Easy Card Games for Two Players
Looking for a fun way to pass the time with a friend or a loved one? Card games are a classic choice, offering endless entertainment and friendly competition. If you’re looking for easy card games for two players, you are in the right place.
Easy Card Games for 2 Players
Here are 15 fantastic easy card games for 2 players to play. Also, you can read more about the best card games for 2 people.
1. One of the Most Popular Simple Card Came for 2 – Gin Rummy
Description: A variant of Rummy where players aim to form sets and runs of cards in their hand and then “knock” to end the round.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Each player is dealt 10 cards, and the remaining deck forms the draw pile. Players take turns drawing and discarding cards to form sets of three or more cards of the same rank or runs of consecutive cards in the same suit.
A player can end the round by “knocking” when they have formed all their cards into valid sets and runs, and then revealing their hand.
The opponent can then lay off any unmatched cards on the knocker’s sets and runs. The round ends, and points are scored based on the deadwood count (unmatched cards).
The aim is to have the lowest deadwood count by forming sets and runs and knocking before the opponent.
2. Crazy Eights – Easy Card Game for Two
Description: Crazy eights easy card game for two where players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Each player is dealt 7 cards, and the remaining deck forms the draw pile. Players take turns playing cards that match either the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile, or an eight to change the suit.
If a player cannot play, they must draw cards from the draw pile until they can. The first player to empty their hand wins.
3. War
Description: War is a simple yet exciting game where players compare the value of their cards to determine the winner of each round.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: The deck is evenly divided between the players. In each round, both players simultaneously reveal the top card of their deck.
The player with the higher-ranked card wins both cards and adds them to the bottom of their stack.
In the event of a tie, a “war” occurs, and players place three cards face down, then reveal a fourth card, with the higher-ranked card winning all the cards in the war. The game continues until one player collects all the cards.
4. Go Fish
Description: Go Fish is a classic game where players aim to collect sets of matching cards by asking opponents for specific ranks.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Each player is dealt 5 cards, and the remaining deck forms the draw pile. Players take turns asking each other for cards to complete sets.
If the opponent has the requested card, they must give it to the asking player, who then gets another turn. If not, the asking player draws from the draw pile.
The game continues until all sets are completed, and the player with the most sets wins.
5. Old Maid – Simple Card Game for 2
Description: A light-hearted game where players aim to avoid being left with the “old maid” card.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck with one queen removed (the “old maid”).
Rules: The deck is shuffled and dealt evenly between the players. Players take turns drawing cards from each other’s hands, trying to make pairs and discard them.
The player left with the unmatchable “old maid” card loses.
6. Slapjack
Description: Slapjack is a fast-paced game of reflexes where players aim to collect all the cards in the deck.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: The deck is shuffled and divided evenly between the players. Players take turns playing cards into a central pile.
When a jack is played, the first player to slap the pile claims all the cards. The game continues until one player collects all the cards.
7. Speed
Description: Speed is a game of speed and strategy where players aim to be the first to get rid of their cards.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Each player is dealt 5 cards face down, with the rest forming a draw pile. Players simultaneously play cards from their hands onto shared piles in ascending or descending order.
The first player to empty their hand wins the round.
8. Spit (also known as Speed)
Description: Spit is a game where players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards by playing them into shared piles.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players each have their own deck of cards, and the game is played over multiple rounds.
Players at the same time play cards from their decks into common piles in ascending or descending order. The first player to empty their stockpile wins.
9. Egyptian Ratscrew (also known as Slap)
Description: Egyptian Ratscrew also known as Slap game of speed and reflexes where players aim to collect all the cards in the deck.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: The deck is dealt evenly between the players. Players take turns playing cards into a central pile. When certain combinations appear, such as doubles or sandwiches, players race to slap the pile.
The first player to slap claims the pile, and the game continues.
10. Nerts (also known as Pounce or Racing Demon)
Description: Nerts is a fast-paced solitaire game for two players where speed and agility are key.
Cards Needed: Two standard 52-card decks with different backs.
Rules: Players race to move cards from their own individual decks into shared foundation piles in ascending order by suit.
The first player to deplete their stockpile wins.
11. Rummy 500
Description: A variant of Rummy where players aim to form sets and runs of cards to score points.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players draw and discard cards to form sets of three or more cards of the same rank or runs of consecutive cards in the same suit.
Points are awarded for valid combinations, and the first player to reach a certain score wins.
12. Double Solitaire
Description: A variation of traditional Solitaire designed for two players, where each player works independently to build their own tableau.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players build their own foundations and tableau piles following traditional Solitaire rules. The first player to clear their tableau wins.
13. Horse Race
Description: Horse Race is a simple betting game where players aim to predict the outcome of a simulated horse race.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players bet on the outcome of a simulated horse race by drawing cards from a deck representing different horses. The player with the winning horse wins the round.
14. Oh Hell (also known as Oh Pshaw or Up and Down the River)
Description: Oh Hell also known as Oh Pshaw or Up and Down the River trick-taking game where players aim to predict how many tricks they will win each round.
Cards Needed: A standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players predict the number of tricks they will win each round, then take turns playing cards into a central pile. Points are awarded based on accuracy, with bonuses for exact predictions.
15. Scrimish
Description: Scrimish is a strategic card game where players aim to eliminate their opponent’s “royal family” cards.
Cards Needed: A Scrimish deck, consisting of 25 red and 25 blue cards, each with various symbols.
Rules: Players take turns revealing cards from their decks and strategically deploying cards to attack and defend against their opponent’s royal family cards. The first player to eliminate their opponent’s royals wins the game.
Conclusion
These easy card games for two players offer a wide variety of experiences.
Enjoy playing!
F.A.Q
How many cards do I need to play these games❓
Most of these games require a standard 52-card deck.
Are these games suitable for children❓
Many of these games are suitable for children, but parental discretion is advised as some may involve elements of strategy or competition.
Do I need any special skills to play these easy card games for two people❓
❌ No, most of these games are easy to learn and don’t require any special skills.
What are some easy card games for 2 people❓
Some easy card games for 2 players include Gin Rummy, Crazy Eights, War, Go Fish, and Old Maid.
What are the advantages of playing simple card games for 2❓
Easy two person card games provides an opportunity for intimate and engaging gameplay experiences, fostering communication, strategic thinking, and friendly competition between players.