A pack of cards is probably one of the cheapest and most versatile games that has ever been invented. You can stack them into houses, perform magic tricks with them and of course, play different card games. But there are so many different card games and variations that it can be difficult trying to pick out one that you’d enjoy. To help you decide on what to play (or to introduce you to some new ones) here are the world’s most popular card games.
Solitaire
A popular pastime that’s been on almost every computer, Solitaire is a simple but unique card game that can be played alone. It’s like a puzzle game that is won by arranging alternating Black and Red cards in piles and then sorting them into four piles of suit sets. It’s a game that combines elements of luck and strategy, and it’s easy to set up with a pack of cards or you can play software versions on computers and smart devices.
There are two main variations of solitaire. The first one has players drawing three cards from the deck and they can only use the first card on top. The second variation has players drawing just a single card, which is arguably easier than the first.
Poker
Poker is an immensely popular game that’s gained a huge boost in players since it received large cash prizes and global recognition as a mind sport. It makes a regular appearance at home gatherings with friends and family, and it’s often played with chips because it relies on antes and bluffing. There are several variations, such as Texas Hold’Em, Omaha, 7-Card stud and 5-Card Draw. The most common variation is Texas Hold’Em in which players are dealt two pocket cards and share five community cards. So whether you’re inviting friends over to play for fun or trying to win big with a site like NetEnt Online Casinos, you’re bound to have a lot of fun.
There are major differences between playing online and playing live. For starters, online poker is much faster because there is no need to physically deal cards and count chips since the computer does it for you. Secondly, since you’re playing online there are no telltale signs that someone is bluffing. You can’t pick up someone’s nervous ticks and you can’t read expressions because everyone is behind a computer screen.
Blackjack
The classic game of twenty-one has been a staple at casinos and among card game enthusiasts. The goal is simple: get your cards as close to twenty-one as possible. The standard version of blackjack is played against a dealer, but it can also be played as a one vs. one duel. Players are dealt two cards at the beginning and they can choose to add more (hit) or stay with their current cards (stand). Anything over 21 is considered “going bust” and counts as a loss. When playing for cash or chips, there are extra options to win more such as doubling your wager, which means you take a single card and can’t take anymore, or splitting, which can be done if your two initial cards are identical to create two separate hands.
There’s a lot of strategy involved when playing blackjack, especially when playing in a large group against a dealer. It’s important to keep track of all the cards that have been revealed so you can calculate the chances of receiving a card that will increase your chances of winning.
