When the TV just isn't entertaining enough and a couple wants to do something fun, but inexpensive, playing cards is a great way to bond, spend time and enjoy being in the company of each other. The following games are excellent for small groups or as little as two people.
3-13 (Three Thirteen)
This version of rummy is for two or more players, for every two players that are added, shuffle in an additional deck. In each of the 11 hands there are a different amount of cards dealt and different wild cards (coinciding with the number of cards dealt).The object of the game is to form sets (or groups) and runs (or sequences) and lay them on the table. Cards left in a player's hand after the end of the hand score against him according to the full rules of 3-13.
Crazy Eights (8's) sometimes called Crates, Switch, Swedish Rummy, Last One or Rockaway.
Crazy Eights is a fun game, suitable for all ages that has each player trying to follow the previously played card either by suit or by number. 8s are wild and can change the play to any suit of the player's choosing. Cards are dealt out and a draw pile is left in the middle. The first person tries to match a card that is lying face up in the middle with one of the cards he has in his hand. If he is not able to he must pick up cards. The object of the game is for the player to use all the cards in her hand. Any cards left in the players' hands at the end of the game are scored against them according to the full rules of Crazy Eights.
Twenty Five also known as Fifty Five, One Hundred, and Ten
This is a very popular game in Ireland and is played in pubs and homes all over the country. The scoring is a bit different at first, but it is very easy to get used to. In it's simplest form, Twenty Five, is very similar to card games called Maw and Spoiled Five. The variations of Fifty Five, One Hundred and Ten are bidding variations, but play is almost identical according to the full rules of Twenty Five.
Five Hundred (500) Rummy
This version of rummy is ideal for 2-4 players and has many variations. Mostly following rummy rules, each player tries to form sets or runs from the cards in his hand. Pulling from the middle pile and discarding into the discard pile, the cards are revolved around until someone has combined their cards well enough to form playable melds and to "go out". Cards that are played on the table are scored according to the full rules of 500 Rummy.
Honeymoon Bridge
This is a version of bridge similar to Contract Bridge for two players. The suits and cards rank the same as they do in Bridge. The first 13 tricks are played at no trump and these tricks are simply discarded. However at the end of each trick a card is picked up by each player so that at the end of the first 13, there are 13 cards in each of the players hands that are to be used in the second half of the game. If a player's memory is good, this is where he will shine. Bids are made based on what each person thinks they and their opponent have in their hands. Scoring is according to the full rules of Honeymoon Bridge.
Card games are fun for families and parties too. Learn about other Card Games to Play for Three (3) People.
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