Expressions and idioms derived from playing cards and card games
As the English language has developed over time, many expressions have entered common usage, which give meanings to words quite different from the literal meanings of the individual words themselves. When this happens it is referred to as an idiom, which is a phrase that doesn’t always follow the normal rules of meaning and grammar.
Many idioms have their background in older phrases that have changed over time, or originate in specialized areas and have come to have a broader usage. So it’s no surprise that a lot of idiomatic expressions in English originate in the world of playing cards and card games like Poker. Not every expression that might seem to be playing card related is necessarily so; for example the idiom “call a spade a spade” actually originates in a first century Greek writing, well before playing cards even existed!
But many expressions and catch-phrases do originate with playing cards and card games, and this just goes to show the tremendous impact that cards and games have had on our culture. In fact, language usage like this is often used by sociologists, anthropologists, and historians, to measure how widely known card games were, because their use in language is clear evidence of their cultural importance and significance.
So let’s learn how card games haven’t just put cards into our hands, but have also put phrases and expressions into our English language!
● Above boardWhat it means: Honest and straightforward, not secret or deceptive.
How it originated: When playing a game of cards, players would show that they were not cheating by keeping their hands above the table, which was originally called a “board”.
● Have an Ace (or card) up your sleeve or Ace in the holeWhat it means: Something important held in reserve, which others aren’t aware of, and can be used to your advantage at the right time.
How it originated: Magicians or cheaters at cards would sometimes literally have a card up their sleeve, that they would sneakily pull out at the appropriate moment. Similar is an “Ace in the hole”, which originates in Poker. Since an Ace is the strongest card, and your “hole” cards are hidden and known only by you, having an Ace in the hole means you have a hidden advantage that becomes known when revealed later in the game.
● All bets are offWhat it means: The outcome of a situation or event is unpredictable.
How it originated: When a game situation is uncertain, for example after an unexpected change, then no players would take any bets due to the uncertainties.
● Ante upWhat it means: Pay the money for something.
How it originated: An ante is the amount of money you put on the table as your bet at the start of a card game.
● Come up trumpsWhat it means: To successfully achieve a better-than-expected outcome.
How it originated: In card games, trump cards beat all other suits.
● Deal inWhat it means: Include someone.
How it originated: In a card game, the playing cards are “dealt” to all the players, so to be dealt in means to be part of the game.
● Dealt a bad handWhat it means: Have bad luck, or receive a disadvantage.
How it originated: No matter how skilful you are, if you are dealt a hand of bad cards, this is hard to overcome!
● Few cards short of a deck or Not playing with a full deckWhat it means: Unintelligent, mentally deficient, somewhat crazy or simple.
How it originated: A deck that has several cards short is obviously incomplete, and can’t function properly for a card game.
● Follow suitWhat it means: Follow someone else’s actions or example, and do what they have done.
How it originated: Especially in trick taking games, players are often required to play a card of the same suit as the person who plays first in a hand.
● Hold all the cards or Hold all the AcesWhat it means: Be in a strong position, with all the advantages.
How it originated: If a player held all the Aces – usually the strongest card – or a winning hand, they had a very strong advantage, and the best chance of winning.
● House of cardsWhat it means: Something unstable, badly put together, and easily destroyed.
How it originated: Building a literal house of cards can be a fun activity, but the result is usually very fragile, and an accidental bump in the wrong place will cause the entire structure to fall.
● In spadesWhat it means: To have something in a large amount, or an extreme degree, as much or even more than you’d want or need.
How it originated: The highest ranking cards in Bridge are the Spades, so if you had cards in Spades you’d be in a good position.
● In the cardsWhat it means: Possible, likely.
How it originated: This originates in the practice of using playing cards (especially Tarot cards) are sometimes used for fortune-telling, to predict the future.
● Joker in the packWhat it means: An unexpected and unpredictable variable that could have a large impact.
How it originated: In many card games the Joker is a “wild card” that can be used as any card, and therefore can be a real game-changer.
● Lay your cards on the table or Show your handWhat it means: Be open, and honestly reveal your intentions or resources for all to see.
How it originated: Games like Poker involve a showdown where players need to reveal their hand and show what they have; prior to laying your cards on the table, or showing your hand, your strength is secret and unknown, and even subject to bluffing.
● Lost in the shuffleWhat it means: Overlooked or bypassed, often in a busy setting or crowded circumstances.
How it originated: The aim of shuffling, naturally, is to lose cards in a deck, so that their position isn’t known or immediately identifiable.
● Overplay your handWhat it means: Overestimate the strength of your position.
How it originated: This is a result of thinking that the cards in your hand are of greater strength and value than is actually the case.
