15 Easy Card Games for Kids & Adults (Nonstop Game Night Fun)
Ever feel like your family time is stuck in a rut? Trust me, I’ve been there. But here’s a game-changer: card games. They’re not just for poker nights or grandma’s bridge club.
Card games are the perfect way to bring everyone together, from your hyperactive toddler to your too-cool-for-school teenager.
And the best part?
They’re easy to learn and fun to play – when you know what you’re doing, that is.
With this pile of 15 quick, easy-to-learn card games for adults and kids that, all you need to become the family fun night hero is right here:
15 Fun and Easy Card Games for Kids and Adults (Time to Shake Up Game Night)
1. Go Fish
Overview: Ah, the classic Go Fish. If you haven’t played this, did you even have a childhood? Players ask each other for cards to make pairs.
Why It’s Great: Simple rules, teaches memory and matching skills. Plus, it’s a great way to keep the kids quiet for a bit.
How to Play: Deal five cards to each player. Players take turns asking each other for specific cards to make pairs. If the asked player has the card, they must hand it over. If not, they say, “Go Fish,” and the asking player draws from the deck.
Are you ready to master the savage strategies of War for all-out card chaos!
2. Crazy Eights
Overview: Players try to get rid of all their cards by matching the suit or rank of the top card. Think of it as UNO’s less flashy cousin.
Why It’s Great: Easy to learn, similar to UNO, and perfect for a quick game night fix.
How to Play: Deal five cards to each player. Players take turns playing a card that matches the suit or rank of the top card on the discard pile. Eights are wild and can be played at any time.
March into the madness and master Crazy Eights with this detailed guide.
Use your eights strategically to change the suit when you’re in a tight spot.
3. Slapjack
Overview: Fast-paced game where players slap the pile when a Jack is played. Warning: may cause minor hand injuries.
Why It’s Great: High energy, quick rounds, and a great way to release some pent-up aggression.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly among players. Players take turns flipping cards into a central pile. When a Jack appears, the first player to slap the pile wins all the cards.
Feeling slap happy? Prove it. Uncover the slap-tastic secrets and details to playing Slapjack.
Keep your hands close to the pile to react quickly when a Jack shows up.
4. Spoons
Overview: Players pass cards around, trying to collect four of a kind and grab a spoon. Think musical chairs with cards and wit much more chaos.
Why It’s Great: Fun and frantic, great for groups, and perfect for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition.
How to Play: Deal four cards to each player. Place spoons (one less than the number of players) in the center. Players pass cards to the left, trying to collect four of a kind. When a player gets four of a kind, they grab a spoon, and everyone else try tot grab one too. The player left without a spoon is out.
In the world of Spoons, it’s snatch or be snubbed. Get all the deets on tips & tricks for how to play Spoons.
The Compliment Rule: Throw in a rule where every time someone wins a hand, they have to give a compliment to another player. It turns competition into appreciation, making everyone feel like a winner. Watch as the mood lightens and everyone starts rooting for each other—game changer, anyone?
5. I Doubt It (Cheat)
Overview: Bluffing game where players discard cards face down and announce their rank. Perfect for those who enjoy a bit of deception.
Why It’s Great: Encourages strategic thinking and bluffing. Plus, it’s a great way to catch your family in a lie.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly among players. Players take turns placing cards face down and announcing their rank. Other players can challenge the honesty of the play by saying, “I doubt it.” If the player was lying, they take the pile; if not, the challenger takes the pile.
If you want all the juicy details of how to play, check out this guide on “I Doubt It”.
Watch for patterns in your opponents’ plays to catch them in a lie…if you can.
