Top 3 Card Games to Play as a Family

Top 3 Card Games to Play as a Family

It's game time!

Playing cards was such an integral part of childhood for so many of us. So, is it time to pass down the torch to your family? Whether you're going camping, waiting for food at a restaurant, or having a family night at home, grab a card deck for a fool-proof way to keep everyone entertained.

Here's our list of the best family-friendly games to play with a standard deck of cards. We've included some of the 'classics' but also threw in a wild-card game to shake things up.

Let us know in the comments your favorite card game and you'll be entered into a drawing for free stuff! 

3 Kid-Friendly Games We Love

From sweet Go Fish to stressful High-Stakes Poker, card games have entertained people for centuries. Check out these fun family card games for inspiration for your next game night or game day.

You can play all of these games with standard 52-card decks.

1. Slapjack

Naturally, we had to kick things off with a beloved classic like Slapjack. This game is a staple of veteran card nights. If you have younger kids and want to introduce them to playing cards, Slapjack is a fun, competitive introduction.

Quick Overview: Deal all of the cards out equally face-down to every player. The player on the dealer's left starts the game by flipping the card on top of their deck and putting it in the center of the game table. When a Jack is played, all players must try to "slap" the Jack card to win the entire pile. Whoever slaps Jack first takes the pile. Players are out when they run out of cards.

How to Win: Play until you win. The game continues until one player has acquired all 52 cards.

2. Blackjack

Yes, this classic casino game can be just as fun in your living room. Of course, Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in the world, but you can make it more kid-friendly by betting with candy in place of traditional chips.

Quick Overview: Blackjack is played with at least two people with multiple decks of 52 cards without jokers. One person has to be the dealer. The goal is to get as close to 21 as possible by deciding when to "stand" (don't take another card) or "hit" (ask for another card) to get closer to 21.

How to Win: Each player attempts to beat the dealer by reaching the number 21 or getting as close as possible without exceeding 21.

3. Psychological Jujitsu

This game is great for older kids and teens. Younger kids can play, too, but they may need a little assistance. Psychological Jujitsu isn't based on luck but on psychology and figuring out what your opponent is thinking.

Quick Overview: You can play Psychological Jujitsu with 2 or 3 players. Remove a single suit from the deck, shuffle, and place the deck face-down on the table. This suit is the "prize" suit.

Players get a set of cards from Ace to King. These cards represent numbers 1-13. For example, Ace is one, two is two, and King is 13.

The top card from the pile with the extra suit is auctioned off to players at the beginning of every round. Players secretly select a card from their hand and simultaneously expose their card (hoping they choose the higher card than their opponent). These cards are "bids" for the extra suit. The highest-ranking bid wins the card and its numerical value (points).

How to Win: You play for 13 rounds. The player with the most points wins. Each hand has 91 potential points.

Make Family Card Night Even Better

Playing cards as a family is about making special memories that your kids will remember forever. Pick up some fun snacks like popcorn, pretzels, or candy, and you're set for the perfect game!

Family-friendly card games are one of the easiest ways to spend quality time together. There are countless age-appropriate games to play with a standard card deck. We love the classics like Old Maid and Crazy Eights just as much as we enjoy the more obscure games you might play. 

What's your favorite card game to play as a family? Let us know in the comments and maybe you'll be selected to win some free playing cards!

 Browse the WONDERCRAFT playing card collection for tons of great cards to use in your next family card game night!