Playing cards have stood the test of time. From royal courts in medieval Europe to smartphones in the digital age, card games have continued to entertain people across all cultures and generations. But how many types of card games are there? What are the main types, and how do they differ?
In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of games played with cards, classify them, and highlight some of the most popular and unique card games around the world.
A Brief History of Playing Cards
Before diving into types of games, it’s essential to understand where playing cards come from. Most historians agree that cards originated in China during the Tang dynasty (9th century). They eventually made their way to India, Persia, and then Europe, evolving into the 52-card deck we know today.
External Source: International Playing-Card Society
How Many Types of Card Games Are There?
There are hundreds of card games worldwide. However, they can generally be grouped into five major categories:
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Trick-taking games
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Matching games
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Shedding games
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Accumulating games
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Casino or gambling games
Some games even combine elements from multiple categories.
1. Trick-Taking Games
These games revolve around “tricks” — each player plays a card, and the best card wins the round or trick. The goal is usually to win a certain number of tricks or points.
Popular Trick-Taking Games:
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Bridge – A strategic and competitive game played in pairs. Bridge has a global following and tournaments worldwide.
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Spades – A popular partner game where spades are always the trump suit.
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Hearts – A game of avoidance where players try to avoid collecting certain cards.
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Euchre – Common in the U.S. and Canada, this game involves trumps and team play.
External Resource: American Contract Bridge League
2. Matching and Pairing Games
In matching games, the objective is to pair cards with the same rank or suit.
Examples:
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Rummy – A group of matching-card games based on forming sets or runs.
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Mahjong-style card games – Similar to tile-matching but using cards.
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Memory/Concentration – Cards are laid face down, and players turn over pairs to find matches.
These games are especially popular among children and casual players.
3. Shedding Games
In shedding games, the aim is to get rid of all your cards before your opponents.
Common Shedding Games:
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Uno – Although played with a special deck, Uno is a classic shedding game enjoyed globally.
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Crazy Eights – A standard card game that inspired Uno.
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President (a.k.a. Asshole) – A party game involving hierarchy and quick reflexes.
These games are fast-paced and accessible, making them popular for casual settings.
4. Accumulating Games
In these games, players accumulate cards or points, and the player with the highest total wins.
Notable Games:
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Blackjack – Also called 21, it’s one of the most famous casino games.
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War – A simple game where the highest card wins each round, and cards are accumulated.
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Go Fish – Great for younger players and teaches basic matching skills.
Accumulating games are ideal for both entertainment and learning environments.
5. Casino and Gambling Games
These games are built around wagers, probability, and chance, often found in casinos.
Popular Casino Card Games:
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Poker – One of the most strategic gambling games with multiple variants like Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and Seven Card Stud.
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Baccarat – A high-stakes game made famous by James Bond films.
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Three Card Poker – A simplified and fast-paced alternative to traditional poker.
Learn more at: World Casino Directory
Popular Card Games Around the World
Different cultures have developed their unique card games. Here are some global favorites:
1. Durak (Russia)
A trick-shedding hybrid where the goal is not to be the last one with cards.
2. Scopone (Italy)
A traditional Italian game played with a 40-card deck.
3. Belote (France)
A trick-taking game similar to bridge but faster-paced.
4. Teen Patti (India)
A popular gambling game, often described as “Indian Poker.”
5. Hanafuda (Japan)
Played with flower-themed cards and deep cultural ties. Nintendo began as a manufacturer of these cards!
Fun Fact: In some regions, card games are used for tarot readings, adding a spiritual dimension to their utility.
Digital and Online Card Games
In the digital era, traditional card games have found new life online. Platforms like Tabletopia, Board Game Arena, and mobile apps allow people to play classic and new card games virtually.
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Hearthstone – A digital collectible card game by Blizzard Entertainment.
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Gwent – Inspired by The Witcher universe.
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Solitaire – Still among the most played PC games globally.
Resource: Board Game Arena
Hybrid and Party Card Games
Some games don’t fit into classic categories but are incredibly popular at gatherings and social events.
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Cards Against Humanity – An adult party game of word combinations and humor.
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Exploding Kittens – A quirky, fast-paced card game involving strategy and sabotage.
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The Mind – A cooperative game where players try to play cards in ascending order, without speaking!
These games often have custom decks and innovative rules.
Educational Benefits of Card Games
Besides being fun, card games offer educational and developmental benefits:
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Math skills – Counting, addition, and probability.
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Memory and focus – Especially in matching and strategy games.
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Social interaction – Many games require communication and teamwork.
Card games are often used in schools and rehabilitation programs for cognitive development.
Final Thoughts
So, how many types of games are there in cards? The answer is both simple and complex: dozens of genres, hundreds of specific games, and infinite variations. From strategic trick-taking to lighthearted party games, playing cards are more than a pastime — they are a global cultural artifact.
Whether you’re looking for competitive thrill, casual fun, or brain exercise, there’s a card game out there for you.
