Fancy a game of cards? Don’t worry if you don’t have a pack of cards handy. And don’t worry if you have no-one to play with either. There are plenty of card games that you can play online on your computer or phone. And many of them are free! Such games can not only be a great way to occupy yourself, but a way of testing your brain. You can also use these online resources as practice for real life games.
Just which card games can you play online for free? Below are 10 examples of games that can be found online and that don’t cost anything to play.
Hearts
This classic evasion-type card game requires you get the least amount of points by avoiding hearts cards (which are worth 1 point each or 13 points for the Queen). It’s typically played with four players, but there are variants that can allow you to play with more players. Hearts can be played online for free on many websites and via several apps. You can play hearts against a computer or play against real players. ‘Shoot for the moon’ rules still apply in many of these games.
Rummy
Rummy is a game that challenges you to get rid of all the cards in your hand by creating sets (such as A♦, A♥, A♠) and sequences (such as A♦, 2♦, 3♦). You can play Rummy free online against a computer or with friends. If you’re used to the Gin Rummy variant where you can draw from the deck instead of the discard pile, you’ll be happy to know that there are also free versions of this game available.
Solitaire
Solitaire is one of the most well-known solo card games, challenging players to create stacked sequences of cards by rearranging piles. If you’ve ever owned a computer with Microsoft Windows installed on it, you may already be aware that solitaire comes included as a standard featured program. But what if you’re not using a Windows device? Well, there are many sites that allow you to play solitaire online for free – including spider solitaire and klondike. Solitaire is a great patience-building game that can be made harder or easier through various online variants.
Pairs
Pairs is a simple memory-testing game using a deck of cards. All the cards are arranged face down. You must then pick two cards and try to make a pair, remembering each card that you or another player subsequently picks up. There are many free online versions of pairs that you can play, including unconventional versions of pairs using different types of cards to traditional playing cards. This includes picture card versions for kids.
Poker
Poker is the most popular card game that people gamble money on. However, you don’t have to play with money. There are many free versions of online poker – including variants like Texas Hold Em and 7-Card Stud – which allow you to compete against real players while using virtual chips. The aim of poker is to build the best five card hand using the two hole cards that you are dealt and the five community cards on the table which are slowly revealed. Whether you’re learning to play poker for the first time or trying to build your bluffing skills without betting real money, these free online versions can prove valuable.
Blackjack
Blackjack (also known as Twenty-One or Pontoon) is another popular card game often played at casinos with real money. But like poker, you don’t have to play with real money. The aim of blackjack is to try to get the value of your hand as close to 21 as possible without going over (at which point you go ‘bust’). There are free versions of blackjack online that can allow you to compete against real players or a computer.
Bridge
Bridge is considered one of the hardest card games to master. It is a four player game that is played in pairs (called ‘partnerships’) in which you must place bids and win tricks using combinations of cards (there are 13 tricks up for grabs). The best way to get to grips with bridge is to play it – and because you cannot always find people who know how to play it, online bridge games can be a great place to start. Of course, if you know how to play bridge, online bridge sites and apps can also be a fun place to practice. While you can play bridge while betting real money, there are many free versions of this game that you can play.
Uno
Beyond traditional playing cards, there are many other card games that you can play online – including Uno. The objective of Uno is to get rid of all the cards in your hand by playing the same number or color as the previous player. It’s a very simple and fun game that can be played with 2 to 10 players. It’s also a game that you can play online for free by downloading the Uno app or by visiting the Uno Online website.
Cards Against Humanity
Cards Against Humanity challenges players to fill in the blank with the funniest (or most outrageous) word or phrase chosen from cards in their hand. It’s ideal for those that want to play a light-hearted card game (just make sure you’re not easily offended). Cards Against Humanity is free to play online. There is even a Cards Against Humanity lab where you can test new cards with random internet strangers.
Magic: The Gathering
Magic: The Gathering is one of the few trading card games that is available to play online for free. You won’t be able to access every card – some of these can only be accessed by playing. But you still get access to many of the cards and are able to play games with strangers of all levels. Online Magic: The Gathering is a great tool for practicing and developing your skills. Try playing it today if you’re a fan of the original card game.