Photo by Hello Turkey Toe
Sometimes serving others is lounging about, playing cards with friends.
Or perhaps it’s not lounging at all. Perhaps this is edge of your seat – even out of your seat – competition. Either way, a deck of cards and a group of friends can go a long way. Think of it as a bonding experience.
Of course, some people don’t like card games. My dad, for example, hates most of them. My mom on the other hand (pun slightly intended) loves them all. Take this for what it’s worth.
These are eight of my favorite easy-to-teach-and-learn card games (plus a bonus game). I play each of them at least once a month.
Each is played with a standard deck (or two) of playing cards. Some also require a pad of paper and pen for keeping score, and the game of Spoons literally requires spoons. Otherwise, you don’t need anything else to play these games – just willing hearts and competitive spirits. 
1. Kemps
[For 4 or more players but must have 2 players per team] A game with partners and secret codes, what’s not to like? Click here for Kemps instructions.
2. Four-of-a-kind Go Fish
[For 2 or more players] Almost everyone’s played the classic version of Go Fish. Four-of-a-kind just ups the challenge for our post-modern generation. Click here for classic Go Fish instructions.
To switch to four-of-a-kind Go Fish, you match groups of four-of-a-kind instead of pairs before you can lay them down. Also, if someone asks for Queens for example, you have to give up all your Queens, not just one. The rest of the game is played like the classic version.
3. Sevens
[For 3 or more players] Subtle strategy and the randomness of the cards determine the victor here. It’s like competitive Solitaire… but fun. Click here for Sevens instructions.
4. 9-Hole Golf
[For 2 or more players] Calm and requires concentration, don’t try to talk or you’ll forget your cards. Also, don’t let the word “Golf” throw you – you’ll enjoy this game. Click here for 9 Hole Golf instructions.
5. Spoons
[For 3 or more players] Competitive, physical, and sometimes deadly, Spoons is best for large groups hungry for a challenge. Click here for Spoons instructions.
I created a version of Team Spoons that’s great for larger groups, say 20 people or more. You might like to try it once you get the hang of regular Spoons. Click here for added Team Spoons instructions.
4. Trash (a.k.a. Trashcan)
[For 2 or more players] Absolutely no skill involved, this is my kind of game (with the name to fit). Click here for Trash instructions.
7. Speed
[For 2 to 6 (or more) players] As you probably guessed, this isn’t a slow game – but it’s easy to catch on. And you can play a whole round in a minute or so. Click here for Speed instructions.
The instructions say to play with two players, and it’s probably best to learn that way. But… I’ve played with as many as six players. Just add more decks and piles as needed.
8. Up and Down the River (a.k.a. Oh H***!)
[2 or more players] Probably the most difficult to learn, but don’t worry because these are all easy games. I taught my cousins while on vacation last year, and they still thank me for it. It might be my favorite “real” game of the bunch. Click here for Up and Down the River instructions.
Bonus: Slapjack
[2 or more players] Fast paced and exciting, painful and painfully simple, this is my favorite “fake” card game so I had to include it. Click here for Slapjack instructions.
For added pleasure, agree to slap Jacks and Sevens. It allows more slapping and stretches out the game. By the way, I’m pretty much a world-class Slapjack player. Anytime you want to give it a go, look me up, and we’ll get our slap on.
*****
Note: I actually play some of these games slightly differently than the instructions say. That’s because usually these games spread friend to friend without official rules anywhere. The instructions I’ve linked to, though, are the closest (and easiest to understand) that I could find.
I wish I could reach through this screen and play a game or two with you to show you how easy they are to learn. I hope you’ll stick with some of these instructions because I think you’ll enjoy the games once you catch on.
The hardest part is teaching the first person. After that, it’s all over.
Serving Suggestions:
(1) Learn some of these and try them with your friends. I don’t suggest learning them all at once. Instead, bookmark this page – take each game one at a time so you’re not overwhelmed. Savor them.
(2) What card games do you play? I’d love to here your suggestions in the comments.
Twitter Updates
Monopoly Deal. It’s the best game.
Bananagrams is also good (although it’s not a card game), but I wouldn’t suggest playing it if one person is recovering from anything, like surgery. It’s not exactly fair that way, not that I would know from experience, I’m an excellent speller
Sweet – I’ve never played either of these games, Sarah. Monopoly Deal sounds like something fun… I’m not sure about Bananagrams. I’m not much of a speller, and usually I like games where I can at least compete a little.
