What Card Games Did Pirates Play?

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By Eric Wilson

Pirates were known for their love of gambling and card games were a popular pastime among them. But what exactly were the card games that pirates played? Let’s delve deeper into their world of gaming and find out.

The Most Popular Card Games Among Pirates

1. Loo
Loo was a simple but popular card game played by pirates.

It required a minimum of three players and up to eight players could participate. The objective of the game was to be the last player with cards in hand. Each player was dealt five cards and the rest were placed in a pile, known as the kitty.

Players took turns bidding on how many tricks they could win in each round. The highest bidder would lead with any card they desired, and other players would have to follow suit if possible. The player who won a trick would lead in the next round until all tricks had been played.

Tip: To increase your chances of winning, try to remember which cards have been played so you can anticipate which ones are still in play.

2. Put
Put was another popular game among pirates that required three or more players. Players were dealt five cards each, and the rest were placed face down on the table as a stockpile.

The objective of the game was to be the first player to get rid of all their cards by creating sets of three or more matching cards from their hand. Players took turns trying to create sets or adding cards to existing sets made by other players.

Tip: To increase your chances of winning, try to hold onto high-value cards (like Kings and Aces) until you can create a set with them.

3. Seven Up
Seven Up was an easy-to-learn card game that required at least three players but could accommodate up to eight players. Players were dealt seven cards each, and the rest of the cards formed a draw pile.

The objective of the game was to be the first player to get rid of all their cards by playing them on top of a central discard pile. Players took turns playing cards that either matched the suit or rank of the card on top of the discard pile.

Tip: To increase your chances of winning, try to hold onto high-value cards until you can play them on top of other cards and clear your hand faster.

The Takeaway

Pirates were known for their love of gambling and card games were an essential part of their leisure time. Loo, Put, and Seven Up were just a few examples of popular card games played by pirates during their voyages.

These games required strategy, skill, and luck to win. So why not gather some friends and try out one of these pirate classics? Who knows, you might just strike it lucky!