The Best Card Games
We live in a golden age of new card games, so it's an amazing time to discover a whole host of new card-based pastimes. From trivia games to competitive fantasy sports, there's a whole world of possibilities when it comes to card games you and your loved ones will enjoy. But not every game is right for every person, which is why we've compiled this list of our favorite card games. Read on and get ready to draw an incredible hand.
What to Look For
We looked for three big things when deciding which card games should make it onto our list: is the game fun and easy to understand, are the cards well-made and organized, and does it have a learning curve that lets pros and novices alike get in on the fun? All the card games you see here fulfilled at least two of those requirements and sometimes even more. The quirky Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza won our top position with its charming premise and lightning-quick gameplay. We also had to shout out the infamous Cards Against Humanity, which provides hours of raunchy fun even for those who have played it hundreds of times. Keep readings to see which card games will be best for your next party or gathering.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza Card Game
Good card games have a habit of causing chaos, and few do this better than Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. You’re tasked with saying the title words in the right order as corresponding cards are laid down, and forced to pay the price if you slip up. It sounds simple, but the ensuing havoc will make it seem anything up. A loud, laugh-filled time puts this at the top of the pile when it comes to card games.
Pros
- Its deceptively adorable aesthetics can draw in players of all ages and sensibilities.
- The game throws special curveball cards at you that make every play session unique.
Cons
- It can involve yelling, so it’s not ideal for late-night gaming sessions when you need to keep the noise level down.
UNO Travel-Friendly Family Card Game by Mattel Games
Almost everyone knows how to play UNO, and if they don’t, it’s one of the most accessible card games around. The challenge of balancing colors and numbers to be the first in your group to shout “UNO!” has delighted and frustrated players for decades. The handy storage tin makes this pastime easier to transport than ever before. If you need a new way to enjoy one of the classic card games, this is the ideal package.
Pros
- Its popularity makes this a great backup game if none of the party’s other activities seem to be landing.
- The tin is well made and holds the cards in an organized manner.
- It’s a very affordable option for card gamers on a small budget.
Cons
- The recent redesign of some symbols might confuse players who are more familiar with the older cards.
Cards Against Humanity Card Game
No class required
Bad taste and big laughs come together for Cards Against Humanity, one of the staple card games of rowdy nights. Players compete with a set of phrases to see who can give the “best” answers to questions, often with questionable—and hilarious—results. The default set comes with hundreds of phrases, so no two games will be alike. This is one of the best card games for letting your dark side show in a safe, enjoyable way.
Pros
- New expansions are consistently being released, making this one of the most replayable card games.
- Unlike other card games, this one can support up to 20 players, letting even huge crowds get in on the fun.
- The iconic, minimalist box the game comes in is still a great way to keep your cards organized.
Cons
- Those who are easily offended will probably not have a great time playing this, so you should know your audience before you bringing it out.
Timeline Classic Card Game by Zygomatic
History comes alive
If you think educational card games can’t be fun, Timeline might change your mind. Each player continues to place a card with a historical event in a collective timeline until the one who successfully uses their entire hand wins. Even history buffs will be surprised at what they do and don’t know about when important events happened. Intellectuals and those with a casual interest in history will find this one of the most uniquely enjoyable card games.
Pros
- This is a great resource for students who need a fun way to study history.
- It has many expansion packs that are easy to mix in with the standard deck.
- The portable tin is well made and easy to take with you almost anywhere.
Cons
- The game can become predictable when played multiple times with the same group of people.
Sushi Go Party! Card Game by Gamewright
Delicious and delightful
This is one of the great card games for exemplifying the “easy to learn, hard to master” gameplay philosophy. Players strive to make unique “combos” of food items, using poker-style psychological tactics to wind up with the best hand. The cute style will draw people in, but the strategic and surprisingly cutthroat gameplay will keep you playing hands for hours to come. Competitive players in need of a unique twist will be sure to find this among their most replayed card games.
Pros
- The package is very well crafted, with an excellent board and sturdy cards.
- There are a variety of rulesets that can scale the game to desired levels of simplicity or complexity.
Cons
- It might take a couple of games to get a handle on the rules at first.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I get too confused by the rules to play card games?
Almost every game will have online tutorials where passionate players will be able to show you the ropes. There are also lots of guides about which card games are great for novices and which ones are more geared towards expert players.
Are there card games for adults?
Cards Against Humanity is probably the most classic example of the “adults-only” card game, and it has plenty of companions in that space. Many “adult” games earn the title not necessarily due to obscene content but because of the sophistication of their rulesets.
About the Author
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.