Children nowadays are so familiar and engrossed with computer and mobile games that they may not even be aware of cards let alone card games for kids.
So it’s up to parents to introduce them to card games as not only these are perfect group games but also fantastic icebreakers at parties.
The different types of card games and their simple but entertaining nature draw kids towards playing with the deck.
Card games are not only fun but also inculcate important social and educational skills in kids. Introducing card games into kids’ playtime and entertainment can help inculcate these important skills.
Moreover, they are inexpensive, fun, and easy to play with. This list contains card games that are kid-friendly and fun to play.
Easy Card Games for kids
1) Old Maid
This popular game is easy to play. It can be introduced to kids who are beginning to become familiar with card games. Old Maid is also popularly called Pass the Lady.
How many players?
At least three players are required to play this game.
Age
Children of 5 years and older are suited to play Old Maid.
Required card deck
A 52 card standard deck is required to play the game. The Queen of one suit must be kept aside. There must be two matching Queens in three suits and one Queen in the fourth one. The single Queen is the Old Maid. Therefore, there will be a total of 51 cards in play.
How to play?
The dealer deals all the cards in the deck face down. It is not a problem if players have an unequal number of cards. The players pick up their cards and begin to sort them into pairs. They must ensure to keep it hidden from other players.
The goal of the game is to make all their cards into matching pairs. Once a pair is formed, the player must put down the card face up for the other players to see.
The player left of the dealer starts the game. They must put down pairs if they have any. Then, they must present their cards face down to the player on their left. This player must pick a card.
The game continues in the same manner. Players must put down pairs and allow the next player to pick a random card for their cards.
In this manner, all cards are put down until one person is left holding the unmatched Queen. The person holding the Old Maid loses the game.
Variations
The French variation of the game involves removing a Jack from any one suit. The person holding the unmatched Jack (Old Boy) loses the game in this version.
2) Pig
It is one of the best card games for kids fit for beginners, the pig is a fun and silly game that everyone will enjoy.
How many players?
A minimum of three players is required to play the game. Using one standard deck, a maximum of thirteen people can play.
Age
Players above the age of six can play this game.
Required card deck
A standard 52 card deck is required.
How to play?
Each player must choose a card. Four cards of the chosen type are taken out of the deck. Keep aside the rest of the cards. Choose cards that are as different from each other as possible. For example, choose a combination like Jack, Ace, five, and ten. Shuffle the cards chosen and deal them to the player.
After shuffling, four cards are dealt to all players. Each player sorts their cards to arrange matching cards together. The aim of the game is to get all four matching cards.
When the game starts, all players must choose a card to drop from their set, pass the card to their left, and pick up the card passed to them. A rhythm is established in the game – drop, pass, pick.
The person who manages to get all matching cards must put their finger on their nose. All other players must follow suit. The player to put their finger on the nose last loses the round.
One letter is attached to the person who lost. The first person to form P-I-G loses the game.
Variations
To have a longer game, play with longer words. The word D-O-N-K-E-Y is also commonly used. The word chosen can differ.
Another variation can be made in the gesture used after finding the matching cards. It can be modified to be more discreet or obvious, depending on the players.
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3) War
Limited rules and its easy style, make War a popular game among beginners.
How many players?
Two players can play this game.
Age
Children of six years and older can play this game.
Required card deck
One standard deck is required to play this game.
How to play?
All the cards are dealt with between the two players. Players must keep the cards in a pile face down without looking at them.
Simultaneously, both players place a card face up in the center. The person who puts the card of a higher rank takes both cards and adds them to their pile. The game continues in this way.
When both players put cards of the same value, war follows. Each player must put a card face down on the card already in the center. Both must play another card face up. The person with the card of higher rank takes all six cards.
The game continues till all cards have been won by one player.
4) Sequence
This is one of the easier card games for kids that children can learn fast and play. However, it does require patience and attention.
How many players?
The game is best played with four to five players. However, a lesser number of players can also enjoy the game.
Age
Players can be six years of age or older.
Required card deck
One standard deck of cards is the only requirement of the game.
How to play?
In this game, the cards are ranked in numerical order from two to ten, and from Jack to Ace. Therefore, Ace is the highest-ranking card. All players must aim to put down cards in sequence as a collective.
