When it comes to card games, finding one that can accommodate a group of 5 players can be a bit of a challenge. While many popular card games such as Poker and Bridge require at least 4 players, they may not be ideal for a group of 5.
But fret not, there are still several great card games that you can play with 5 people. In this article, we will explore some of the best card games that you can play with a group of 5.
1. Euchre
Euchre is a classic trick-taking game that is played with a deck of 24 cards.
The game is typically played with four players in teams of two, but it can also be played with five players by adding an extra player to one of the teams. The objective of the game is to win tricks and score points by taking the most tricks in each round.
How to Play Euchre:
- The dealer shuffles the deck and deals five cards to each player.
- The remaining four cards are placed face down on the table to form the kitty.
- The player to the left of the dealer has the option to call trump or pass.
- If they pass, then the next player has the option to call trump or pass.
- If all players pass, then another round begins until someone calls trump.
- Once trump is called, each player takes turns playing a card from their hand.
- The highest card in the suit led or highest trump wins the trick.
- The team that takes more than half of the total number of tricks wins that round.
2. Hearts
Hearts is another popular card game that can be played with 5 players. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and the objective is to avoid taking heart cards and the Queen of Spades.
How to Play Hearts:
- The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 13 cards to each player.
- Players must choose three cards from their hand to pass to another player.
- The player with the 2 of Clubs leads the first trick.
- Players must follow suit if possible, but can play any card if they don’t have a card of the suit led.
- The highest card of the suit led wins the trick, unless a heart or the Queen of Spades is played.
- The player who takes the trick containing a heart or the Queen of Spades earns penalty points.
- The game ends when one player reaches 100 points or more, and the player with the lowest score wins.
3. Spades
Spades is a popular trick-taking game that can be played with 5 players. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and requires players to bid on how many tricks they think they can take in each round.
How to Play Spades:
- The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 13 cards to each player.
- Players must bid on how many tricks they think they can take in each round.
- Once all bids are placed, players take turns playing a card from their hand.
- If a player takes more tricks than they bid, they earn bonus points.
- The game ends when one player reaches 500 points or more, and the player with the highest score wins.
4. Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is a two-player card game that can be played with 5 players by adding extra decks of cards. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards and the objective is to form sets and runs of cards in your hand.
How to Play Gin Rummy:
- The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 10 cards to each player.
- The remaining cards are placed face down on the table to form the stock pile.
- The top card from the stock pile is placed face up next to it to form the discard pile.
- Players take turns drawing either from the stock pile or discard pile and discarding a card from their hand onto the discard pile.
- The goal is to form sets and runs of cards in your hand, which can be laid down on the table for points.
- The game ends when one player has formed all their cards into sets and runs, or when only two cards remain in the stock pile.
Conclusion
Playing card games with five players may seem like a challenge, but there are still plenty of great options available. Whether you prefer trick-taking games like Euchre and Spades, or strategy games like Hearts and Gin Rummy, there’s sure to be a game that everyone will enjoy. So grab your deck of cards and get ready for some fun!