn, quick to play, and perfect for players of all ages. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most popular and timeless card games to get your kids hooked.
Get ready to shuffle, deal, and dive into hours of fun!
Judgement (Judgement Rummy)
How To Play: Typically played with 4–8 players, Judgement helps kids develop decision-making and estimation skills. After cards are dealt, players bid on how many tricks they expect to win, announcing their bids in turn. During each trick, players place a card face-up, following suit if possible. The highest card of the leading suit wins the trick. If a player matches their bid exactly, they earn 10 points plus the number of tricks won. If they misjudge, they score zero points for the round.
Go Fish!
How to Play: In this classic game, players ask each other for specific cards to make pairs (or sets of four in some versions). If the asked player has the card, they hand it over; if not, they say, “Go Fish!” and the asking player must draw a card from the deck. The game continues until all sets are completed, and the player with the most pairs wins. It’s a great game for kids to practice asking politely and remembering who has which cards!
Crazy Eights
How to Play: Players try to get rid of all their cards by matching the top card on the discard pile by either suit or number. Eights are “wild,” meaning they can be played on any card and allow the player to change the suit. The first player to empty their hand wins. Crazy Eights helps kids with pattern recognition and quick thinking!
War
How to Play: This simple two-player game starts with each player flipping a card from their deck. The player with the higher card wins both cards. In case of a tie, players declare “war” and each puts down three cards face down, then another face-up to determine the winner. The player who collects all the cards eventually wins. War is great for teaching number comparisons and patience!
Old Maid
How to Play: Take one card – Black Queen out of the pack. All players are dealt cards. Look at your hand and try to match pairs of cards (like two 7s or two kings). Once you have a pair, place it face down in front of you. Now, each player takes turns drawing one card from the person sitting next to them. Try to find a matching card to make another pair. There’s one special card called the “Old Maid” that doesn’t have a pair. You don’t want to be the one holding this card! The game continues until all pairs are made. The player who is left holding the “Old Maid” card at the end loses.
Concentration (Memory Snap)
How to Play: Lay all cards face down in a grid. Players take turns flipping over two cards, trying to find matching pairs. If a match is found, the player keeps those cards and takes another turn. If not, the cards are flipped back. The game ends when all pairs are found, and the player with the most pairs wins. It’s a fantastic game to develop memory skills.
Rummy
How to Play: Each player is dealt a hand, and the goal is to form sets (three or four cards of the same rank) or runs (three or more cards in sequential order of the same suit). Players draw from either the deck or discard pile to make combinations. The first player to use all cards wins. Rummy helps kids learn strategic planning and set-building!
I Doubt It or Bluff
How to Play: Players take turns placing cards face down, announcing the rank (like “two Queens”), but they may bluff. If another player doubts, they say “I doubt it! or call Bluff” and check the card. If the player was bluffing, they pick up the pile; if not, the doubter does. The first to get rid of all their cards wins. It’s a fun game to test your “poker face” and honesty!
Donkey
How to Play: Players pass one card at a time to the left until they form a four-of-a-kind. Once they do, they discreetly put their hand on the table, prompting others to do the same. The last player to notice is the “donkey.” This game is perfect for young kids and encourages observation and speed.
Slapjack
How to Play: Players take turns placing cards face up in a pile. When a Jack appears, everyone tries to slap the pile -the fastest slap wins the pile! The goal is to collect all cards, and it’s great for reflexes and friendly competition!
Pig
How to Play: Players try to collect four of a kind and subtly signal they’ve done so by “oinking” or making a funny face. Other players must catch on and do the same. The last player to notice is out! Pig is a silly game that tests observation and timing.
Beggar My Neighbour
How to Play: This game is played by turning over cards until a face card or an Ace appears, causing the next player to play penalty cards. If they also draw a face card, the “begging” continues. The player who collects all the cards wins. It’s an easy-going game with lots of laughs!
My Ship Sails
How to Play: Players aim to collect seven cards of one suit, swapping cards each round with others. Once a player has all cards in one suit, they shout, “My ship sails!” It’s a quick game that encourages focus and teamwork.
Sevens
How to Play: Players must place cards in a sequence from 7 upward or downward by suit. The goal is to get rid of all cards, with players needing to play strategically around 7s. It’s simple but challenges players to think a few moves ahead.
Sleeping Queens
How To Play: Players use cards to try to wake up queens and collect them. On your turn, you can either play a number card to draw new cards or use special cards to wake up queens. The goal is to collect the most queens!
Fletter
How To Play: In this word-building game, players create words from the letter tiles on their boards. Points are earned based on the length and complexity of the words. The game encourages creativity and vocabulary skills!
Deal Monopoly
How To Play: Similar to classic Monopoly, players trade and buy properties using card deals. You aim to collect properties and earn money while avoiding going bankrupt. The goal is to be the wealthiest player by the end of the game.
Dobble
How To Play: In this fast-paced game, players look for matching symbols on cards. Everyone plays simultaneously to find matches and win cards. The player with the most cards at the end wins!
Uno
How To Play: Players take turns matching cards by colour or number. Special action cards can change the game, such as reversing the order or skipping players. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins!
Top Trumps
How To Play: In this card game, players compare values on their cards to win others’ cards. Each player takes turns revealing a category, and the player with the highest value wins that round. The goal is to collect all the cards!
Whether it’s a lazy weekend afternoon or a cozy evening at home, these timeless games offer endless fun and learning opportunities for everyone. So, grab a deck of cards and let the games begin!
Mansi Zaveri
Janani S Koushik
KSP Promotions
