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Are you tired of playing the same card games over and over again? Looking for something new and exciting to pass the time with friends or family? Trick-taking card games are a great way to add fun competition to your gaming night.
Get ready for laughs, strategy, and suspense as you explore different styles of play that will challenge both novice and experienced players alike. If you’re looking for a unique experience packed with laughter and friendly rivalries, then it’s time to give one of these trick-taking card games a try!
Classic Trick-Taking Card Games for Suspenseful Fun
If you want to have fun with friends while hanging out, trick-taking card games provide endless opportunities for you and your friends to test your skills in a fast-paced game of strategy. From Spades to Euchre, these classic titles will bring hours of entertainment and laughs.
Spades
Another classic is the Spades card game, which has become renowned for its fast-paced gameplay and clever strategies. It’s a great option if you’re trying to learn the basics of trick-taking card games or just want something fun that anyone can quickly understand.
Fun facts about Spades:
- Typically played by four players divided into two partnerships, but two players can also play it
- A full 52-deck card is required
- Spades are the Trump or wild cards
- Don’t overbid or underbid
- The first team or individual to reach 500 points wins
The points may also vary, depending on how short or long you want to play. However, it’s an excellent game for all ages, and you can also play a Spades game online or through apps where social gaming is a prominent feature.
Euchre
Euchre is one of the most popular and engaging trick-taking card games with a solid following. It’s the ultimate game for those who want to be competitive while exercising their abilities in creating strategies. It’s more than just skill and luck; it’s all about formulating a plan.
Some quick facts about Euchre:
- Start with four players divided into two teams, or you can choose to play individually
- Play with a partial deck of 24, 25, or 32 cards (depending on variation)
- The goal is to be the first pair or individual to reach a number of points by getting tricks
Even with the different variations available, Euchre is seen as an incredible game to play with family and friends. Fortunately, you can play it on your smartphone to hone your skills. For instance, Euchre by AI Factory Limited is a great option to play against the game’s AI.
Hearts
Hearts is a classic that has been around for generations and is another popular trick-taking card game based on Reverse, which was older and developed in the 18th century. It’s different from Euchre or Spades because the game’s goal isn’t to get tricks—it’s to avoid getting them so that you get the lowest score.
Facts you need to know about Hearts:
- A single-player game where three to seven players can join
- Avoid the Queen of Spades or “Black Maria” as it will give you 13 points
- Avoid any Hearts card, as they’re equal to one point
- The player with the lowest score wins
Hearts also have variations, with Cancellation Hearts and Omnibus Hearts as two of the most popular. You can try these games through browser-based gaming platforms or apps to learn how to win.
Oh Hell
Also known as Blackout or Oh Pshaw, Oh Hell is an awesome trick-taking card game where you must employ your strategies and ensure it’s the right one. Like Hearts, this game also doesn’t require partnerships, so you and six other players can join and enjoy the game.
It stands out among other games because each player deals with a certain number of cards. After that, the number of cards every player deals more cards as the game goes on. The game starts with a player dealing with a specific suit, which every player has to follow if possible.
If you don’t have a card with the same suit, you can discard other cards or play a trump suit. It makes every game more interesting, and you can try it out with Oh Hell – Expert AI, which allows you to play against an expert AI.
Pitch
Pitch is a popular card game where three to seven players can play or be adapted into two teams of two players. It’s also called Setback or Auction Pitch in other parts of the world, and it’s popular among adults and kids.
Here are some facts you should know about Pitch:
- Start with a 52-deck card
- Players bid on how many tricks they can get, which is called trump bidding
- The player with the highest bid becomes the pitcher
Even though the gameplay is easy, the scoring is a bit complex. Plus, there are a lot of rules to follow. Some even print out these rules as a reference while playing to ensure that everyone is on the same page. If you’re still interested, Pitch-Expert AI is a satisfying smartphone app to help you practice your skills.
Wizard
A hobby card game with trick-taking elements is Wizard. Like Pitch, it’s also a game where players will bid for how many tricks they think they can make. The game starts with players dealing one card until the card progressively increases to five cards later.
Quick facts about Wizard:
- It’s usually played with two to six players
- Start with a 52-deck card
- There’s an of four Wizards and four Jesters in the deck
Wizards always win, while Jesters always lose, so the game becomes exciting when they appear during a trick.
Get Ready to Play & Practice Your Trick-Taking Skills
From Euchre to Pitch, plenty of trick-taking card games are out there for you and your friends or family to enjoy. From classic titles to modern twists on the genre, it’s time to liven up game night with some intense competition!
Are you ready? Grab your cards and become a master in these classic games. Even if you don’t have an internet connection, you can still have a great time with people you cherish and love.