● Play your cards close to your chestWhat it means: Be very secretive or cautious.
How it originated: By literally keeping your cards close to your chest, there is less chance that other players will see them, and discover the strength of your hand.
● Play your cards rightWhat it means: Make the best use of your opportunities to achieve the greatest success possible.
How it originated: Winning a card game requires more than having a good hand – you also need to play your cards right, by deciding when and how to play them.
● Play your last cardWhat it means: Make a final or last-ditch effort.
How it originated: Playing your last card means that after this play, you have no more resources to use.
● Poker faceWhat it means: A expressionless face that gives no indication of feelings or emotions.
How it originated: This is an essential skill in poker, since good players will look for subconscious “tells” in their opponents that might give away what cards they have or whether they are bluffing.
● ShowdownWhat it means: A decisive confrontation or contest.
How it originated: A showdown is the moment in a game of poker when players reveal their cards to determine the winner.
● Stack the deck or Have the cards stacked against youWhat it means: Arrange things to create an unfair situation; or to have things unfairly arranged against you so that you are disadvantaged.
How it originated: “Stacking” a deck of cards means that it has been prearranged in a particular order, which could be done deliberately to disadvantage a player when they are dealt out.
● Strong suitWhat it means: Your strong suit is something you are good at or know a lot about.
How it originated: In a game of cards, a strong suit is the one that you have the most cards of in your hand.
● Trump cardWhat it means: A decisive factor or final resource, often held back, and used to attempt to win if nothing else works.
How it originated: Trump cards beat all other suits in a typical card game, and are often deployed strategically and held in reserve.
● Up the ante or Raise the stakesWhat it means: Increase what is at stake in a discussion or dispute; this can be by increasing your commitment or involvement, or by increasing the importance or danger.
How it originated: The ante is the money you put on the table as your stakes at the start of a card game.
● Wild cardWhat it means: Someone or something with unpredictable or uncertain qualities, which could yet have a big impact.
How it originated: Similar to a Joker, in a card game a Wild Card is a playing card that can have any value or suit chosen by the player.
So now you’re ready to return to real life, armed with some new vocabulary. Some decks of cards will even include clever one-liners that make reference to idiomatic expressions like these, or have clever quotes on the tuck box, like: “Trust everybody, but always cut the cards.”
But even if you don’t have some playing cards in your pocket, you can certainly bring them into your language! Just remember that if life deals you a bad hand, or you find the cards stacked against you, it’s good to keep your cards close to your chest. Don’t immediately lay all your cards on the table, don’t get lost in the shuffle, and don’t make people think you’re not playing with a full deck – otherwise the situation might become a house of cards. Instead, keep an Ace up your sleeve, rely on your strong suit, and play your cards right. You never know what might happen – especially if you have a wild card, or when you play your trump card!
As the 17th century philosopher Voltaire is often quoted as saying: “Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: but once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.”
Did we miss your favorite playing card expression? Comment below.
About the writer: EndersGame is a well-known reviewer of board games and playing cards.
He loves card games, card magic, and card collecting. You can see a complete list of his playing card reviews here.
● Official Shuffled Ink website: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Playing Cards at: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Card Games at: ShuffledInk
This Father’s Day, consider gifting your dad with customized playing cards! Personalize his ideal deck of cards with printed images and memories to remind him how happy you are that he is your Dad. Here’s a breakdown of ‘Make Your Own Customized Playing Cards’ options!
Customized Playing Cards
1. 52 Customized Dad Jokes Cards
Here come the groaners…there’s nothing better (or worse) than hearing your dad slip in a few of his favorite dad jokes during a conversation. He says them to your friends, your significant other and even the grocery bagger at the checkout line. Show your appreciation for “dad humor” this Father’s Day by printing each one of his jokes on a standard customized 52-card deck. Now, he’ll never run out of content, and even your children’s children won’t have the luxury of escaping his beloved dad jokes!
Dad yells at the television even though the players can’t hear him. He says it’s “therapeutic” and surely the players will sense his anger and hear his commentary from miles away (his emotions and voice are apparently that powerful). But no matter the score, dad will always stick by his team of choice and its players. This Father’s Day customize your own playing cards with his favorite sports team(s).
Pro Tip: Consider adding action shots of memorable plays/wins and even include a couple of playing cards with inspirational quotes for the times when dad’s team isn’t looking so hot.
3. Print Dad’s Ultimate Drink Choices Playing Cards
Cold beer…hard liquor…an appletini? In addition to buying dad a pack of his favorite drinks for Father’s Day, get even more creative! Feature customized playing cards of your Dad’s 52 favorite drinks or brands so he’ll be reminded that it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere. And who knows, maybe he will even put the deck on display as a reminder that you’re his favorite gift-giving child!
