Card games can sometimes get confusing. If you're unsure of the rules, even a strong hand isn't going to help you win. So, while on your journey of mastering card games, you can start off with some relatively easy ones that won't confuse you with complex rules and mechanics. Once you master these, you can move onto more complex ones.
Of course, there are many genres of card games, including RPGs, trick-taking, and TCGs, but we'll keep things simple by starting off with some party games, simple deck building games, and some with a few complex rules. You'll be able to master these pretty easily, preparing you for more complex card games.
Exploding Kittens
That's a fuzzy little explosion
It's not very hard to play Exploding Kittens, all you have to do is not pick up the Exploding Kitten card until everyone else has gone boom. However, you can't control which card you'll pick up, so better be prepared with counters and defusal options, should you pick up that angry little kitty.
- Cute art.
- Each card will make you laugh.
- High stakes gameplay with cuddly kitties.
Playing Exploding Kittens is not only easy, but you'll have a laugh while doing so. There are two main factors that will determine your victory - luck, which you can't control, and having the right card to defuse the situation should you have the bad luck of drawing one of the Exploiting Kittens. Also, no kittens were harmed in the making of this game.
UNO
Just make sure you know which version of the rules you're playing.
There are only so many things you can do on any given turn in Uno. You either place a card, or draw one if you don't have one to place. Of course, you can condemn others by making them draw four cards, but nothing quite beats the moment when a Draw 4 is met with another Draw 4 to absolutely ruin someone's day.
- Extremely simple rules which almost everyone knows.
- Can absolutely ruin someone's day.
- You haven't won until you've won.
One of the biggest issues with Uno is agreeing upon whether a Draw 4 can be placed on a Draw 4 to save yourself. If you can figure that part out before you start, the rest of the game will go pretty smoothly, and without much thought being put into it. Just remember to yell "Uno" when you're on your last card.
Cards Against Humanity
Something something dead babies.
There's no real tact or strategy required in Cards Against Humanity; if you think your card is the funniest in accordance to the one on the table, simply put it down and hope that the judge for that round thinks so too. If the base pack is too tame for you, there's also an NSFW version.
- Great for a night with drinks.
- Will keep you laughing.
- You can leave your moral compass at home.
Card Against Humanity is one of the most popular card games in the world for two major reasons. One, it gives you the license to make dark jokes, and secondly, it's very easy to play. As long as you have a decent sense of humour, and aren't too PC during the game, you have a good chance at winning.
Sushi Go!
Perfect for sushi nights
Deck building may sound like an advanced card game mechanic, but Sushi Go! does a good job in simplifying it. By simply following the instructions on the cards, and enjoying the adorably yummy sushi art, you'll figure out how to pair cards to make your deck stronger over all. Just don't get too distracted by the sushi.
- Adorable art.
- Great intro to deck building.
- Features an expansion for more players.
Sushi Go! not only features cute looking pieces of sushi, but also a great strategic gameplay loop. You need to build up your sushi army by making sure you have the most compatible deck in terms of points. Some cards will react with others to form multipliers that will get you more points.
Monopoly Deal Card Game
Get rid of the board.
Monopoly Deal is only difficult if you've never played Monopoly, and that's unlikely if you like tabletop games. The basic principle of the game remains the same, but the card-based medium changes up the gameplay drastically. Still, if you remember the rules and tricks of the original game, you'll pick this one up in no time.
- Classic gameplay formula in a different medium.
- Games finish in under 15 minutes.
- Can be played almost anywhere.
Monopoly Deal is for when you want to play Monopoly, but don't have the time or space for the board. It has brilliantly adapted the classic gameplay formula into a card-based medium. If you know the basics of the original game, it shouldn't take you too long learn how to play this version.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Gather all forces.
Ever dreamt of having a unicorn army? Well, Unstable Unicorns can finally fulfill those dreams. Another take on deck building, it tasks you with assembling the best hand, with certain cards acting as multipliers and modifiers for your overall score. Just because a particular unicorn is worth a lot of points, it doesn't mean it's good for your deck.
- You can assemble an army of unicorns.
- Cute art.
- Wide variety of unicorns keeps things interesting.
Even if you didn't want to build an army of unicorns, one look at the cards, and you'll want to recruit them all to your cause, whatever it may be. Unstable Unicorns is another take on deck building, and doesn't require too much thought or strategy.
FAQ
Are card games good for older adults?
Card games are a great way to spend time with your friends. They also help in stimulating mental health.
What is the recommended age for adult card games?
The ideal age for an adult card game is 16 years. However, parents should play the game themselves and take a call.
What is the most complex card game?
Magic: The Gathering, due to its regular new releases and evolving ruleset, is considered to be one of the most complex card games.