Looking for a fun and challenging card game for three players? Whether you’re looking to pass the time with friends or family, there are plenty of great options to choose from. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best 3 player card games out there.
1. Cutthroat Bridge
Cutthroat Bridge is a variation of the classic game of Bridge, but with a twist – instead of working together with your partner to win tricks, you’re competing against them. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and involves bidding and playing tricks.
How to Play:
- Players bid on the number of tricks they think they can win.
- The player with the highest bid becomes the “declarer” and partners with the player sitting opposite them.
- The third player becomes the “dummy” and their cards are placed face up on the table for all players to see.
- The declarer leads the first trick, and players must follow suit if possible.
- The player who wins a trick leads the next one.
- At the end of each hand, points are awarded based on how many tricks each player won compared to their bid.
2. Three-Handed Euchre
Euchre is a popular trick-taking game that’s usually played with four players, but it can also be adapted for three players. The game uses only 24 cards (9s through Aces) and involves bidding and taking tricks.
How to Play:
- Players bid on how many tricks they think they can take.
- The highest bidder becomes the “maker” and chooses which suit will be trump.
- The player to the left of the maker leads the first trick.
- Players must follow suit if possible, and the highest card of the led suit or trump wins the trick.
- The maker wins if they take at least as many tricks as they bid; otherwise, the other players win.
3. Skat
Skat is a German card game that’s played with a deck of 32 cards. It involves bidding and taking tricks, and is known for its complex strategy.
How to Play:
- Players bid on how many points they think they can score from their hand.
- The highest bidder becomes the “declarer” and chooses two cards to discard face down.
- The declarer then leads the first trick and players must follow suit if possible.
- At the end of each hand, points are awarded based on how many tricks each player won and which cards were played.
4. Pinochle
Pinochle is a trick-taking game that’s played with a special deck of cards that includes two of each rank from Ace through Ten. The game involves melding (laying down sets of cards) as well as taking tricks.
How to Play:
- Players start by melding sets of cards (such as pairs or flushes).
- The player with the highest meld becomes the “maker” and chooses which suit will be trump.
- At the end of each hand, points are awarded for melds and tricks won.
Conclusion
These are just a few examples of the many great 3 player card games out there. Whether you’re a fan of classic trick-taking games or prefer something a little more strategic, there’s sure to be a game that suits your tastes. So gather up two friends and get ready to have some fun!