For teenagers looking for an epic way to stay connected with their buddies while playing something entertaining, you can do just that with classic card games. Instead of scrolling through different social media platforms, break out some cards or choose a digital platform and pick one (or more) of the top classic card games invented many years ago!
Whether Rummy, UNO, or Old Maid, these timeless classics will keep everyone entertained. With easy rules to follow, these games provide hours of engaging entertainment – plus, you can play without ever having to leave your house! If you’re ready, let’s discover why these popular card games make perfect pastimes for you and your friend group.
Interesting Card Games for Bored Teenagers
Teens are known for their short attention spans, especially with the advent of technology and social media. That said, looking for something that can keep teenagers engaged for an extended period can be tricky. Fortunately, trick-taking card games are a perfect blend of challenge and amusement to keep them focused for a long time.
Rummy
Rummy is an old-time favorite that belongs to the card-melding/matching family. It has many variations, such as Gin Rummy, Indian Rummy, and more. However, the same elements remain the same for all of them: to make melds of runs and sequences that give earn or to be the first one to eliminate all cards from their hand. It’s ideal for teens who are fast at making card combinations.
The game begins with each player receiving six to ten cards, depending on how many players participate. Then, the remaining cards are placed in the middle as the stockpile, with the top card flipped over as the upcard and placed beside the pile. The players pick and drop cards to build melds in sequences and sets.
Beginning with the player to the dealer’s left, they can either draw from the stockpile or take the upcard and add it to their hand. They can also lay down on the table any of their melds face-up. If they don’t want to lay down any of their melds, they can discard it face-up on the pile. The goal is to be the first to get rid of their cards.
Spades
For the ultimate crowd-favorite, Spades is one of the most favored in the US due to its easy-to-understand gameplay. At the same time, it still offers enough challenges that will make a teen’s brain work. It’s generally played by four players consisting of two teams.
How to play Spades:
- The game begins with the dealer shuffling the deck and handing out 13 cards to each player.
- Players must bid the number of tricks they believe they can take.
- The lowest bid is one, and all players must bid.
- Teams have to reach a total of 500 points to win.
- The player to the dealer’s left begins the trick, and all players follow suit unless they don’t have any cards of that suit.
- The player with the highest card wins the trick and plays the first card in the next round.
Try online Spades to hone your trick-taking skills while partaking in the never-ending excitement with your friends. Since some players find it confusing, preparing those skills before challenging your friends is the best strategy!
UNO
You may be familiar with UNO, a “modernized” version of Crazy Eights that has existed since the 70s. This card game is quick to play and easy to learn, so it’s no surprise that every teenager who played it ended up loving it. In addition, it uses special cards that make the game more interesting and eventful; it’s even said to cause friendship break-ups!
These special cards include Wild Cards, Skips, Reverse, Draw Twos, and Draw Fours. It’s a fast-paced game that aims to get rid of your cards and shout UNO simultaneously. The play begins with the player on the dealer’s left, and they will have to discard a card that’s the same as the upcard’s color or number. A player draws from the stockpile if they don’t have a card with the same number or color.
The real fun begins when the special cards come out. It can change the game’s course in a split second, so you must be wise when using them. For instance, if someone plays a Draw Four card, the next player picks up four cards. Sometimes, a Wild Card appears, prompting the player to change the color and number that the next player has to play.
Old Maid
For those who want to dare your friends, Old Maid is the ideal game! It’s also designed for larger groups, and the goal is not to be left with the Old Maid card, which is either the odd Queen or the Joker. It uses a standard deck of 52 cards and has straightforward gameplay.
How to play Old Maid:
- Either a Queen can be removed from the deck, or a Joker can be added in as the Old Maid.
- All cards are dealt one by one to all players, and they have to make pairs with them and discard them face-up.
- Players take turns picking a card from the player next to them. If they get a card that can be paired with their cards, they discard it. Otherwise, they add it to their hand.
- The last player to hold the odd Queen or Joker is the Old Maid.
- Friends can dare the player to dance or sing!
For adults, they can dare the Old Maid to buy them a drink or do a chore. Regardless, this game is perfect for breaking the ice and creating funny memories with friends. It’s no wonder it was dubbed a drinking game in the Victorian Era.
Don’t Hesitate to Jumpstart the Fun with Classic Card Games!
Card games are not only fun but also have many benefits for teens. They teach strategizing skills and help develop social connections, especially during gatherings where everyone can participate. So, instead of spending hours playing video games, invite your friend group to an online card game session for endless amusement!