4. Sentimental Customized Wedding Photo Playing Cards
Get sentimental this Father’s Day by reminding dad of the happiest moment in his life (at least that’s what mom says) by printing very personal customized playing cards. He’ll reflect on the time in his life when he didn’t have to pay for your college tuition. All joking aside, dad will appreciate a deck of personalized playing cards that feature a blast from the past with his wedding photos.
Wedding/Engagement Customized Playing Cards
5. Customized Pictures of Grandchildren Cards
Since Dad’s grandchildren are the cutest munchkins that ever stepped foot on Earth…use the millions of photos dad has on his camera roll and print them onto a customized deck of playing cards. There’s nothing better than being able to shuffle through those precious photos, especially when you’re playing a card game with the family. But most importantly, now he can constantly point out all of the good-looking features he passed along to them.
It’s important to play fun word games for kids as school wraps up and summer sets in. A healthy amount of school-related games must be in the cards, so check out these must-play learning games!
1. Bananagrams: Word Game
This family-friendly word game for kids consists of letter tiles that resemble the popular board game Scrabble. But in this fun game, you create your own crossword grid and produce as many or as little words as you can. This allows your child to brush up on previously learned words, as well as discover new ones.
The end goal here is to create words by using every single tile to win the game. In the Bananagrams word game, there’s a little bit of luck involved and a whole lot of fun!
This board game Codenames is directed toward older children, with the age being 14+.
Codenames Game Versions
Codenames Word Game: During this fun word game, you are given an outline of words in the set that belongs to you and your partner. If you are the spymaster in your team of two, your goal is to describe the word(s) to your partner without specifically using any of the words in your set.
Codenames Pictures Game: Now, for the abstract drawing version of Codenames, you have to describe what you see in the drawing, and hopefully, your partner will see and understand the same drawing that you happen to see.
For more information and rules for this game of guessing, watch the video below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8RWBooJivg
3. Summer Crossword Puzzle Game
This summer, crossword puzzles are the perfect word games for kids. It’s a simple game to acquire (printable online) and it’s mobile. Make a long car ride more interesting and fun with a summer crossword puzzle game. Choose beginner, intermediate or difficult based on the age level of your child. This fun word game will not only allow for an increase in word development but also clue-solving skills for your child.
4. Go Fish!: Numbers Card Game
All you need to play this classic number card game Go Fish! is a standard 52-card deck. Your child will develop strategy and number skills as they seek any four of a kind, such as four kings, four aces, etc. In this card game, the rules are quite simple. There aren’t too many factors that go into booking four a kind because the suits (hearts, spade, diamond, clubs) don’t matter. This allows for a fair playing field and a positive learning environment for your child during summer vacation!
5. Uno: Numbers Card Game
This timeless numbers card game will keep your child focused on matching colors and numbers to maintain their learning skills this summer. The rules are straightforward. You can play a RED card on top of a RED card (or a green on top of a green and so on). You can even change the color streak if you have the same number as the last number played. Of course, there’s the infamous Draw Four, Draw Two, Skip and Reverse cards that will make you either shriek with frustration or laugh with glee!
While UNO is extremely fun and entertaining for people of all ages, it equally benefits your child’s learning development while on break.
6. Multiplication Flash Cards
I distinctly remember my mom going through a set of multiplication flash cards with me every single night before bed during summer vacation. If your child isn’t gung-ho about math and numbers, make it into a fun numbers game, where there are positive rewards for correct answers. It’s important to make learning and practice feel less like a chore and more like a fun game, which it is!
7. Create Your Own Fun Word Game for Kids
If you’re looking to be completely in control with the types of learning games you want your child to be introduced to, consider creating your own with us! By personalizing playing cards, card games and/or flash cards into a school-related way, you’re heading in the right direction to keep your child’s learning skills to par this summer vacation.
Matching Card Games (numbers, colors, shapes, pictures, etc.)
Vocabulary/Pronunciation Flash Cards
Standard Playing Cards: There is a multitude of games that can be played with a classic 52-card deck but when you add your own personal touch (photos of your child’s favorite sports team, action figures, animals, etc. it allows you to add something unique to whichever learning game you’re playing)
Board Games Aimed Toward Strengthening Word and Number Skill Levels
● Official Shuffled Ink website: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Playing Cards at: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Tarot Cards at: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Card Games at: ShuffledInk
● Make Your Own Custom Flash Cards at: ShuffledInk
When planning an event, party favors are a necessity. There are a variety of different themes that can be incorporated into custom playing cards, making it the perfect choice for your next party favor.
