Are you at your wit’s end trying to keep the kids entertained? Are streaming services, video games, and other forms of online entertainment slowly losing their charm? If that’s the case, it might be time to take out your old deck of cards and encourage creative problem-solving or deep learning with classic card games!
Not only are card games easy to play and learn, but many also come with unique strategies and tactics that will engage children in mindful entertainment like never before! Without further ado, let’s get into our top 5 kid-friendly classic card games! Trust us – this is one activity that everyone will enjoy!
Classic Card Games That Every Kid Will Enjoy
In times when your kids can’t go outside to play or are bored with their usual video games, who knew that card games are here to save the day? If you’re looking for exciting classic card games to add to your arsenal of fun, check out the list below:
Go Fish!
Go Fish! is an iconic card game that can be played using a standard deck of cards. Two or more players can join the fun so the whole family can play! Children aged seven years old can easily understand the rules, so it’s genuinely something every kid will enjoy.
How to Play Go Fish!:
● Two to three players receive seven cards each. Over three players will receive five cards each.
● The remaining cards are placed in the middle and called the “fish pond.”
● Players will arrange their cards into groups by number or by suit.
● The player to the dealer’s left begins by asking another player for a card that matches their hand.
● The player isn’t allowed to say no and must give the card the player is asking for. If they don’t have it, they will tell the “requester” to “go fish.”
● “Go fish” means the requester must take a card from the fishpond.
● Players with four cards of the same number or suit should place the cards down.
● The player with no single cards left or has the most sets and doesn’t have cards left wins the game.
Go Fish is also downloadable on smartphones and other mobile devices, perfect for those who want to play on the go! An example is Go Fish! – The Card Game which allows you to play online or offline. It uses a special deck of Go Fish! Cards too!
Hearts
If you’re searching for a timeless classic card game ideal for kids, Hearts is one you should take advantage of. It’s an excellent introduction for kids who enjoy playing card games with others, as it involves skill and strategy! It’s also great for teaching children how to count points – perfect for those who want to do well in math.
Basics of this iconic card game:
● Played by three to seven players
● Uses a standard deck of cards
● Players must avoid taking ♥ cards and the Queen of ♤ since they’re worth 1 and 13 points.
● The objective is to have the fewest points among other players.
Due to its popularity, it doesn’t need a how-to-play guide! Plus, you can now find different variations of this game on your PC for free through browser-based platforms. You can find free downloadable apps for mobile devices as well!
Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is a popular game for kids ages five and above. Unfortunately, it’s only ideal for two to four players and uses a 52-card deck. Nevertheless, it still poses fun and delights to all players and bystanders! The goal here is to be the first one to discard all the cards in their hand.
How Crazy Eights is played:
● Two-player rounds are dealt seven cards each. Meanwhile, three to four players are dealt only five cards each.
● The remaining cards are placed in the middle as the draw pile, with a face-up card as the discard pile beside it.
● The first player must discard a card from their hand that matches the suit or number of the card in the discard pile.
● Other players follow suit, and eights are considered a wild card.
● The first player to use all their cards wins.
An incredibly amusing game that many kids will enjoy, Crazy Eights can now be downloaded on mobile devices for free. If you want to practice your skills or teach your children the game basics, you may download Crazy Eights Card Game for free!
Old Maid
An old card game invented in the Victorian ages as a drinking game, Old Maid is undoubtedly one for the books! It can be played using a standard card deck with one Queen removed. There are also colorful card games designed for the game. Regardless of the cards used, the rules remain the same.
How to play Old Maid:
● Players are dealt cards face-down. Some players may have more cards than others, which is okay.
● Players arrange their cards and match pairs of the same number or suit, which are then laid face up on the table.
● If players have three matching cards, they must only put one down. If there are four, they place two pairs down.
● The player to the dealer’s left begins by offering their cards to the player on their left, who will select a random card from their hand.
● If the card matches their card, they put the pair down. If not, they offer it to the next player on their left.
● The game continues until there’s no card left except for the Old Maid. The player who has it loses the game.
Old Maid – Fun Card Game is also available as an app. Luckily for you, it’s downloadable for free! Play the game on your mobile device, or teach your children the basics of this classic card game with real cards.
Snap
Your kids must be quick and have fast reflexes to play Snap! It’s a card game where players must reach quickly once they see two cards with the same number or suit. It’s perfect for kids who want to challenge themselves and have fun simultaneously!
How Snap is played:
● The dealer must deal all cards to the players until no cards are left.
● Cards must be facing down, and players aren’t allowed to look at their cards.
● The Player to the dealer’s left begins by placing their top card face-up beside their stacks, and the next players follow.
● The first player to notice two cards of the same number should shout, “Snap!”
● The player who shouted “snap” first gets the pile of cards, and the play continues until all players have no cards left.
● The player who collected all the cards is the winner.
Snap is a great way to help children develop their perception and encourage social interaction. Snap-Card Matching Game is an example of an app that allows you to play with your friends or solo!
Challenge Your Kids with a Game of Cards
Card games aren’t only for adults. It’s also for kids who want to try something new. It’s great for teaching children the basics of mathematics, problem-solving, and social interaction.
With that said, why not try to Go Fish, Hearts, Crazy Eights, Old Maid, or Snap? With some luck and quick thinking, your kids will have an enjoyable time playing these classic card games!
Featured photo by RDNE Stock project on Pexels.