The dealer must deal all the cards. Having unequal distribution of cards will not pose a problem. Players must not show other players the cards that they hold.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the first round. The player must put down the lowest number of any suit. The next player must put down a card that is higher in rank than the previously played card.
If at any time, a player does not have an appropriate card to play – no card of the same suit or have a card that is lower in rank than the previous card played, they start a new round.
If there are no interruptions, the round ends when the ace of the sequence is played. The next sequence starts in the next round. The person who put down the ace will start this round.
The first player to finish all their cards wins the game.
5) Sevens card game
This popular game is known by few different names – Fan Tan, Card Dominoes, and Parliament. This easy game is easy for children to pick up.
How many players?
A minimum of two players is required to play the game. There is no cap on the maximum number of players.
Age
Children of six years or older are eligible to play this game.
Required card deck
One standard deck is sufficient to play the game.
How to play?
The dealer deals the entire pack of cards among the players. It is okay if the players do not have an equal number of cards. The players who have the seven of diamonds start the game. They must place the card down in the center. Players continue adding cards of the same suit to the center. The cards must be put down in a sequence going up or down.
A player can start a new round with a new suit if they have a seven. If a player is not able to play as they do not have a seven or a card in the sequence, they skip a turn.
The first player to finish all their cards wins the game.
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6) Slapjack
This easy game is suitable for younger children to get more familiar with cards and have fun.
How many players?
A minimum of two and a maximum of five players are required to play this game.
Age
Children of five years or older can play slapjack.
Required card deck
One standard deck of cards is sufficient to play.
How to play?
All the cards are dealt to the players one by one. Having an unequal number of cards will not affect the play in any way. Players must keep their cards face down in a pile without peeking. The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. They must turn over one card to the center and start the face-up pile. All players put cards in the face-up pile turn by turn.
When a Jack appears in the face-up pile, all players must slap their hands on the Jack. The person whose hand is on the card takes all the cards in the face-up pile and adds it to their pile. The player to the left of the winner of the round starts the next round. The play continues.
If a player loses all their cards, they have another chance in the game. They must be able to slap the Jack first in the next round. If they are not able to, they are out of the game. The last person with cards wins the game.
Group Card Games for Kids
1) Beggar My Neighbour
Beggar My Neighbour fun card game for kids that generates more enthusiasm as it is a timed game.
How many players?
The number of players must be between two to six.
Age
Children of six years and older can play the game.
Required card deck
The number of decks required varies with the number of people playing. If there are two to three players, one deck will be sufficient. If there are more than three players, two standard decks will be required to play the game.
How to play?
The dealer deals all cards face down among the group. Unequal division of cards doesn’t affect the progress of the game. Players must collect their cards and place them in a pile face down. Peeking at the cards is not allowed.
The player to the left of the dealer picks up the card on the top of their pile and keeps it in the center. Players keep adding to the central pile from their pile.
The game moves in a clockwise direction. If the player adds an ace, jack, queen, or king, the next player must make a payment. The payment for each card differs.
An ace demands four cards, a king demands three, a queen demands two, and a jack demands one card. The payment cards are put in the central pile. If the payment cards include a court card (ace, king, queen, or jack), the next player must make the required payment.
This continues until payment is made without court cards. The last player to play a court card must take the whole central pile and add it to their pile. The same player must put forth a card to start the next round.
The player that runs out of cards first, wins the game. To add a challenge, the game can be played with a time limit. When time runs out, the person with the least number of cards will be crowned the winner.
2) Go Fish
A game fit for younger kids and beginners to enjoy.
How many players?
Any number of players can play this game.
Age
Children above the age of seven can play the game.
Required card deck
‘Go Fish‘ decks are ideal for the game. However, the game can be played with a standard deck of cards as well.
How to play?
Shuffle the deck of cards and deal an equal number to all players. If there are less than four players, deal seven cards to each player. If there are four or more players, deal five cards each. If one deck is not sufficient, use two and distribute the cards as required. The remaining cards are kept in the center – known as the fish pool.
Players must sort their cards into matching sets. The sets can match because of the number or the suit. Each set must have four matching cards. The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. The player must ask any player for a card. If they do not have the card, they respond with, ‘Go fish!’
The player who asked for the card must take a card from the pile. The player who responded will now play the game. If the player has the card required, they must give it to the player who asked. The players keep asking and receiving cards until they hear the response, ‘Go fish!’
