Are you looking for new card games to play that will make your online gaming experience more amusing? If so, let’s take a trip around the world on a journey to discover some of the most entertaining and timeless card games from countries near and far.
From Italy’s eclectic Scopa to Japan’s exploding Hanafuda cards, there are plenty of other amazing strategies and combinations to explore in these popular international titles. If you’re ready, prepare your PC or mobile device, get comfortable, turn the kettle on, and let’s dive into this list of top card games from all over the world!
Top Card Game Favorites from Different Countries
Uniquely experience various cultures by playing these fun and engaging card games from different parts of the world:
Teen Patti
A game from India that resembles the popular UK game Three Card Brag or three-card poker, Teen Patti is a high-risk and simplified version of poker. This viral sensation combines skill and luck, where players bet based on their hand strength or bluffing ability.
Even though it originated in India, it’s commonly enjoyed throughout South Asia today. It can also be played by three or more players, and every player should have the best hand (or bluff it) to maximize the pot before the showdown.
Every Teen Patti game begins with players contributing a set amount to the central pot, then all players are dealt three cards face down. Afterwards, players take turns to pack, call, or raise until showdown. The winner will be determined based on specific rankings, such as Set, Pure Sequence, Sequence, Color, Pair, or High Card.
Bhabi
Hailing from Pakistan is Bhabi, which is a well-known family game and can be enjoyed by players of all ages and skills. The best part? The game doesn’t have set limits or caps as to how many players can join, so the more the merrier!
Bhabi features to anticipate:
- The recommended number of players is four to five but can be played by two to 13 players
- Finish or eliminate your cards before the others
- Fun punishments or dares are attached to losing
- The person who dealt with the Ace of Spades leads the game
- Players should follow suit
- The person with the highest card value can play a card of their liking in the next round
The fun in Bhabi begins when a player can’t play the suit because they’ll have to throw their cards and the person with the highest card value will collect all cards played so far.
Spades
A crowd favorite in the 1930s when it was first invented is Spades. It offers interesting trick-taking rules that are easy to memorize and understand. It’s one of the top reasons why players love playing online Spades since you can challenge anyone on the internet, and you can expect them to know how it’s played!
Even though Spades is known for its simple game mechanics, that doesn’t mean you won’t experience a bit of challenge. The game is best for four players in partnerships, and the game begins with the dealing of the cards. After that, the bidding phase is when all players will bid on how many tricks they think they can take.
Once the contract is set, the trick-taking begins! Players must follow the suit of the leading card if possible. If not, they can play other cards. The player who played the highest value of the leading card takes the trick. If a trump card (Spades) was played, then the highest value of the trump card wins.
Casino
A card game that was first played in England in the 1700s is Casino, which later became a popular pastime in Vienna and Prague. During the second half of the 19th century, its popularity in England began to wither. It was also at this time that it began to catch on in the United States and numerous variations were invented.
Casino is usually played by two players, but up to four players can join. Each player is dealt four cards, and another four cards are set on the table face-up. Here, players will try to catch the cards on the table either through matching or combining two or more table cards to have the same value as the player’s hand.
Cards can also be built by picking up a card from the table and adding it to their hand while announcing their building. Building has to be picked up on their next turn, as long as the opponent doesn’t pick it up first. Players also can’t build if the capturing card is in their hand.
Cuarenta
A card game from Ecuador that means 40 in English is Cuarenta. It’s also considered the country’s national card game, so it’s played by everyone. Although it’s mostly enjoyed as an exclusive pastime in Ecuador, Cuarenta tournaments and events are held everywhere, such as during the Fiestas de Quito celebrations.
Some basics of Cuarenta you need to remember:
- The goal is to reach 40 points
- Usually played by four players in partnerships
- Uses a standard 52-card deck with the jokers, 8s, 9s, and 10s removed
- Each player receives five cards and the game starts with the player on the dealer’s right
- Cards are played one at a time
- Capture cards in several ways to earn points
Score points by playing a card with the same number as the previous one to score two points or a “caida.” You can also play a card that’s equal to the value of the cards already on the table. There are more ways to capture cards, so it’s all about being strategic and keeping track of the cards played.
Shithead
Shithead is believed to have originated in Scandinavia since it has many similarities to Vändtia, which is another Scandinavian card game. However, it’s commonly played by British students and backpackers. It’s also known by many other names such as Palace, Karma, or Ten-Two Slide.
The goal in Shithead is to get rid of all your cards, and the player that still has cards left is called the “Shithead,” who will have to deal with the next round or do some kind of a dare. It can be played by any number of players, and two decks can be used if many people will join.
Each player is dealt with nine cards total, three face-down, three face-up on the table, and the last three on the player’s hand. Anyone who has a three will be the first to lay down their card, if no one has a three, then four or five can be used.
War
Finally, War or Battle, which was devised in North America or the UK is a game that’s perfect for children. It’s an easy and quick game, so it can be played to pass the time or as a diversion. It’s a two-player card game suitable for kids since the rules and mechanics are simple.
Features to remember about War:
- Cards are dealt equally to both players
- Players must turn over their cards at the same time
- Whoever has the highest card value will take the other card
- If players get cards with the same value, War begins
- Players lay out three cards face down and one card face up
- The player with the highest face-up card will take all cards
- The game continues until one player has all the cards
War is an easy-to-learn, fast-paced game that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike. It can also be played by three players with the same game rules and mechanics.
Discover Card Games from Various Cultures
Card games have been around for centuries, and different cultures have developed their own variations of popular card games. The ones on our list bring unique qualities that make them fun and engaging in their own way. What are you waiting for? Download or access them today since they’re conveniently available online, allowing you to experience them even without visiting the country of their origins!
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