Do you remember playing cards as a child? Those days brought back fond memories of laughter, strategy, and luck! Playing card games is an age-old tradition passed down through generations, providing hours of entertainment and challenge for adults and children alike.
From classic Spades to the more obscure Baraja Español or Gin Rummy, there are so many different types of card games out there – it can be hard to know which ones are worth learning. In this blog, we’ll look at some of the oldest playing card games and give you all the tips you need to get started.
Whether you’re looking for something new to try with friends or want to introduce your kids to some classic fun – these time-tested card games should suit players from all walks of life!
5 Old-Age Classic Card Games to Discover
Card games have been around for many generations, providing our ancestors’ entertainment when the internet was still a speck of dust. It shows that humans are resourceful and will stop at nothing to find something to keep them occupied. Below are only some examples.
Spades
While not as old as Baraja Español, Spades still deserves a spot on our list. Invented in the 1930s in the US, it’s a trick-taking card game that has evolved over the years. It can be played with a partner or solo, but only four players are allowed in each round. With so many technological advances, you can play Spades in your browser or with an app.
How is Spades played?
- The 52-card deck is used, and the Spade is always the trump.
- Points are determined before the game starts, with 500 as the common and 200 for quick games.
- The dealer deals cards face down, and players organize them according to their suits.
- Players decide on the number of tricks they can take, and the bidding is led by the dealer’s left-hand player until the final contract is determined.
- The same player starts the game, and other players follow suit.
- Players can discard a card or use the Trump if they can’t follow suit.
- If a player is able to achieve the best Trump or has the highest suit (for no Trump), they win a trick
With its complex but enticing gameplay, it has become more accessible. For instance, downloading an app allows you to play spades online for free. One can try browser-based Spades games if you don’t want to download the app.
Baraja Español
Baraja Español is a card game that originated in Spain during the 1900s. However, it started when the Moors introduced a vintage card deck to Spain, now known as Baraja. Today, the card game uses 40 or 48 cards with four suits.
It resembles an Italian deck more than a French deck, but it falls in the category of a Latin deck. Some parts of Italy, North Africa, France, Hispanic America, the Philippines, and All of Spain frequently utilize Spanish-suited cards.
If you’re interested and want to know how this game is played, Baraja Española by RIMBOU DIGITAL is available on Play Store for free. Download it on your smartphone, and learn how this ancient card game is played.
Gin Rummy
Another card game devised in the 1900s is Gin Rummy. It originated in the US, and it employs a standard 52-card deck. According to magician John Scarne, Gin Rummy was developed in the 19th century from whiskey poker. It’s also meant to be faster than Knock Rummy but more organized.
Its gameplay is simple. The non-dealing player can take the upcard from the discard pile or pass on the first round. After that, all players take turns switching off until a player knocks, goes gin, or if only two cards are left in the pile. If two cards are left, the game is a draw, and no points are given. Once a player reaches 100 points, they’re the winner.
If you have exceptional multitasking skills, you can win in Gin Rummy. Here’s how:
- Logically place your cards in your hand
- Keep an eye on other players
- Foreseeing potential actions and planning ahead
If you want to experience Gin Rummy without the commitment, you can start playing on your browser through browser-based platforms. These offer quick and easy access to the game with no download needed.
Conquian
Developed in 1850 in Mexico, according to court papers dated 1861, Conquian is played using a Spanish deck of 40 cards. The deck doesn’t have 8s, 9s, and 10s, with Kings high and Aces low.
The goal is to be the first one to meld 11 cards. There must be a dealer, which will be selected by drawing the lowest card from the shuffled deck. Afterward, ten cards will be distributed to each player. The remaining is the pile, which is placed in the middle.
Melding should have three or four cards of the same suit in sequence. The game begins with a player getting a card from the stock or discard pile. It can only be kept if it is used in a meld. If not, it must be dumped face-up on the discard pile. If other players can use it, they may play other melds in their hands.
The first player to meld 11 cards wins. It’s relatively easy once you get the gist of the game. To learn more, download Conquian – Siete Y Media Burro for an intuitive gameplay experience.
Poker
The oldest on this list is Poker. It was developed in 1829 using a 52-deck card. It was initially introduced in New Orleans, where four players would bet on the best hand. However, it boomed and gained notoriety in the 1980s. Now, numerous variations are available to tailor to casino players’ needs.
Different Poker variations:
- Texas Hold’em
- Omaha
- Seven card stud
- Three card poker
- Pai gow poker
Due to its popularity, Poker has been adopted by many digital platforms. For those who want to play the game without spending real money, try Mega Hit Poker: Texas Holdem for a realistic but free experience. It has a wide selection of tournaments and events to satisfy different players.
Experience 5 of the Oldest Games for Free
All games on the list are still played to this day, so it’s not surprising that they have been adapted digitally. So what are you waiting for? If you’re bored and looking for something to pass the time, why not try any of these games?
Get your friends together for some Baraja Español or join an online Poker table. There are numerous ways to enjoy each game without spending real money!
