What Card Games Use 2 Decks?

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By Ralph Torres

If you’re a fan of card games, you may be wondering what card games use 2 decks. It’s not uncommon to see a game being played with two decks of cards, but not all card games require it. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular card games that use 2 decks.

Why Use 2 Decks?

Before we dive into the list of card games that use two decks, let’s first discuss why two decks are used in the first place. There are several reasons why a game might require two decks:

  • To accommodate more players: Some card games can be played with only one deck but require additional cards to accommodate more players. In such cases, using two decks can help increase the number of players.
  • To prevent cheating: Some games that involve shuffling and dealing cards frequently can make it easier for skilled players to cheat if only one deck is being used. Using two decks can help minimize the chances of cheating by making it harder for players to predict which cards are coming next.
  • To speed up gameplay: Using two decks can help speed up gameplay by reducing the time required to shuffle and deal cards between rounds.

List of Card Games That Use 2 Decks

Now that we know why some card games require two decks, let’s take a look at some popular ones:

Rummy

Rummy is a popular card game that requires two standard decks of 52 cards each. The objective of the game is to form sets or runs by drawing and discarding cards until one player has no more cards left in their hand.

Canasta

Canasta is another well-known card game that requires two decks of cards. The game involves forming melds of three or more cards of the same rank and can be played with two to six players.

Bridge

Bridge is a trick-taking game that requires four players split into two teams. The game is played with two decks of cards, and the objective is to win as many tricks as possible.

Gin Rummy

Gin Rummy is a variant of rummy that requires two decks of cards. The game involves forming melds and sets, but unlike traditional rummy, the objective is to have the lowest score possible at the end of the game.

Pinochle

Pinochle is a trick-taking game that requires two decks of cards with all cards below 9 removed, leaving only 80 cards in play. The game involves forming melds and winning tricks to score points.

Conclusion

While not all card games require two decks, there are several popular ones that do. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, using two decks can help make gameplay more exciting and challenging. So next time you’re looking for a new card game to play, consider trying one that uses 2 decks!