When it comes to card games, using two decks of cards adds a whole new level of complexity and strategy to the game. While most standard card games are played with a single deck, there are several popular games that require two decks of cards. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of these games and explore what makes them so unique.
Why Use Two Decks?
Before we dive into specific games, let’s first discuss why someone might want to play with two decks of cards. The most obvious reason is that it allows for more players to participate in the game.
With two decks, you can have twice as many players as you would with one deck. Additionally, using two decks can make the game more challenging and strategic, as players will have access to more cards and therefore more options for their moves.
Games That Use Two Decks
Now that we’ve covered why someone might use two decks of cards, let’s take a look at some of the popular card games that require this setup.
Canasta
Canasta is a rummy-style game that was originally developed in Uruguay in the 1940s. It quickly gained popularity around the world and is now played by millions of people. Canasta requires two standard decks of playing cards (including jokers) for a total of 108 cards.
The game is typically played with four players who are divided into teams of two. The objective is to score points by creating melds (sets or runs) of three or more cards. One unique aspect of Canasta is that players can only go out (end the round) when they have created at least one meld containing seven cards.
Gin Rummy
Gin Rummy is another popular rummy-style game that requires two standard decks of playing cards (without jokers) for a total of 104 cards. The game is typically played with two players, although it can be played with more.
The objective of Gin Rummy is to score points by creating melds (sets or runs) of three or more cards. The game is played in rounds, and the first player to reach 100 points wins. One unique aspect of Gin Rummy is that players are allowed to knock (end the round) even if they have unmatched cards.
Bridge
Bridge is a trick-taking game that is played with four players divided into two teams. The game requires two standard decks of playing cards (without jokers) for a total of 104 cards.
In Bridge, players bid on the number of tricks they believe they can take during each round. They then try to win as many tricks as possible by playing high-ranking cards in each suit. One unique aspect of Bridge is that it uses a complex scoring system that takes into account both the number of tricks won and the level of the bid.
Conclusion
While using two decks of playing cards may seem daunting at first, it adds a whole new level of complexity and strategy to some popular card games like Canasta, Gin Rummy, and Bridge. These games are enjoyed by millions around the world for their unique gameplay mechanics and challenging strategies.
So why not give them a try yourself? Grab two decks of playing cards and see how they add a new dimension to your favorite card games!