Wedding Favor Custom Playing Cards
To celebrate the love between two people while surrounded by friends and family members is such a special moment in one’s life. Nevertheless, there are definitely moments of stress and touches of insanity when it comes to planning a wedding ceremony. Among those pressures of creating your dream atmosphere for you and everyone else involved, is coming up with the best party favor for your guests. A popular requested product is personalized wedding favor custom playing cards. It is a memory within a game that they will play for many years to come.
Wedding Custom Playing Card Ideas
Your proposal photos
Both of your baby photos
Old photos from when you started dating to the present day
Include fun facts about your relationship (quirks, interests, dislikes, etc.)
“Mr. and Mrs.”Wedding Party Favor Custom Playing Cards
Educational Custom Card Games for Kids
Planning a birthday party for your child takes as much time, effort and energy as it does to plan a party for an adult. While you are organizing various events that will occupy the liveliness of young children for a considerable amount of hours, you have to also think about a custom favor or “goody bag” that will be passed out after the event because the fun and games don’t end when the party concludes. Whatever supplementary items you decide to place in these bags, consider the benefit of providing the young guests with customized educational card games that are designed for explicitly for children. Young minds are constantly being influenced day-after-day by anything and everything they are introduced to. It is our responsibility to implement education and learning skills into their impressionable minds, and it’s easy to create. Here are some educational card game party favor examples created by our customers.
Party favors do not necessarily have to only be passed out during or after a party. There is something thoughtful about random acts of kindness distributed toward the people who you love like your family members and friends, or the people who you see every day like your co-workers or even a stranger who you pass by on the street. Custom Affirmation playing cards can mean a lot of different things to people, but one thing they do for everyone is relay positive messages. With many people opening up about their mental health, and even for anyone who simply has a bad day, affirmation cards can truly help someone to embrace a positive mindset. It is simply a reminder that everything will be OK. With positive and motivating thoughts at one’s fingertips, it can be a comforting feeling for any person at any point in their life.
One of the great aspects of our company is that most of our custom printed products are manufactured in the U.S.A. We are grateful to have the team, tools and equipment necessary to make nearly all of your products, including the possible last-minute party favor ideas you desperately desire. Creating your ideal product, whether it be one of the suggestions listed above or one of your own original ideas, is easy to create with our accessible Design Shop. The basic steps include choosing a canvas/template, designing your custom playing card’s images and texts, etc. And how you want your party favor to look is completely your decision, but of course, our design team is always happy to help assist.
According to the origin of the astrological sign, your personality is far from coincidental. We all have personality traits…and so do games. Now, don’t just play astrology games for adults, discover which popular adult board game or card game you are based on your sign!
Astrology Games
Aries
(March 21 to April 19): Cards Against Humanity Card Game
Attributes: headstrong, born leader, outspoken
A person with the first sun sign, Aries, reflects the card game Cards Against Humanity. They may come across as arrogant, just as this card game can appear offensive because of its politically incorrect content. An Aries’ blunt and bold behavior translates well with the risqué tendencies portrayed in this popular card game.
Taurus (April 20 to May 20): Monopoly Board Game
Attributes: independent, persistent, enjoys luxuries, strives for wealth
While you may not think of Monopoly as an astrology game for adults, its objective is to drive your opponents into bankruptcy without letting yourself get bankrupt in the process. A Taurus is often described as “good with money,” which comes in handy when having the most money at the end makes you the winner.
Gemini (May 21 to June 20): Scrabble Board Game
Attributes: creative, communicative, intellectual
People born under this Sun are often writers and journalists, as they are excellent with words. The board game Scrabble reflects the intellectual and creative mind of a Gemini. In this game, you create words (found in a standard dictionary or lexicon) from your quantity of seven tiles. A Gemini’s common love for reading means they are constantly exposed to new concepts, ideas and vocabular, making it easy for a person with this sign to come up with words that will earn them the highest points.
The board game title Sorry! comes from the apologetic “sorry” issued when a player consistently negates their opponent’s moves. It’s the perfect astrology games for adults who are unapologetic Cancers. The game’s theme is to bump other board game pieces back to their starting position, so your pawn can move ahead and win the game. Whichever type of Cancer you are, you’ll have a great time whether you mean it when you say “sorry” or not.
Leo (July 23 to August 22): Pictionary Board Game
Attributes: theatrical, competitive, inventive, love the spotlight
During the board game Pictionary, you draw hints for your teammates, and they guess the word you are trying to depict. While a Leo may or may not be your average Picasso, their unwavering passion for tasks and projects mean they always strive for the gold medal (never satisfied with silver). And since they’re comfortable being the center of attention, they won’t crack under pressure when asked to draw something intense…like a carburetor.
