Day 17: In the cards
My favorite card games for hand-to-hand bonding
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We didnât play many board or card games growing up. And, other than Go Fish and Guess Who, we didnât play any games by the rules. For example, we could often be found hovering over Life, filling our plastic cars with blue and pink pegs and spinning the wheel of fortune-like twister to propel us around the colorful track. But, if I remember correctly, the squares we landed on (and the corresponding instructions) were optional or left up to generous interpretation.
You can imagine what Monopoly was like.
As an adult, I am happily becoming a games person and working hard to make up for lost time (and my underdeveloped strategic play muscles). I am not very good at games, but I bring a good attitude. Iâm also not very competitive, but I do aspire to one day host a regular game nightâŠ.or get us invited into an existing one (see also: brings a good attitude).
In a season centered around gatheringâ in assorted groups with varying degrees of relationship and rapport, in quantities of time that exceed the annual averageâ games can be a lower stakes, casual way of bonding. A way of connecting and relating to each other that doesnât rely on conversation. Because sometimes we donât have much to talk about. Sometimes weâve already said everything there is to say.
With that, here are a few of my favorite card games for pairs and small groups. Some are quiet, some are rowdy, some can be enjoyed alone, while others fall under the âthe more the merrierâ category.
All of them are Tami-tested and approved for good fun.
Uno: This is a classic oldie but goodie, and the real beauty of Uno is everyone can play. Itâs simple enough to be approachable if you have a range of ages or game experience. Itâs engaging enough to wrap everyone in, but it doesnât require a ton of brainpower. And if you have a lot of catching up to do, you can still hold a conversation while playing.
Bananagrams: Youâve probably seen this bright, banana-shaped pouch at the Barnes & Noble checkout counter and thought it was a cute but cheesy upsell, like the pet rocks and pop up cards. In fact, it is a very fun and fast word game that is as delightful to play alone as it is to play with others. I know itâs not technically a card game, but it travels well with no additional props required, so the spirit feels the same. Weâve started bringing this on vacation and playing a round over our first cup of coffee and a plate of pancakes instead of crossword puzzles.
Cards Against Humanity: We bought this for my non-game-playing family a few years ago and I donât think weâve ever laughed so hard. They have all kinds of themes (highly recommend the family-friendly version if you are playing with kids, grandparents, or anyone withâŠgentle sensibilities) They sell expansion packs when youâve gone through all the cards a million times and the entire original game is available as a free download on their website.
Phase 10: Much like Uno, this game is played by color and number with Skips and Wild Cards, but thatâs where the similarities end. Tracking the various levels of this game gets complicated and/or I donât recommend trying to learn after enjoying a few glasses of wine. That said, I was introduced to this over Thanksgiving and I think if you like card games and you want a little more of a competitive challenge, youâll enjoy this one.
Hues & Cues: Ending this list with another not-exactly-a-card-game game, because, well, this is my list and deep down Iâm still that girl who likes to make up her own rules. Also, full disclosureâ I just learned about this game so I havenât played it yet. Maybe itâs the designer in me or my proclivity for vibrant playing materials or my love for word play (as shown above), but using word clues to describe 480 shades of colors sounds right up my alley. Maybe even a game I can win! (please disregard: not very competitive)
Pick a card game, any card gameâŠwhatâs your favorite?
Among a few mentioned your post, Skipbo is another family favorite for us. Great list!