I’ll check them out though. Thank you for the suggestions.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
I’d invite you over for a game or two since my family will be getting together again soon and it’s now become “the game” to play. But you live a little far away to make the trip for “just” a game of cards. Seriously buy it. Your life will never be the same.
Wow, that’s quite the recommendation. I will buy it and let you know how I enjoy it.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Whist! Such a sweet game, and so Jane Austen. (Also very competitive if you play right.)
That’s one I should totally know how to play… but don’t. Thanks for the reminder. I’m going to learn it this week.
-Marshall Jones Jr
So I looked it up, and it seems like Whist is an even more simplified version of Spades than Hearts. Like in order of complexity it would go from least to greatest: Whist -> Hearts -> Spades.
I’m also a big fan of Rook, which usually requires a special deck (though you can actually pull it off with a normal deck if you know what you’re doing). Rook is also like Spades… and Bridge for that matter.
Thanks for the tip.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
I played it. Only for a few minutes, but I did play it. Thanks for the suggestions again. This one’s probably going to catch on with many of my friends… lots of fun and easy to learn. A great way to introduce trick taking games.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Yeah, my friend Cowboy Andrew taught me. He said the best way to reel people in is to go easy the first round, let them take a lot of tricks, and they’ll be hooked. It’s true.
Nice suggestion. Ah, the power of persuasion strategy. So how long does the “letting ‘em win” go on before you begin to let ‘em have it?
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Best. Article. Yet.
I love games. Thank you.
You’re welcome. Thank you. I’ll have to followup with some more game/entertainment type posts.
Let me know which you like best if you learn some them.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Well I think we’re going to play some card games in the local ice cream place (I know, ice cream in February? yes, I am crazy) while our house is being looked at by a potential buyer. Prayers all around! I’ll let you know which on we liked best.
First off, ice cream is simply outstanding anytime of year (or day or night, etc.).
Enjoy the games. I’ve played some over the past couple days too. It’s lots of fun – I’ve really enjoyed it. I especially like learning new games and starting in on the different strategies.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Never been much on playing cards. I actually wasn’t into games until I went to Germany. Germans love to play games. My favorite is Carcassonne and Thurn und Taxis.
I love when games can be about fellowship. I can get a bit over competitive so when I know that I am going to be sitting in front of 5 other people playing a game that will probably take at least an hour I just want to fellowship and not so much compete.
Yes, admittedly I’m way too competitive… so I can understand that. Also, cards aren’t for everyone. They seem to be a love/hate type thing. People who play cards, PLAY cards!
I also play many other types of games that are more fellowship oriented. I like games especially that help me get to know friends better. ImagineIff and Apples to Apples are good examples.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Apples to Apples is great. We left our copy in Germany the last time we where there to help with the Germans English.
We always play Imagineiff at my wife’s parent’s house. I like the game even though I always lose.
Yes, I know what you mean. It can certainly turn into self-depreciation day when I still haven’t started my second circle on the board when others are worried about close wins.
I think both those games are fun because there’s really no objective way to win – it’s all about knowing people and knowing how they’ll guess.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Yay for Spoons!! It’s like the unofficial homeschooler’s game, haha. Some of our matches have been known to cause serious blood-shed….
An EMT is always a suggested addition to the “Items needed to play” list.
I almost added something about that. Thanks for bringing it up.
About five years ago, my mom dove over a table to snag a spoon from a man during some “Christian” fellowship. It got tense. Since then, she’s had quite the reputation.
Thing is, I grew up with her, so it wasn’t anything new to me.
I tend to gravitate toward the EMT-required games too. I mean, when someone’s favorite game is Slapjack, you know you’re in for some physical card playing.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
Dutch Blitz is a crazy game we rock out. Watch out though, it can get ugly.
So I’ve heard. I should have included that one because it’s one I know how to play. I’m horrible, though, and don’t usually get involved with it.
The first time I tried it, I played with 10 people. I’m told that might have given me a bad experience from the start because of the insanity of it all with that many players. :>)
That said, I know more than a couple friends who love it. Great addition.
-Marshall Jones Jr.