Virgo (August 23 to September 22): Sudoku Puzzle Game
A Virgo’s weaknesses can sometimes be inflexibility, which is actually a strength while playing the logic-based, combinational number-placement puzzle Sudoku. Just like their astrology board games for adults, Virgos look into relationships, problems, games, etc. with a magnifying glass, and each task they perform must be free of imperfections. This game honors a Virgo’s concentration through numbers and calculation. Not to mention, a common Virgo career is a financial analyst.
Libra (September 23 to October 22): Diplomacy Board Game
Attributes: diplomatic, open-minded, balanced
Both the Libra astrology sign and the board game Diplomacy focus on pure negotiation and peace. These positive strategies emphasize a Libra’s sense of balance in never wanting to hurt or demean anyone. Their loyalty plays well during this military game, as the objective is to make negotiations and alliances.
Scorpio (October 23 to November 21): Clue Board Game
Attributes: investigators, trustworthy, devoted
A Scorpio can be trusted with your darkest secrets, but they will never reveal their own. Often lawyers and investigators, a Scorpio’s detective skills match the board game Clue. This game for adults is perfect for this astrology sign, since navigating from room to room through a clue-filled mansion to expose a perpetrator…is perfect for the mysterious Scorpio mastermind.
Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21): Apples to Apples Card Game
Attributes: flexible, idealistic, great sense of humor, enthusiastic
To winApples to Apples, seven of your cards must be picked by your opponents over the course of the game. It’s important to completely understand the player choosing the cards because everyone’s humor is different. Some may go for literal, comical or even the most outrageous choice. Their adaptable personality allows them to easily change their viewpoints and, in terms of this card game, play a card the player will most likely choose.
Capricorn (December 22 to January 19): Battleship Guessing Game
When a Capricorn takes risks, they don’t do so blindly. Strongly influenced by one’s unwavering ambitions, they rarely act impulsively. While Battleship is primarily thought of as a guessing game, it actually calls for applied strategy. Even though you are unable to see the ships you are trying to sink, you can still increase your chances of winning by carefully placing your own ships in a way that will evade your opponent. Someone born Capricorn thrives in this game setting, for their patience and calculating capabilities lead to ship-sinking fruition.
Aquarius
(January 20 to February 18): Candy Land Board Game
Attributes: easy-going, friendly, spontaneous
Aquarius’ are seekers of the new. The children’s board game Candy Land complements this sign’s desire to constantly move forward, even if that means venturing into unfamiliar territory. While not necessarily an adult board game, this astrology sign’s spontaneity allows little time to react to certain instances. Plus, their hopeful nature means they excel on any path they find themselves journeying (even if that means strutting amid candy cane skies and alongside sweet princesses).
Pisces (February 19 to March 20): The Game of Life Board Game
Attributes: imaginative, desire to escape reality, compassionate
By nature, a Pisces is a dreamer; an escapist in life. As they often focus on their inner journey, they spend a lot of time soul-searching. The Game of Life embraces a Pisces imaginative mind and need to pursue the beauty in life. As this game navigates through the many ups and downs life throws in their direction, a Pisces views this cardboard world of life, and life itself, through rose-colored glasses.
Make Your Own Astrology Game for Adults
If your zodiac sign does not completely represent your personality and attributes, and the particular game listed above is way off, then consider personalizing your very own game! After all, you know yourself better than anyone else. Create custom astrology games for adults that fully represents exactly who you are.
As the temperature drops, and the leaves change from green to orange and then to yellow, dismiss your pumpkin spice latte cravings and channel autumnal essences into your customized playing cards, personalized tarot cards and card game designs.
Typically, the commencement of Fall hails for decorative pumpkin socks and T-shirts, and although incredibly spirited, they just aren’t going to be enough this year. Think bigger; think spookier.
Here are 6 suggestions to consider while creating your own Halloween-influenced product with Shuffled Ink.
52 HALLOWEEN RECIPES
Preparations for the holidays can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you have to remember all of your family traditions, including the yummy desserts and dishes. Consider printing your Halloween recipes on a deck of cards. Easily mobile and accessible, you’ll be whipping out the creepy crawling spider cupcakes and zombie-finger cookies just in time for Halloween parties. And when your family and friends are “dying” to know how exactly you perfectly molded the dough to resemble a skeleton head, you can supply them with their own deck of scary good recipe cards.