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| What’s Up | Cool Stuff | Not So Cool Stuff | Just a Heads Up | Who’s Gonna Love It? |
| Go Fish 2-6 players, a simple quest for pairs | Simple rules, boosts memory and matching skills. Great for some quiet time with the kids. | Can get a bit repetitive, especially for adults. | Someone might dominate the game if they’re really good at remembering cards. | Kids 4+, families, anyone who loves a chill game night. |
| Crazy Eights 2-7 players, shedding cards to empty your hand | Quick to learn, feels like UNO but simpler. Great for fast games. | Might lack depth for more strategic card game fans. | Arguments over the wild eights can get intense! | Fans of UNO, quick thinkers, ages 5+ who like fast-paced games. |
| Slapjack 2-8 players, slap fast when you see a Jack! | Energetic, quick rounds, great for blowing off steam. | Might lead to minor hand injuries or bruised egos. | It’s all fun and games until someone slaps too hard. | Competitive spirits, anyone with quick reflexes, kids and teens who love a bit of chaos. |
| Spoons 3-13 players, card chaos and spoon-snatching | Super fun, fantastic for larger groups, engages quick thinking and strategy. | The competition for spoons can get fierce, leading to spills or upset players. | Make sure there’s enough room; things can get wild with spoons flying. | Social butterflies, lovers of fast and furious games, anyone who enjoys physical and mental challenges. |
| I Doubt It (Cheat) 3-6 players, a game of deceit | Promotes strategic thinking and poker faces. Great for a hearty laugh at caught bluffs. | Tension might rise with the accusations—keep it friendly! | Accusations might get personal, remember it’s just a game! | Bluff masters, strategic thinkers, families who enjoy a bit of scheming together. |
6. War
Overview: Simple game where players flip cards and the higher card wins. It’s basically a game of luck, but hey, it’s easy.
Why It’s Great: Very easy to learn, good for younger kids, and a great way to kill time.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly among players. Players simultaneously flip the top card of their deck. The player with the higher card wins both cards. In case of a tie, a “war” is declared, and players place three cards face down and one face up. The higher face-up card wins all the cards.
Ready to wage a friendly game of War? March over to our full article and arm yourself with all the juicy details!
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
7. Old Maid
Overview: Players try to form pairs and avoid being left with the Old Maid card.
Why It’s Great: Simple and fun, teaches matching skills, and is perfect for a quick game on the go.
How to Play: Remove one Queen from the deck. Deal all cards evenly among players. Players take turns drawing a card from the player to their left, trying to form pairs. The game continues until all pairs are made, and the player left with the unpaired Queen (Old Maid) loses.
Wildcard Wonders: Introduce a wildcard round where normal rules are turned upside down—like singing your requests in Go Fish or acting out what you need in Charades-style. It’s a fantastic way to keep everyone on their toes and inject a dose of silliness into the game.
8. Memory (Concentration)
Overview: Players take turns flipping cards to find matching pairs. It’s like a mental workout, but fun.
Why It’s Great: Enhances memory and concentration, and is great for all ages.
How to Play: Lay all cards face down in a grid. Players take turns flipping two cards. If they match, the player keeps the pair and takes another turn. If not, the cards are flipped back over. The game continues until all pairs are found.
Pay close attention to the cards your opponents flip to improve your chances of finding matches.
9. Snap
Overview: Players flip cards and shout “Snap!” when two cards of the same rank appear. It’s a game of quick reflexes and loud voices.
Why It’s Great: Fast-paced and exciting, perfect for those who love a bit of chaos.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly among players. Players take turns flipping cards into a central pile. When two consecutive cards of the same rank appear, the first player to shout “Snap!” wins the pile.
In Snap, it’s shout or be sorry! Dive into my full guide for all the juicy details on mastering the lightning-fast card game of Snap.
Stay focused and be quick to shout “Snap!” to win the pile.
10. Trash (Garbage)
Overview: Players use a full deck to make melds in a specific order. It’s like organizing your junk drawer, but more fun.
Why It’s Great: Easy to play anywhere, good for strategy, and a great way to pass the time.
How to Play: Deal ten cards face down to each player in two rows of five. Players take turns drawing cards and replacing the face-down cards in their rows in numerical order. The first player to complete their row wins.
Tip: Remember the positions of your face-down cards to replace them efficiently.
