How to Understand Classic Card Games

52 Pick Up!

This article describes the "Top Twenty" classic card games played in North America. There are plenty of resources for learning more about these card games. The Internet is a gold mine for facilitating research on any topic. Then there are the online game sites, which have plenty of people looking for a challenging tournament or one game match. Grab.com features Spades, Hearts, and Euchre. Many books have also been written about card games. Finally, there are local clubs in many areas that have regularly scheduled card games and the opportunity to meet other players in person.

Things You'll Need

• A playing facility (well-lighted & ventilated room)
• Square-shaped card game tables (long tables are fine for two-player games such as Cribbage and Rummy)
• Pens/pencils and scoresheets (blank paper is fine)
• Players (at least two persons for Cribbage or Rummy, and three or more players for other games)
• Note: Solitaire can be played anytime by one person!

Instructions

20 Card Game Classics!

1. The following list represents the "Top 20" card games played in North America. It is in alphabetical order. FYI: The most popular card game is Solitaire! Many of these games have European or South American roots, and were brought to North America in the late 1700s or during the 1800s. Some casino and children's card games also appear on the list.

2. 1. Bridge (circa 1895, New York City)

   This truly American classic evolved from the game of Whist. It was popularized in the early 1900s and was modernized in the mid 1920s into a standard game, "Contract Bridge." Pioneers such as Vanderbilt, Culbertson, Goren, Jacoby, Blackwood, Stayman and Sheinwold (to mention a few) helped to establish the game. The governing body for this game is the ACBL (American Contract Bridge League) in Memphis, Tennessee.

3. 2. Canasta (circa 1940, Montevideo, Uruguay)

   Here is a game that was invented in Uruguay in the late 1930s, with Official Rules finalized in early 1940. It is noteworthy that Canasta was the "rage" in the United States for five years (1950 to 1954), and overtook Bridge for a short time! By the end of that decade, its popularity waned, however, it still has a sizeable following.

4. 3. Cribbage (circa 1630, London)

   This venerable two-player classic was created by an Englishman, Sir John Suckling (1609 to 1642). His story is fascinating, and worth taking some time to research. Cribbage is a truly great game and the perfect challenge for two players. The governing body is the ACC (American Cribbage Congress), founded in 1980 by Joseph Petrus Wergin, Nick Pond and several others in Raleigh, North Carolina.

5. 4. Euchre (circa 1750, Alsace, France)

   The orgins of Euchre are debated, to this day. The Joker in a deck of cards is linked to this game. Euchre does have European roots, German and French. It was introduced to America during the late 1700s and was immensely popular from 1850 to 1900. Today, Euchre is played primarily in the Midwest and Eastern Canada.

6. 5. Hearts (circa 1740, Madrid)

   Hearts was linked from a game called "Reversis," which was played in Spain during the 1700s. When it was brought to America in the early 1800s, it grew slowly, but steadily. The Queen of Spades feature was added several decades later, and other modifications, such as passing three cards and "Shooting the Moon" became standard rules as the years passed. Hearts is also a very popular children's game.

7. 6. Oh Hell! (circa 1900, Philadelphia)

   This delightful card game was created right after the turn of the last century. It combines the best features of trump games and the ability to calculate the trick taking aspect of each hand. Boxed sets (interestingly enough, with bright red packaging) were manufactured in the 1950s. This game has been revitalized during the past 25 years, with the invention of "Wizard" by Ken Fisher of Canada (U.S. Games Company; Stamford, Connecticut). The most notable feature of Wizard is the addition of eight more cards to the standard Oh Hell! deck.

8. 7. Phase 10 (circa 1982, Indianapolis)

   Modern card games have one very distinct aspect - we know the exact year they were created, as well as the name of the person who designed the game. Phase 10 (manufactured by Fundex Games of Indianapolis) was created by Ken Johnson. It is similar to "London Rummy." What makes Phase 10 work is its progressive "building" aspect, and the strategy/skill of play. It is an easy game to learn, and another one of those good card games for children, too.

9. 8. Pinochle (circa 1900, New York City)

   This classic game has been around for more than 100 years, having evolved from the French game "Bezique." Variations abound, including single deck and three-handed games. The most popular version of Pinochle is double deck partnership, and this is the game that is most frequently played online and at "live" events. The skill is in the bidding and the play of the hand.

10. 9. Poker (circa 1650, Germany [Pochen] and 1780, France [Poque])
    Five-Card Draw, Seven-Card Stud

    Most card players become familiar with Poker when they are very young. This game has been featured in books, movies and more recently on television. Who could ever forget "Maverick?" How about the "Dead Man's Hand" (two aces and two eights)? Poker has European roots and was brought to the United States in the 1820s and played in New Orleans. Poker was hugely popular in the riverboat days and in the Old West. It still remains a casino favorite in various forms such as Pai-Gow, Let It Ride and Caribbean Stud.