FORTUNE TELLER TAROT CARDS
Channel your inner psychic abilities if you plan on dressing as a mystic fortune teller this Halloween. But handpicking the perfect outfit is only a fraction of your costume responsibilities. Don’t forget the most important accessory: Your one-of-a-kind deck of personalized tarot cards (Halloween style, of course). Personally equipped with distinctive symbols and designs, your original artwork will leave people wondering whether you truly practice the art of divination. Consider going above and beyond by setting up a fortune-telling booth. After all, it’s Halloween – where you can dress however you wish and, perhaps, end up looking into the future, too.
“ACE” TRICK OR TREATING
While every other house in the neighborhood passes out the same old basic candies, you can fill those buckets with Halloween-inspired playing cards! Customize your own unique artistry with help from our expert design team, and give the trick or treaters something that’ll last longer than a chocolate bar. The cards, reflecting your very own creative purposes, will channel your take on Halloween’s notorious entities: pumpkins, ghouls, candy corn, flying broomsticks, etc. Not to mention, parents will thank you for saving them a trip to the dentist.
COSTUMES OF HALLOWEEN’S PAST
Whether your kids have dressed up as a pumpkin, ghost or Demogorgon, search through your Halloween archives and print those terrifyingly adorable photos on playing cards! Much like a holiday card, feel free to send these decks to relatives, family friends and co-workers. It’s the perfect way to reminisce on the costumes of Halloween’s past while also showing your family completely “decked” out.
MATCHING CARD GAMES
With candy-filled tummies and faces oozing syrup-based blood, allow your kids to enjoy Halloween even more so with fun card games. Matching games promote cognitive development like memory enhancement, classifying skills and imaginary growth. And just because you’re customizing a children’s game doesn’t mean your Halloween designs have to be limited. It’s Halloween after all, so make artwork as frightful, friendly or ferocious as you desire!
BOARD GAME THRILLS
One of the most important aspects while developing your own board game, especially one with a Halloween theme, is there can never be enough creativity. Rather than seeing candy corn as a treat, know that it can just as easily be used as a game piece. Determinate upon your target audience, allow your board game to truly come to life with a spooky storyline, and make sure your visuals are as spine-chilling as you see fit. Perfect for a cozy night at home or a thrilling Halloween party, your originally designed board game will send your guests running home to create a game of their own!
Hopefully, these ideas have sparked your desire to bring Halloween to life with custom playing cards, card & board games and tarot cards. Whenever you’re ready to begin working on your personalized project, know that our team of designers will help you from start to finish. Shuffled Ink can’t wait to turn your idea into a reality!
We know what makes our family and friends laugh, cry and tick, especially when we’re playing endless rounds of card games. With no shortage of entertainment and gathered personality types, we’ve put together a fun list of “players” you will most likely encounter on a typical game night!
The Sore Loser/Winner: Be sure not to pinpoint this player to just toddlers…they come in adult sizes, too. Game night wouldn’t be complete without accusations of cheating and at least two meltdowns. Not to mention, this player’s “losing” episodes are just as bad as their “winning” ones. We’ll let you decide who you’d rather deal with: Someone who displays intense gloating or walks away from a game in anger. All joking aside, most of us have experienced “angry bursts” while playing a game — when you draw the “Go to Jail” card and can’t collect $200 in Monopoly; when someone makes you “Draw Four” cards in UNO — so we understand your pain, and we don’t judge.
The Dynamic Duo: Typically dealt with during team games, these two players allow their one-of-a-kind bond to be known. Their complete starter pack includes an elaborate handshake, intense staring and, of course, twin telepathy. When this duo participates in a game, their competitors often feel two emotions: envy or loathing. They either wish they had a partner in crime of their own, or they simply can’t stand the pair’s obnoxious tendencies.
The “Wannabe” Pro: This player never misses an episode of Family Feud (including the reruns), tunes into Jeopardy every night at 7 and, in their spare time, researches cheat codes on popular games. And while you’ll have to deal with their smack talk before the game and during their brief winning streak, count on no words uttered when they’re losing.
Silent but Deadly: For this player, silence is key. Most of the time, it’s easy to forget about this player because they don’t openly make their presence known. Nevertheless, they often show no remorse for the game pieces that block them from what’s “rightfully” theirs: eternal glory. And while they share similar characteristics to that of The “Wannabe” Pro, it’s their tremendous gaming skills and mysterious persona that separates them from the mere hopefuls. By the time you realize their true intentions, it’s always too late.
The Happy-Go-Lucky Butterfly: This player would rather receive a sportsmanship award than a first-place trophy. Generally focused on life’s simplest pleasures — enjoying the company of friends and family — they often socialize more than playing the game, which can be frustrating for the players who must nudge them when it’s their turn. Regardless, inviting them to game night has more positives than negatives. This player’s happy-go-lucky attitude outshines their nonexistent competitive drive.
