7 Card Games for Your Game Nights: From Classics to Collectables

September 10, 2025

person shuffling uno cards for card games with friends

Game nights have a way of bringing people together like nothing else. They’re casual, social, and fun. While board games often get the spotlight, there’s something timeless about card games. They’re portable, versatile, and can suit groups of almost any size.

Whether you’re in the mood for a fast-paced classic or a collectable showdown, card games offer the perfect mix of strategy, excitement, and community.

Here are seven card games that will keep your next game night buzzing.

1. Blackjack: The Timeless Classic

No list of card games would be complete without Blackjack. Known worldwide for its simple mechanics and fast pace, Blackjack is played in casinos, casual settings, and even on mobile apps. The objective is straightforward: beat the dealer by getting your hand as close to 21 as possible without going over.

What makes Blackjack shine on game nights is its accessibility. You don’t need an elaborate setup, just a deck of cards and a basic understanding of Blackjack rules. It works well for small groups, and its balance of chance and strategy keeps players engaged from round to round.

2. Andar Bahar: A South Asian Favourite

Originating from India, Andar Bahar is a simple yet thrilling game that’s gaining global popularity. One card is placed face-up in the centre, and players bet on whether a matching card will appear on the “Andar” (inside) pile or the “Bahar” (outside) pile.

The rules are easy to learn, making it perfect for mixed groups or beginners. Andar Bahar also provides quick rounds, which means it works well as a filler game between longer card sessions during a game night.

3. Poker: The Strategy Showdown

Few card games carry the same cultural weight as Poker. From Hollywood movies to local game nights, Poker has long been associated with strategy, bluffing, and camaraderie.

Texas Hold ’Em is the most popular variant, where each player gets two private cards and combines them with community cards to form the best hand. It’s competitive, social, and can last for hours, making it perfect for game nights where friends want to test their wits.

The beauty of Poker is that it scales. You can play low-stakes, fun rounds with friends or go deep into strategy for more intense competition.

4. Magic: The Gathering – A Fantasy Universe in Your Hands

For players who love depth, customisation, and fantasy themes, Magic: The Gathering is one of the most rewarding card games. Since its launch in the 1990s, Magic has grown into a cultural phenomenon with millions of players worldwide.

In this trading card game, each player builds a deck using cards that represent creatures, spells, and artefacts. Matches involve strategy, resource management, and tactical play, with each deck reflecting a player’s style.

While it requires more preparation than casual games, introducing Magic: The Gathering into a game night can transform it into a thrilling, ongoing series of battles. For friend groups that meet regularly, Magic offers a layer of continuity that few other games provide.

5. Pokémon TCG: Nostalgia Meets Competition

The Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG) blends nostalgia with modern competitive play. Fans who grew up watching Pokémon can now relive the excitement in an interactive way. Players build decks using their favourite Pokémon, energy cards, and trainer cards, then battle against each other to “knock out” opposing Pokémon.

The Pokémon TCG is surprisingly accessible, with starter decks available for newcomers and advanced strategies waiting for more experienced players. It’s especially fun on game nights where people share an existing love for the franchise.

Plus, its collectable nature sparks conversation and trading, making it more than just a game. It’s also a great social experience.

6. Rummy: Easy to Learn, Hard to Master

Another staple of card games worldwide, Rummy is all about forming sets and runs from your hand of cards. It’s a game that balances skill and luck, making it appealing to both casual and serious players.

There are multiple variations, from Gin Rummy to Indian Rummy, each with slightly different rules. Rummy works well for groups that enjoy sustained gameplay, as rounds can be linked into longer matches with cumulative scores.

Its straightforward mechanics make it ideal for mixed-age groups at family gatherings or friend get-togethers.

7. UNO: A Modern Classic for All Ages

Though technically played with a custom deck, UNO has earned its place among the most beloved card games of the modern era. With its colourful design, special action cards, and “UNO!” call-outs, the game has become a global favourite.

Part of its charm lies in its accessibility. UNO can be played by kids, adults, and mixed groups, making it one of the most inclusive options for game night. The suspense of holding a single card while hoping others don’t reverse or skip your turn adds an element of lighthearted drama that few other games match.

Why Card Games Belong at Every Game Night

Card games have stood the test of time because they’re portable, flexible, and endlessly replayable. From traditional classics like Blackjack and Rummy to modern franchises like Magic: The Gathering and the Pokémon TCG, they offer something for every type of player.

For casual players, quick rounds of Andar Bahar or UNO can keep the energy high. For strategy lovers, Poker or Magic provide depth and replay value. And for those seeking nostalgia, Pokémon cards spark instant connections.

Most importantly, card games foster social interaction. Unlike solo digital entertainment, they thrive on human connection—laughter, bluffing, rivalry, and shared victories.

Too Far? Go Virtual!

These popular card games have also entered the digital space with online versions and apps! Get on Discord or live chat lobbies and have a virtual game night if you’re too far from your friends.

And if you and your friends enjoy high-stakes virtual game nights with real bets, you can always find live game lobbies with excellent customer service, secure deposits, and fast withdrawals.

A Deck for Every Game Night

At your next gathering, don’t overlook the humble deck of cards or collectable stacks tucked away on a shelf. The world of card games is as diverse as it is engaging.

Whether you’re teaching friends the basics of Blackjack rules, diving into the fantasy universes of Magic or Pokémon, or keeping things light with UNO, the right game has the power to elevate any game night.

So shuffle the deck, deal the cards, and let the night unfold! You might just discover your new favourite tradition.