There are so many easy card games to learn to kick off a memorable family game night. I rounded up 12 of the classics in an attempt to make your life easier.
A deck of 52 cards can go a long way. In fact, I grew up with two sets of grandparents that both loved to play a variety of games and I would spend hours on the weekends betting it ALL for a chance at greatness. Nothing beats quality time with your loved ones when there is a sprinkle of gambling and a side of sponge cake. I’m kidding! I’m not.
12 Easy Card Games For Your Next Family Game Night
It’s amazing how many different variations can come out of one simple tool. I mean – 52 cards? Am I right?
Family game night looks different to a variety of people. For us, on Monday it might be all about board games. On Wednesday, we might tackle a really hard puzzle. Then, when Friday rolls around, it’s time for Hearts! So many different options!
Check out these easy card games to learn below and broaden what your family bonding night can look like in your home each week.
Related: The Best Board Games For 4 Year Olds – Keep Them Entertained And Educated
How To Play Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights can be played with a standard 52 card deck and you need at least 2 people to play. If you have more than five people, then you should consider getting a second deck. Otherwise, it won’t really work.
The first player to discard all their cards is the winner.
How To Play Old Maid
Old Maid is an easy card game that is all about matching, pairing, and recognizing numbers. Simple card games work best for family game night and this one is at the top of the list.
How To Play Garbage
Garbage is a great two-person game. So, while this couldn’t be a full-fledge family game night headliner, I did want to include it because I think you should still know it.
Very simple for children to understand and isn’t that what this is all about?
Related: 12 Fun Games to Play With Pen and Paper
How To Play Go Fish
I feel like children are born knowing how to play the Go Fish card game – but I wanted to include it anyway in this easy card games round up!
How To Play Rummy 500
Rummy 500 has a few different names. It’s like the spy of card games. 500 rum, pinochle rummy, Michigan rummy, 500 rummy.
To win Rummy 500, one player must reach 500 points, over multiple rounds of play. Aces are worth 1 point, face cards are worth 10, and are Jokers worth 15. So,
basically after every round, you need to tally your score. You don’t have to play until 500 though. Sometimes, we just play until 250.
How to Play Spit
Spit is a traditional camp game and is best played with two players. The player who runs out of cards first wins. This game is all about how fast you are. I dominate and take no prisoners.
How To Play Spoons
This section contains affiliate links
Do NOT buy this game in the store! I saw it in the aisle this year and almost passed out! What a RIP! You just need a few spoons from your kitchen and a deck of CARDS!! I cannot believe someone is charging $24.95 for that! Ridiculous.
Anyway – this is a HUGE HOLIDAY game for my family. We usually do this on Thanksgiving and have like 20 people playing. It’s very LOUD and crazy. It is a VERY easy card game. In fact, it’s probably the easiest one on the market. The MORE PEOPLE YOU HAVE THE BETTER THOUGH.
If you have four people, the rounds will be fast. So, that might not be an issue… or it might totally stink. But when you have 10 people, you have a FUN NIGHT!
How To Play Rat A Tat Tat
I have never heard of Rat A Tat Tat before. I’m so excited to include it because as soon as I am done with this post, I plan on learning it! This will be what my family will play this weekend.
How To Play BS Or CHEAT Or Baloney
Do not watch this video with your children because there is one curse in it – but it is a good explanation. You can call the game Baloney and have everyone scream out BALONEY! Don’t worry about the REAL name of the game.
In the 80s, we used the REAL name of the game and we felt so naughty while we were doing it. But nowadays, I wouldn’t do that with my littles. So, we are just going to refer to this game as BALONEY! 🙂
I promise you that they will LOVE it because they will get a kick out of trying to lie to you and covering it up.
How To Play Pig
Pig is another 2 player game, but I still wanted to include it because kids just love doing things with their parents and we need as many options as we can. This one is really fast-paced which I know the littles will love.
How To Play Poker
I grew up playing poker with my grandparents. So, if you think your kids can’t handle it… you are wrong. We would find all the pennies in the house and we would play for HOURS. Believe me, your kids can DO IT.
Now, we all know that you can learn how to PLAY poker, but it’s hard to actually become really GOOD at poker. I’m still trying to figure that one out. I was lucky as a child but I bomb every single time I go to the casino as an adult.
So, don’t get mad at them when they bet the house on a pair of 3s.
How To Play Spades
The point of the game is to take the least number of tricks that were bid before playing. What does this mean? This is probably the hardest game to learn if I am being honest with you. I used to play spades almost every day while in college with friends.
This is a game that is best learned LIVE and in PERSON. It is easy to play once you see it in action. Try to watch this video and see what you think. But… try to learn this one from a friend.
Ready For A Card Night With The Family
Out of all of these easy card game, which did you like best? Would love to hear! Looking for more things to do? I have you covered!
- Top Ten Board Games For 3 Year Olds To Hold Their Attention
- 10 Math Board Games To Play With The Kids To Help With Mental Math
- 10 Games To Play With Friends When Bored And Losing Your Mind
- Challenge Games: How Well Do You Know Your Family?
- Dozens Of Apps To Play With Friends
- The Best Card Games For Teens – Round-Up For Family Game Night