With a single deck of cards there are estimated to be up to 10,000 games according to the International Playing Card Society. This ranges from intricate complex games based on deep strategy to simple games of chance. You have options for solo games, pairs, or whole groups. Having a deck of cards on hand when camping can mean hours of good old-fashioned fun. So why not take a moment for rediscovering card games so you can add a few to your next camping trip.
Go Fish!
One of the simplest games & a great one to try out with the children. The main goal of the game is to pair up all your cards & end up with the most pairs of cards. Before starting, remove the jokers from the deck.
When playing with 2 – 3 people, deal each person 7 cards (if playing with more than 3, deal 5). Place the rest of the cards in a deck in the middle of the players.
Go round clockwise & during one players turn, ask one of your opponents if they have a card which may match one you are holding. E.g. You are holding a 3, ask your opponent ‘Do you have any 3s?’
If your opponent has a 3 in their hand, they must give it to you. If they don’t, they will say ‘go fish’, then you must take the top card from the deck.
Continue to go round all the players, looking for pairs until the cards are all paired. Whoever has the most pairs at the end is the winner.
Some Other Games to Try out
Golf – A slightly more complex game, Golf can be a game of chance or strategy depending on how much you want to concentrate on the cards. Traditionally it is a scoring game, with the aim of the lowest score & the first to reach 50 points declared the loser. Click Here to learn how to play.
Spoons – This is a fast paced & somewhat chaotic game but it’s good fun. The base idea of this game is to try & get four of the same cards, then it’s a race for a spoon. Click Here to learn how to play.
With a simple deck of cards at the ready, there’s a lot of fun to be had. It’s well worth bringing that old deck with you on your next adventure to rediscovering card games.