11. 10. Poker (Part II) Texas Hold'em (circa 1970, Las Vegas)

    Here is another one of those card games (in this case, a variation) where the exact year of creation is unknown. The World Series of Poker started in Las Vegas with a small field of 30 players, with notables such as "Amarillo Slim," Johnny Moss, Doyle Brunson and ****y Baldwin. Now Hold'em is a staple on TV, with the "World Series of Poker" and the "World Poker Tour," to name just two. Hold'em is different than the stud variations. There are two hold cards and five "community" cards included. Betting can be "all in" or "limit" raises, depending on the rules for that game.

12. 11. Rummy, Gin (Two-Handed) (circa 1930, Hollywood)

    This is the most popular of the Two-Handed Rummy games. It was a big hit during the Depression, and waned after WWII. It was revived with the advent of the Internet. Scoring is accomplished by completing various sets and "runs." Gin Rummy has been called "Knock Rummy," as the person who is going out often knocks as they complete their hand and makes the final discard to the middle pile.

13. 12. Rummy 500 (circa 1890, U.S.)

    Another popular variation of Rummy is the 500 point game. It is called "Michigan" Rummy or "Persian" Rummy. Anywhere from two to five players can play. Seven cards are dealt to each, and the next card is flipped over to start the discard pile. Points are scored in the same manner as Knock Rummy, with runs and sets. Some groups prefer to play with three or four persons and the deal of 10 cards each. The game of Canasta is related to Rummy 500. The first player to reach 500 points wins, and must be going out (making the last discard) to win.

14. 13. Sheepshead (circa 1850, Germany [Schafskopf])

    This very unique card game was brought to the United States in the mid 1800s by German immigrants who settled in the Midwest. It is best played with three persons, although a five player variation is very popular in Milwaukee. Today, it is hugely popular in Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota and Iowa. "Live" Tournaments abound!

15. 14. Skat (circa 1915, Altenburg, Germany [near Leipzig])

    Skat is the national card game of Germany. As in the case of Sheepshead, it was brought to the U.S. by immigrants who settled in the Midwest. It also has a large following in Texas. Skat is best played by three persons. Four can play, with one sitting out every fourth hand. There is an international organization for Skat players, which has its own website.

16. 15. Solitaire (circa 1870, England)

    This is the #1 card game in the world, with variations galore. It is usually played by one, however, there are two and three person solitaire games. The most popular versions are: Klondike, Spider, Aces Up, Baker's Dozen and Rainbow-to name a few.

17. 16. Spades (circa 1937, Cincinnati)

    Spades is in the same "family" as Bridge and Whist. It was created by the Whist players in Ohio, and became popular on college campuses and in the military. The original game was called "Old School" Spades, and featured the use of two Jokers. This gave way to modern Spades, with Nil bids and Bags. It is now the largest partnership card game on the Internet.

18. 17. Uno (circa 1971, Ohio)

    Here we have another one of those modern card games. Merle Roberts, a Midwestern barber, decided to update the classic game of "Crazy Eights." The result was a smashing success, and a game which is now owned by Mattel, Inc. This is a good social game, and an excellent primer for kids who want to become familiar with playing cards.

19. 18. Whist, Traditional (Straight) (circa 1700, England)

    Whist has been around for more than 300 years. It was mentioned by Edmund Hoyle in one of his early 18th century card game books. It is closely related to Bridge and Spades. Whist is played by two sets of partners, sitting opposite each other. In the early days, the bottom card determined trump; this has been replaced by a one round bidding system, with high bid naming trump.

20. 19. Whist, Kitty and Jokers (circa 1920, Philadelphia)

    Bid Whist or Kitty Whist was created by African American players after the turn of the 20th century. It was very popular in the South, and on the railroads. The addition of the "Kitty" (four cards), and the option of using two Jokers increased the competitiveness of the bidding. The auction is always lively, and making a "Boston" (winning all of the tricks) is very common. There are many "live" tournaments for Bid/Kitty Whist and Jokers players.

21. 20. Honorable Mention: Rook, Pitch and Tonk

    These games have loyal followings in the U.S. Rook was invented by an employee at Parker Brothers in the early 1900s. It is a trick-taking game with a wild card called the "Rook." Pitch was called "Setback" for many years, and is compared to "Hi-Lo Jack." Tonk is a Rummy-type game that is popular among African American players.

Tips & Warnings

• Take the time to research the card game of your choice.

• Be sure you understand the "House Rules" in effect.

• If you select a partnership game, develop a rapport with your partner. Practice is always a good idea; and the Internet is the perfect place.

• Do not play card games for money until you are a good player.

• Always be on the lookout for possible cheaters, especially in the partnership games.