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6 card game alternatives to UNO you should try

by | Last updated: Aug 23, 2023 | Interesting Facts

For almost 50 years, Uno has been bringing friends and family together for a round or two of a fast, fun card game. Whether you are a die-hard fan or have only played it a few times, there is a lot to love about this classic game. The rules are simple, the gameplay is quick, and anyone can play.

Uno is one of those games that everyone enjoys, regardless of age, background, or skill level. Whether you are looking for a family card game to play together or a competitive game to play with friends, Uno is without a doubt a great choice.

But what if you want something new that is even more accessible? We have prepared a list with some fresh card games that would keep you equally engaged. They are just as fun and easy to play as Uno, and you can enjoy them with a standard deck of cards. Some are traditional shedding-type, while others mix in a bit of strategy. Great way to expand your card game repertoire and keep the fun coming.

1. Crazy Eights

Crazy Eights is a fast-paced card game that is easy to learn, especially if you know the rules of Uno. It’s one of the most popular card games for two to four players. You can play the game using a standard deck of cards. Just like Uno, the goal of Crazy Eights is to be the first to get rid of all cards from your hand. The first player to do so wins the game. You are allowed to discard a card that either matches the suit or the type of the previously discarded card on the table. There are some special cards. For example, if you play a Queen, the next player skips their turn. Any of the 2s force the next player to draw 2 cards. With the 8s, you can choose the suit that can be discarded next.

2. Spit

Spit is a great card game for 2 players. But unlike traditional card games where players take turns, in Spit, they race to be the first one left without cards. It’s a game of quick thinking and quick hands, so the first player to spit out their cards wins. It’s also a great game to play, if you and a friend want to squeeze in a quick game without interrupting each other. When both players have their decks ready, they take the top cards and place them face-up in the middle of the table, next to each other thus forming the two discard piles. Players then put as many cards as they can on top of the discard piles, as fast as possible. When putting a card on a discard pile, it must be either one rank higher or one lower than the top card on the pile. For example, a 7 or a 9 can be placed on an 8. Spit has very similar rules and gameplay to the Speed card game.

3. Idiot (Palace)

This is not one of the most popular card games, but it is still very entertaining. Idiot is played with a 52-card deck and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. The aim of Idiot is not to be the last player who discards all of their cards. The player positioned left to the dealer starts by playing a card in the middle of the playing area. Players take turns trying to play a card that outranks or equals the previous card. If they can’t do either of those things, they must take the entire center pile. A player must always have three cards in their hand, and they replace any cards they play with new cards from the Stock.

4. Switch

The Switch card game is very similar to Uno and Crazy Eights. Each player starts with 7 cards, and the goal is to be the first one left with none. To play, put down a card that either matches the suit or rank of the top card on the discard pile. There are also cards with special powers. In this game, you can force the next player to miss their turn by playing an 8. If you play a Black Jack (Clubs or Spades) then the next player must draw 5 cards from the Stock. However, a Red Jack neutralizes a Black Jack.

5. Rolling Stone

Another fun card game with an even funnier name. Needless to say, you can win Rolling Stone by being the first one without cards in your hand. Each player starts with 8 cards. They can discard cards only by following suit. If a player is unable to follow suit, they must add all cards currently on the table to their hand. The trick is won by the player who played the card with the highest rank. Then he starts the next trick.

6. Mau Mau

Mau Mau is basically a variation of Crazy Eights. It follows the same rules, but the differences are in the special cards. Here you can use a 9 to change the direction of the play (clockwise or anti-clockwise). By playing a 7, you force the next player to draw 2 cards. Choosing a new color to discard is done by playing a Jack.

Mao is another game of the same type.

All of the games listed above are a suitable replacement for Uno. Rules are quite similar, so you can get used to them quickly. Not only that, some of these card games are even available online for free. And playing online games can have a positive impact on your well-being. So, we encourage you to visit our special card games online section and find more exciting recommendations.

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