Once a matching set of four cards is formed, players must put down the set. The aim of the game is to finish all the cards. The person who finishes first is the winner. If two people finish at the same time, the player with more sets wins the game.
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3) I Doubt It
This is a game that will be enjoyed by younger players.
How many players?
Having six to twelve players is ideal for this game.
Age
Children of six years and older will enjoy this game.
Required card deck
One standard deck of cards is required to play the game.
How to play?
A dealer deals all the cards to the players. Some players will have more cards. This will not interfere with the game. The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. They must start by putting down an Ace. The players must put down any number of cards of the rank of that round. The catch is that they need not necessarily tell the truth as they put down the cards.
If a player doubts the previous player, they can check the cards. If the claim of the player and the cards match, the player who asked for the show must take all the cards. If they do not match, the player who played the cards must take all the cards. If a player wishes, they can skip their turn as well. When all players skip, the next round begins.
The second round will be with the Kings. The round after that will be those of Queens and so on. The aim of the game is to finish one’s cards as soon as possible.
4) Memory
This game is also popularly known as ‘Concentration.’ The card game can be adapted to include players of all age groups – kids, teens, and adults. Further, this game teaches important skills like memory and concentration.
How many players?
A minimum of two players is required to play this game. There is no limit on the maximum number of players.
Age
Kids as young as three years can play this game. It is suitable for all ages.
Required card deck
A standard deck of cards is ideal for this fame. Picture cards, color cards, and learning cards can be used as well.
How to play?
Arrange all cards face down on a plain surface. Depending on the age of the players, adjust the complexity of the arrangement of the cards. Orienting the cards in a set shape like a grid or a square will make it easier for smaller children to play the game. Older kids can try the game with a random arrangement of cards.
The aim of all the players is to find matching pairs in the arrangement of cards. When their turn comes, a player must overturn two cards one by one. If both the cards are a match, they get to keep the pair of cards.
The game continues in this way. When all the cards have been paired up and with the players, the game ends. The player with the most amount of pairs wins the game. The key to the game is to pay attention during other people’s turns as well and try to memorize the position of the different cards.
Variations
One variation can be made in the criteria for winning the game. Instead of counting the number of pairs, the number of successful attempts must be counted. The one with the highest successful attempt wins.
Another variation to increase the difficulty of the game is to leave out one card from the deck. This will result in one card having no pair. It will confuse the players and add a fun element.
Fun Card games for Kids
1) Menagerie
The game is popularly known as ‘Animals’ and is entertaining for kids.
How many players?
A minimum of four players is required to play the game.
Age
Children older than five years of age can play the game.
Required card deck
Two standard decks of cards are required to play the game.
How to play?
Each player chooses an animal. The harder the name, the more interesting the game is. The name of the animal is written into chits, folded, and put into a bowl. Each player must then pick up a chit. The animal in the chit they picked up will be associated with them for the rest of the game. All players must remember which animal is associated with which player.
All the cards in the deck are dealt. Unequal distribution of cards will not cause a problem. Players must keep their cards facing down in a pile, without looking at them.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. The first player must turn over a card and start a face-up pile. All players must then turn over a card in their pile.
If a player notices that any of the turned-up cards are the same as the one in the face-up pile, they must shout the name of the animal associated with that player thrice. The first player to shout the correct animal wins all players turned over cards.
If a player calls out the wrong animal, they must give their cards to the player whose name was called.
The player who manages to collect all cards will be the winner of the game. A timed version of the game can also be played. The person with the most number of cards at the end of the stipulated time will win the game.
2) Crazy Eights
The difficulty level of the game can be made to vary. Recording points can increase the stakes and level of the game.
How many players?
Two to four players are required to play this game.
Age
Children of five years and above can play this game.
Required card deck
A standard deck of cards will be enough to play the game.
How to play?
Deal the cards according to the number of players playing. If two players are playing, deal seven cards to each player. If three to four players are playing, deal five cards each. The remaining cards form the draw pile. One card from the draw pile is pulled to form the open card of the discard pile.
Players must discard cards matching the number or suit of the topmost card in the discard pile. If a player does not have a match, they can drop an eight. If they do not have an eight or a matching card, the player must draw a card from the draw pile. They must keep drawing cards until they are able to put one down.