Feeling like a rookie in the junkyard? Get the full scoop in my Trash card game article – because knowing the rules is your get-out-of-confusion-free card
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| What’s Up | Cool Stuff | Not So Cool Stuff | Just a Heads Up | Who’s Gonna Love It? |
| War 2+ players, classic battle of higher cards | Super easy to learn, perfect for younger kids or to pass some idle time. | Pure luck, no strategy, which might bore some strategic minds. | Those “war” rounds can drag on a bit, especially with lots of ties. | Kids, beginners to card games, or anyone who wants a simple, no-fuss game. |
| Old Maid 2-8 players, avoid the dreaded Old Maid card! | Fun, easy, and a great little game for developing matching skills. | Getting stuck with the Old Maid can be a bit of a downer! | Watch out for sneaky players hiding that Old Maid card. | Young kids, families, anyone who enjoys a light, quick game with a bit of suspense. |
| Memory (Concentration) 1+ players, flip cards to find pairs | Sharpens your memory and concentration—plus, it’s fun for all ages. | Can be a slow game, depending on your memory skills. | If you don’t focus, you might miss a match right before your eyes. | Kids, adults, and the elderly—basically anyone who enjoys a mental challenge. |
| Snap 2+ players, quick eyes and quicker hands needed | Exciting, fast-paced, and perfect for energetic players. | It can get loud, and the pace might be too intense for some. | Don’t blink—you might miss your chance to shout “Snap!” | Anyone with quick reflexes, kids, and adults who love a bit of competition and noise. |
| Trash (Garbage) 2+ players, sort your cards to win | A mix of luck and strategy, easy to set up and play anywhere. | Can be repetitive and a bit slow at times. | Misplacing a card can mess up your whole game strategy. | Fans of rummy-style games, strategic thinkers, and anyone looking to kill time with a card game. |
11. Kemps
Overview: Players work in pairs to collect four of a kind and signal their partner. Secret agent mission…but with cards.
Why It’s Great: Encourages teamwork and strategy, and is perfect for those who love a bit of intrigue.
How to Play: Deal four cards to each player. Players work in pairs to collect four of a kind and signal their partner without the other team noticing. When a player has four of a kind, their partner must shout “Kemps!” to win.
Develop a subtle signal with your partner to avoid detection by the other team.
12. Rummy
Overview: Players form sets or runs of cards to score points. It’s like a puzzle, but with cards.
Why It’s Great: Combines luck and strategy, suitable for all ages, and a great way to spend an evening.
How to Play: Deal seven cards to each player. Players take turns drawing and discarding cards to form sets (three or four of a kind) or runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). The first player to form all their cards into sets or runs wins.
Keep an eye on the discard pile to pick up useful cards for your sets or runs.
13. Spit (Speed)
Overview: Fast-paced game where players try to get rid of their cards as quickly as possible. It’s like a race, but with cards.
Why It’s Great: High energy, improves reflexes, and is perfect for those who love a bit of competition.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly between two players. Each player places five piles of cards face down in front of them, with the top card of each pile face up. Players simultaneously play cards from their piles onto two central piles, matching the top card by rank or suit. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.
Stay calm and focused to quickly match and play your cards.
14. Egyptian Rat Screw
Overview: Players try to win all the cards by slapping the pile when certain combinations appear. It’s a game of reflexes and strategy.
Why It’s Great: Exciting and fast-paced, perfect for those who love a bit of chaos.
How to Play: Deal all cards evenly among players. Players take turns flipping cards into a central pile. When certain combinations (e.g., two consecutive cards of the same rank) appear, players slap the pile. The first player to slap wins the pile.
Actionable Tip: Keep your hands close to the pile and be ready to slap quickly when a combination appears.
15. Kings in the Corner
Overview: Players try to get rid of all their cards by building on foundation piles. It’s like solitaire, but with friends.
Why It’s Great: Easy to learn, good for strategy, and a great way to spend an evening.
How to Play: Deal seven cards to each player. Place four cards face up in a cross pattern in the center. Players take turns playing cards onto the foundation piles, building in descending order and alternating colors. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.
Plan your moves ahead to avoid getting stuck with unplayable cards.
