Top Card Games to Play While Traveling
When it comes to traveling, there are many downtimes, whether waiting in line or sitting on long flights and train rides. That's why having a deck of cards can be a great way to pass the time and better enjoy the company of your travel companions. In this article, we'll look at the top card games to play while traveling that are easy to learn, don't require a lot of equipment, and are suitable for two or more players.
1. Uno
UNO is a classic card game that's easy to learn and perfect for all ages. It consists of a deck of 108 cards with four different colors (red, blue, green, and yellow) and special ones that can skip turns, reverse play direction, or make the next player draw additional cards. The goal is to be the first player to eliminate all your cards. UNO is easy to pack and can be played anywhere from a plane to a hotel room. Playing UNO is a good way for solo travelers to connect with other people.
2. Spades
Spades is a popular trick-taking card game typically played by four players in partnerships. Players bid the number of tricks they expect to take, and the goal is to accurately fulfill the bid while avoiding certain cards that can result in penalty points. The demand for the game has made it available online, with many sites featuring single and multiplayer options. You can play Spades online here.
3. Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic card game traditionally played with a standard 52-card deck. It involves strategic play, counting card combinations, and utilizing a unique scoring board to earn points and win the game. While the game is typically played with two people, there are three and four-person variations, as well as single-player modes online. Try playing Cribbage here.
4. Go Fish
Go Fish is a simple game that's perfect for younger travelers or those new to cards. It involves matching pairs of cards, and the first player to collect all the pairs wins. Go Fish is easy to play with two or more players and can be a great way to pass the time during a long car ride.
5. War
War is a classic game that's perfect for two players. The game involves comparing cards, and the player with the highest wins the round. If both players have the same card, then it's "war," and each player must lay three additional cards face down and then one faces up. The player with the highest face-up card wins everything on the table. War is easy to learn and can be played quickly, making it ideal for short bursts of entertainment.
6. Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is a popular game that's similar to UNO. It consists of a deck of 52 cards, and the goal is to be the first player to eliminate all your cards. The game starts with the dealer giving five cards to each player, and the remaining ones are placed in a pile face down. Players take turns playing cards that match the suit or rank of the card on the top of the discard pile. If a player can't play a card, they must draw from the pile until they can play. Crazy Eights can be played with two or more players and is perfect for a long train ride.
7. Poker
Poker is a classic card game that has been played for centuries and has gained popularity worldwide. It involves a combination of strategy and skill, making it an interesting game to play while moving from place to place. With the rise of online platforms, it's now possible to play poker online from anywhere, making it an excellent option for long buses or train rides. The most popular variant of the title is Texas Hold'em, which involves each player receiving two hole cards and then using five community cards to make the best possible hand. The game can be played with two or more players, and the player with the best hand wins. A player may utilize any combination of the seven cards provided to create the strongest five-card poker hand imaginable. Online gaming has made it easy to play with friends or other travelers, even if you're not in the same physical location.
8. Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is a strategic game that can be played with two or more players. The goal of Gin Rummy is to form sets or runs of cards, and the player with the most points at the end of the game wins. Gin Rummy is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and can be a great way to pass the time during a long flight. It involves a bit of strategy and is perfect for those who enjoy playing card games that require some thought.
9. Hearts
Hearts is a game that's perfect for four players. Hearts involves avoiding certain cards (hearts and the queen of spades) to avoid getting points. Each player is dealt 13 cards, and the player with the two clubs starts the game. Players take turns, and the player with the highest card of the suit played wins the trick. The game can be played for several rounds, and the player with the lowest score at the end wins.
In conclusion, playing card games while on the move can be a fantastic way to pass the time, bond with your fellow travellers, and have fun. From classic titles like UNO and Go Fish to strategic ones like Rummy and Poker, there's something for everyone. With the ease of packing a deck, card games can be played from anywhere, making them the perfect travel companion. So, next time you're travelling, don't forget to pack a deck of cards and enjoy the endless hours of entertainment they can provide.