The Ferris Bueller: (For those of you who haven’t seen “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” it’s a movie about a teenager who plays hooky instead of going to school). Now, we all have that one friend who is constantly blowing up the group chat with messages to hang out, but when a plan is finally set, they never actually show up. And while you may not physically encounter this “player” on game night, their absence is still relevant, as their flaky actions can disrupt the flow of the game and result in unbalanced teams.
The Glue: Like The Ferris Bueller, this person technically isn’t a player, but they do play an active role in the game as mediator. Ensuring everything runs smoothly, they typically appoint themselves with the position, as they would rather observe than partake in the game. Even so, your game night wouldn’t be the same without this key “player,” for their calming energy in a room full of various gaming personalities is much needed.
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Ever tired of playing the same games over and over again? Consider building your own custom card or board game with Shuffled Ink! The same personality types may continue to show up, but at least you’ll have something new to play, and it’ll be your own unique product!
Now, whether you find yourself fitting in all, one or none of the categories listed, Shuffled Ink hopes you have an unforgettable night of fun with these “players” …so much fun that you’ll end up doing it all over again!
It’s game night! With tablets in hand, your family discusses which game to pick, and even your dog decides to bark his own suggestions, too.
Finally, you all agree on the classic game, Life.
Once all tablets are synced into game mode and each avatar is chosen, they move around your living room. As they investigate their surroundings, they sit on your couch, countertops and even your dog, Scout. But Scout doesn’t mind; he doesn’t even realize it. While your avatar is simply an added layer over our reality, it still shrieks at the sight of your dog…for everything in the living room can be seen, felt and heard by your avatar. Not to mention, the gaming experience feels real to you (the player), too.
When you roll the dice, your avatar moves five spaces on the very real board game in front of you. Then, an interactive bubble with text appears in your living room and a voice says, “You got a raise. Collect $1,000.” Even a short video pops up, featuring your avatar in a series of scenarios that show how you received the raise. With that, your avatar reaches down and from the square platform it stands on, pulls out the money earned and throws it in your direction. You flinch (you always do). Your tablet lights up in celebration, and the remaining cash falls, true to size, from your own ceiling as your digital gaming bank account increases.
You are still as shocked and overwhelmed as you were the first time you played. It continues to amaze you how revolutionary this degree of augmented reality has made your board game experience.
The game, so vivid and insanely real, makes for a spellbinding game night!
Instead of manually moving game pieces with your hand from space to space; instead of just reading a card with words to describe your next task, you experience something far less trivial than “winning”. You become immersed in your very own reality; it’s just kicked up about a dozen notches.
AUGMENTED REALITY
When we think about the future, our immediate thoughts go to stereotypical ideas often portrayed in books, movies and television shows: driving hover crafts; wearing shiny, silver jumpsuits; using holograms…fearing world domination via robotic artificial intelligence (plausible, but we won’t go there).
With the world’s many technological advances, it appears we are currently living in the “future”. But when you really think about it, no matter how much a game’s outward appearance is improved or altered, the ultimate inner objective is always the same: win. Now consider this…what if the future of games didn’t even revolve around winning at all?
In the future, perhaps the driving force to play board and card games will not be to “win,” but instead the focus will shift from “competition” to “experience”.
Augmented reality means to enhance our real-world environment by using screens to display overlaying images, sounds, etc. to create an added dimension to our reality. While the essence of gaming, both the winning and the experience, will remain the same as it has been for generations, the application and evolution of card and board games is constant and dynamic. Augmented reality will certainly be a focal point of how many games are developed, consumed and enjoyed.
So no matter what dimension or reality you are looking to create and share with the world, Shuffled Ink is the perfect partner to help bring your “future” card or board game concept to life!
In the past, when restaurants and bars promoted that they offered entertainment, they usually meant live music, karaoke nights, and the occasional arcade machine. More recently, a new trend is emerging that’s bringing in new patrons: bars and restaurants where you play card and board games.
It should be clear by now that card and board games are making a comeback in a big way. Classics like Monopoly and Sorry! remain popular, while newer titles like Settlers of Catan and Cards Against Humanity are finding their way into people’s living rooms around the world. Video game companies, once seen as the murderers of analog entertainment, are even making original card and board games based on their hottest properties. Eating and drinking establishments have noticed, and some are responding by becoming gaming establishments as well.