If you’re viewing this on a mobile device, put your finger on the table below and swipe to the left (or right) to see the full table.
| What’s Up | Cool Stuff | Not So Cool Stuff | Just a Heads Up | Who’s Gonna Love It? |
| Kemps 4+ players, team up for a sneaky card mission | Great for teamwork and strategic minds. Feels like being a secret agent! | Can be tricky if you’re not in sync with your partner. | Be subtle with signals, or you’ll give the game away! | Team players, strategists, and anyone who enjoys a little stealth in their games. |
| Rummy 2-6 players, craft sets and runs to win | A beautiful blend of luck and strategy, engaging for hours. | Can get competitive, which might stress some players. | Keep track of what others are discarding—don’t give away your game plan! | Puzzle lovers, strategic thinkers, and families who love a challenge. |
| Spit (Speed) 2 players, fast and furious card matching | Super fast-paced, great for improving your reflexes. | It’s intense and can be overwhelming for newbies. | Mistakes can happen in the rush—keep a cool head! | Action seekers, quick thinkers, and competitive spirits who thrive under pressure. |
| Egyptian Rat Screw 2+ players, slap the pile to win cards | Incredibly exciting, blends strategy with fast reflexes. | It can get physically intense, with eager slapping involved. | Watch those hands! The game can get a little wild. | Anyone who enjoys energetic play and doesn’t mind a bit of controlled chaos. |
| Kings in the Corner 2-4 players, solitaire turned social | Strategic yet straightforward, perfect for a relaxed game night. | Might not be thrilling enough for those who prefer high-energy games. | Don’t box yourself in; keep options open to stay in the game. | Solitaire lovers, strategic minds, and those looking for a calm yet engaging game. |
Ever had a game night where the only thing organized was the chaos? Same.
This Facebook group is like that one drawer full of random stuff in your kitchen; it’s a bit of everything and somehow EXACTLY what you need. Dive into the treasure trove of laughs, printable games and tips for moms who wish “winging it with style” was a recognized party planning strategy.
Keeping the Peace: Tips for Playing with Mixed Ages
Alright, so you’ve got a bunch of kids and adults ready to play, but how do you keep everyone from losing their minds? Here’s the lowdown on making sure everyone has a blast, from the littlest tyke to the grumpiest grandpa.
1. Adapt the Rules
Simplify for the Youngsters: Let’s face it, a five-year-old isn’t going to grasp the intricacies of Rummy. Cut them some slack and tweak the rules. Maybe they only need to match colors instead of suits. Trust me, nothing kills the fun faster than a frustrated kid.
When my niece was learning Crazy Eights, we let her play with open cards. It made the game more inclusive and less of a meltdown trigger.
2. Praise Efforts, Not Just Wins
Encouragement is Key: Kids (and some adults) need a little boost now and then. Celebrate the small victories. Did they remember to say “Go Fish” instead of “Give me that card”? High five!
When I played Go Fish with my nephew and made a big deal every time he asked for a card correctly. He was beaming, and it kept him engaged.
Time-Shifted Teams: Pair up the young with the young-at-heart. Teams where a little one pairs with an adult can lead to some unexpectedly brilliant strategies (or hilarious miscommunications). Bonus: It’s a sneaky way to bridge generations without anyone catching on that you’re actually fostering family bonding.
3. Focus on Fun, Not Just Winning
It’s About the Journey: Sure, winning is great, but the real goal is to have fun together. Make sure everyone’s laughing, not just the winner. If someone’s getting too competitive, remind them it’s just a game.
During a particularly heated game of Spoons, I had to remind my family that breaking the dining table wasn’t worth it. We all had a good laugh and dialed it back a notch.
Game On: Ready, Set, Play!
So, you’ve got your deck of cards, your motley crew of players, and a list of games that’ll keep everyone entertained. What’s next? It’s time to dive in and start playing. Here’s why you should make card games a regular part of your family time.
1. Unplug and Connect
Ditch the Screens: We’re all guilty of too much screen time. Card games are a great way to unplug and actually talk to each other. You might even learn something new about your family members.
2. Build Skills While Having Fun
Learning Disguised as Play: Card games teach everything from math skills to strategic thinking. Your kids will be learning without even realizing it. And let’s be honest, adults can always use a little brain exercise too.
3. Create Lasting Memories
Make It a Tradition: Regular game nights can become a cherished family tradition. Years from now, your kids will remember these moments. And who knows, they might even pass the tradition on to their own kids.
Your Turn
Ever had a game night that accidentally turned into a laugh-out-loud comedy show? What happened? Let me know in the comments below