Card games are easy to carry, quick to set up and fun for almost any group. This collection covers traditional games, deck building games, collectible card games and the strategy skills that carry across all of them.
Use the sections below to find a game or a skill, or scan the table to jump straight to the right guide.
Traditional Card Games
A standard deck supports a huge number of games. Learn the trick taking classics with Hearts, Spades, Euchre and Bridge. For melding and matching, see Rummy, Canasta and Cribbage. Poker strategies covers the most famous betting game, Solitaire is the go to for playing alone, and Go Fish works for younger players.
Deck Building Games
In deck building games you start small and improve your deck as you play. Dominion is the best known, and Ascension, Star Realms, Clank and Thunderstone Quest each add their own twist. For cooperative and campaign style play, read about Legendary Encounters and Aeon's End. Other guides cover Mystic Vale, Tyrants of the Underdark and Arctic Scavengers.
Collectible Card Games
Collectible games reward deck design and practice. Beginners can start with Magic: The Gathering, Pokemon TCG or Yu-Gi-Oh!. Digital fans may like Hearthstone. We also cover KeyForge, Legend of the Five Rings, Netrunner, Force of Will, Duel Masters and Cardfight Vanguard.
Card Game Strategy
Skills carry from one game to the next. Card Game Strategies From Bluffing to Counting Cards gives the overview, Choosing the Right Strategy helps you match a plan to a game, and Hand Management and Combo Strategies cover the core habits. For reading opponents, see The Art of Bluffing and Multiplayer Strategies. Number minded players can read Card Counting Techniques and Card Game Math, and Trick Taking Tactics and Tournament Tips help in competitive play. Sushi Go strategy shows card drafting in a light, quick game.
Find the Right Card Game Guide
Match what you want to play to a guide.
| If you want | Start here |
|---|---|
| A classic trick taking game | Hearts or Spades |
| A game to play alone | Solitaire |
| To build a deck as you play | Dominion |
| To start a collectible game | Magic: The Gathering |
| To get better at bluffing | The Art of Bluffing |
| To understand the odds | Card Game Math |
Getting Started With Card Games
This order works for most new players:
- Start with one traditional game that everyone can learn in a few minutes
- Learn the basic strategy ideas, such as hand management and bluffing
- Try a deck building game to see how a deck can change as you play
- Look at collectible games only if you enjoy building and tuning decks
Card Game Topics Covered
- Traditional and trick taking games
- Deck building games
- Collectible card games
- Strategy, odds and bluffing
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good first card game?
Pick something with simple rules. Hearts, Go Fish and Solitaire are easy to learn.
What is a deck building game?
Players start with a small basic deck and add stronger cards during play. Dominion is a good example.
How do I get better at card games?
Learn how to manage your hand and read your opponents. See Hand Management and Card Game Strategies.
Do I need to buy lots of cards to play collectible games?
Not always, but collectible games do involve building a deck from a card pool. Magic: The Gathering explains how to build a first deck.
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