NOTABLE EXAMPLES
Some ambitious entrepreneurs are even opening brand-new bars and restaurants to cater to this crowd. For proof of this trend, we at Shuffled Ink don’t need to look much further than our hometown of Orlando. Cloak and Blaster, opened in 2014 by two married gamers, is a fantasy-themed pub stocked with more than 200 different board and card games. The wide selection, ranging from standards to rarities, shows that this isn’t a cash-in, but a passion project.
If you’re still asking yourself whether there’s really a demand, the creation of this bar was funded through a Kickstarter drive. It raised more than double the amount of its initial goal, which it reached in 36 hours.
Cloak and Blaster is also far from the only example. The Toronto-based Snakes and Lattes, which calls itself “the first board game café in North America,” sells games in addition to coffee. Kingmakers, which also opened its first of two locations in 2014, provides “Board Game Sommeliers” who help customers find new games and explain the rules. From The Playroom in San Francisco to The Uncommons in New York City, you can find tabletop gaming on countertops anywhere you look.
WHY IS THERE SUCH A DEMAND?
There are a few possible reasons for this hot new trend. The surge in the popularity of card and board games might be part of the retro craze in general. All things ‘80s and ‘90s are coming back, and geek is chic – not to mention lucrative. Restaurants and bars have been riding that wave for a while now with weekly trivia nights and pinball games. Making space for shelves with Candy Land and Exploding Kittens is a logical next step.
However, there could be a deeper reason. Wondering why there’s a demand for bars and restaurants where you play card and board games is sort of like wondering why there’s a demand for bars, restaurants, and board games. They all seem to have different functions, but something they share is providing a space – and an excuse – for social interaction. Hana Schank wrote in The Atlantic that cafes and pubs with board games help customers “connect with people in a public/private space” and “work with friends and family toward a clear goal.”
If you love board games and card games enough that these places interest you, Shuffled Ink can help you actually make your own. Learn more about our custom board and card game services, then request a quote today.
Looking for the most family-friendly fun you can pack into game night? Then take a look at our picks for the top five fun games for family night!
Family-fun nights are a great way to keep your kids close. Moreover, board games have a number of surprising benefits ranging from strengthening your kid’s critical thinking to helping them build better vocabularies and learn about finances. Here are 5 fun games for family night that are sure to make your kids want to turn off their phones and turn on the smiles.
WHAT IS SO GREAT ABOUT BOARD GAMES?
Recent research suggests that playing casual, light-hearted board games can have some surprising benefits for childhood development. These include:
Board games can help your kid’s problem solving abilities.
Game night is great for family bonding.
Board games are some good ole fashioned, family-friendly fun.
5 FUN GAMES FOR FAMILY NIGHT
This is somewhat subjective. People tend to like the games that they grew up with. It’s also important to consider the age of your children and when determining what game to pick. Is it all about fun? Or are you trying to subtly insert some education into your gameplay? Here are 5 of our favorite board games for family night.
MONOPOLY
Probably the most iconic American board game of all time, Monopoly is a family-friendly, multiplayer classic dating all the way back to 1903. The game’s lessons range from personal finance and social skills to managing risk and basic math. There is also (as those who lose like to point out) a bit of luck involved, especially when the cards are in play. Monopoly is a must for any family night.
RISK
War huh, what is it good for? Having a bunch of fun with your family, that’s what! Risk is a strategic military game where the players go to war (on the board using military-themed thimbles) with one simple goal: conquering as much territory as possible. According to the box, Risk is great for all ages, but it’s probably better for those over the age of at least 8. Any younger and it might be too complicated.
CLUE
“When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable,” according to Sherlock Holmes “must be the truth.” Know this and you’ll never fail to win at a game of Clue. Clue is a crime-mystery board game where players acquire clues about who did what and where they did it. These clues are gained based on die rolls. Eventually, players use those clues to determine the guilty culprit. If you choose correctly, you win. If not, you lose. Clue is a fun way to help your children hone their deductive reasoning skills.
TRIVIAL PURSUIT
This one is great for when your children get old, like when they come home from college. It may not be as easy to get them to agree to game night. But if you can, Trivial Pursuit is a great option.
OPERATION
While Operation may not technically be a board game, it is a great way have fun with your family. It can also be surprisingly fun for adults: try nudging your kids while they reach for the funny bone and give yourself a good laugh. Hey, you probably deserve it!
Now that you know our picks for fun games for family night, why not create your own? Find out how simple it is to create a customized board game by clicking below. Then choose your own design and get started!
‘Pub Crawl’ Customized Drinking Card Game
Wedding/Engagement Customized Playing Cards
“Mr. and Mrs.” Wedding Party Favor Custom Playing Cards
“Linguacious”
“I Am Power Deck”
“ACE” TRICK OR TREATING
