India, as a country, is known for its rich taste in food and lavish traditions. A big part of festivities included get-togethers with friends and family. Playing cards has been a popular pastime in the Indian sub-continent since the 16th Century. Since then, card games have been adopted in diverse forms all over the country.
From cards made of wooden barks to cards inspired by animated cartoon characters and being played online, we have come a long way. Now card games are actively being enjoyed both, at home and online, with millions of players playing at any given time.
Wondering how you can spice up your game of cards for a party? We’ve got you. Here are some popular Indian card games you can enjoy with a deck of cards and simple stuff you already have at home.
A Number Of Dice:
If you only have a few dice at home, a friend or few friends, and nothing else, you can play a fun game called Liar’s Dice. Each player gets a dice, rolls it, and keeps it hidden from all the players.
Each player gets a turn to bid, that is, guess which number has come up on how many faces (dice). The player with the closest guess wins. Liar’s Dice is a simple, fun game sure to make your next get-together a fun one!
Poker Chips & A Pair Of Dice:
Got poker chips and a pair of dice? What are you waiting for? You are all set to play poker. Poker is one of the most popular card games the world over. Players contribute money to a common pool (pot) and place a bet while estimating the value of their hand vs the opponent’s hand. Estimating your opponent’s hand involves a certain amount of skill and the cards in your hand are based on luck, which is why it is considered a game of both skill and luck.
Poker involves possessing a fair amount of mathematical and logical skills while teaching patience and social skills. Next time you have a party, make it poker-themed and enjoy a game of poker post-dinner with friends.
Pen And Paper:
Play or Pay is a great game to enjoy when all you have at hand is a deck of cards and pen and paper. The objective of the game is to get rid of the cards in hand first. An equal number of cards are dealt to each player and the player to the left of the dealer begins by laying an ace from his hand or the leftover cards faceup on the table. If he can’t do so, mark him a point on the paper.
The next player to the left lays down the next card of the same suit. If he can’t do so, he gets a point too. The player who runs out of cards first wins the game and gets all the points marked.
Are you alone and want to play something cool? Planning a party and have a lot of friends coming over? Here are some card game suggestions you could consider:
Alone With A Deck Of Cards:
Alone and bored? Solitaire is here to your rescue. Solitaire is a single-player game where the objective is to make sequences. Place the cards face-down, flip them over one at a time and try to make various sequences.
It is the easiest game to enjoy at home, alone, with just a deck of cards and some of your favorite music.
A Group Of Friends With A Deck Of Cards:
Rummy is one of the oldest card games best enjoyed with a group of friends. Almost everyone in India knows, loves, and plays rummy. It is played with the 52-card deck with the jokers. It requires at least 2 players.
If there are more than 6 players, add another deck of cards. The aim of the game is for the players to make sets and sequences, with the first one to do so winning. Rummy is not only a game of strategy but also a great game to enhance memory.
To enjoy Rummy at home, gather around some friends and family, get your favorite drinks and snacks and get ready to have a great time. If everyone is up to it, raise the stakes to play for a bit of cash.
A fancy group of friends:
Next time your posh friends come over, make Bridge your game of choice. Considered to be a game of the rich because of its association with the British and its prevalence in exclusive Clubs, Bridge is now accepted and played by the mainstream Indians.
It is a team game, with four players forming 2 teams, sitting opposite each other. Each card in the game has a value and the aim is to get the highest card. Bridge is a game that could take a lifetime to master.
Enjoy bridge with your group of close friends when you want some serious mental stimulation. Get your pen-paper out and teach your friends the game.
It is very simple to have a fun time with whatever you have at home, without spending a large amount of money or stepping out. All you need is some good company and food and drinks.
Most card games are fun when played in moderation. They can be an excellent way to strategize and plan and help players improve their memory. Next time you are home alone or with friends, bring out a deck of cards and enjoy the centuries-old game.