The player to discard all the cards wins the game. Points can be used to make the game more interesting. The cards remaining in the loser’s hand are given to the winner. 10 points are awarded for a court card, 50 points for an eight, and face value for number cards.
3) Snip, Snap, Snorem
This is a card matching game suitable for all age groups.
How many players?
A minimum of three players is required to play the game. There is no cap on the maximum number of players.
Age
Children of four years or older can play the game.
Required card deck
Standard decks of cards are used for this game. The number of decks depends on the number of players that take part in the game.
How to play?
All cards are dealt out to players. If there is an unequal distribution of cards, there is no need to worry.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. The player must put one card in the center. The next player must put down cards of the same rank.
For the first card, the player says ‘Snip.’ The player says ‘Snap’ for the second card. If they play the third card, the player must say ‘Snorem.’ The next player must then play. If a player does not have any card of the rank, they are passed. The player who said ‘Snorem’ first starts the next round.
The aim of the game is to finish cards as fast as possible.
4) My Ship Sails
The high-speed nature of the game makes it fun and entertaining for children of all ages.
How many players?
A minimum of four and a maximum of seven players can play this game comfortably.
Age
This game is best suited for six years and older.
Required card deck
One standard deck of playing cards is sufficient to play this game.
How to play?
Each player is dealt seven cards. The rest of the cards are kept aside as they will not be used in the game. Players must keep their cards hidden from the other players. The aim of the game is to collect all cards of the same suit.
The player left to the dealer starts the game. They must place a card they don’t need face down and pass it to the next player. All players must try to drop and slide their cards at the same time and establish a steady rhythm to the game.
When a player has all cards of the same suit, they yell, ‘My ship sails!’ They are the winner of the game.
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5) Rolling Stone
The game involves a lot of back and forth. It may seem frustrating in the beginning but provides for edge-of-the-seat entertainment.
How many players?
The ideal number of players is four to six.
Age
Children of six and above can play this game.
Required card deck
One standard deck is required to play. Depending on the number of players, certain cards are removed from the deck. If there are six players, the twos of all suits are removed; if there are five players, twos, threes, and fours are kept aside; if there are four players, twos, threes, fours, and sixes are kept aside.
How to play?
A player must cut the deck. The player who draws the highest deals the cards. Each player must have eight cards.
Players pick up their cards and ensure that they do not disclose them to others. The dealer plays the first card. The next player must drop a card of the same suit. All players must follow suit. If a player doesn’t have a card of that suit, they must pick up all the cards in the central pile. Now, they must play a card of their choice.
The person who runs out of cards first is the winner of the game.
6) Snap
This game is long and tends to get noisy. The use of quick reflexes and sharp observation is required in the game. The game is fun when played with close friends and family.
How many players?
A minimum of two players must be present to play the game.
Age
Players can be six years or older.
Required card deck
A standard deck is sufficient to play the game. If there are a large number of players playing the game, use two decks of cards.
How to play?
All the cards are dealt face down. There may be an unequal distribution of cards, it does not affect the game. Players must stack all their cards face down without looking at them.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. The player takes one card from their face-down pile, turns it over, and places it next to the pile. This starts their face-up pile. The next player starts their own face-up pile. All players do so at their turn. Players must keep adding to their face-up pile turn by turn.
If a player notices that two cards in the face-up pile of the players are the same, they must yell, ‘Snap!‘ The first player that yells, receives all the face-up piles of both the matched piles. They must add these cards to their face-down pile. The next round starts.
If two players yell, ‘Snap!’ at the same time, face-up piles form a snap pool. The two matched piles are placed face up in the center. Play continues normally. When a card is turned that matches the face-up card in the snap pool, players must yell, ‘Snap pool!‘ The first person to do so gets all the cards in the snap pool.
If a player yells ‘Snap!‘ incorrectly, they must give all players one card from their face-down pile.
When a player runs out of face-down cards, they must turn the face-up pile and start again. When the player runs out of face-down and face-up cards, they are eliminated from the game. The player who wins all the cards wins the game.
Try these card games for a fun, enjoyable time with friends and family. These games can be played in any social setting. Have fun!
Naomi is an educator with 2 decades of experience working with children of all ages. She is a keen observer of the magic and importance of Maths in our daily lives. Follow me on Linkedin