#StayAtHome and #AloneTogether: CARD GAMES TO PLAY AT HOME!

In light of the current pandemic, we want to remind our clients that we are in this together.  We urge you to listen to the CDC Guidelines to ensure safety for yourself as well as others who may be more receptive to this virus. Our message mirrors that of the CDC:  Stay home and please take social distancing seriously.

Shuffled Ink has created a new deck of Coronavirus Playing Cards with 52 Helpful Tips to play and learn how to be safer. The cards focus on how to deal with the virus including proper handwashing techniques, common symptoms to be mindful of, CDC facts, reputable sources to rely on for updates, etc.

COVID-19 has created a new normal for our society, where we are advised to social distance and self-quarantine.  This means that we are spending more time at home than usual.  For many, your work, home and social life are now under one roof.  Consider this an opportunity to connect with your family members through games!  For these recommendations, all you need is a standard 52-card deck.

SPADES

Round up your family members and choose your partner wisely for this trick-taking card game.  The rules are relatively simple, where the goal is to have the highest-ranking card among all players during each trick.  The highest rank is Ace, while the lowest is a two.  With that said, please note that any spades card will outrank ALL clubs, hearts and diamonds cards, even an Ace.

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Assign a dealer to give each player 13 cards.  Keep your cards hidden from all other players.

2. Assign a designated scorekeeper to record the bids made by each player.

3. Every player will analyze their cards and bid how many tricks he/she believes they will make during each trick played. (Note: if you bet 0 tricks will be won, or nil and you are correct then you will receive 100 points BUT for each additional trick won, you will receive -100 points).

4. The player to the left of the dealer will play his/her card first.  The following players must put the same suit down if possible.  Whoever wins that trick will start off the next one by putting down the first card.

5.  If you do not have the same suit as the person who put down the first card, then you are free to choose any card and suit you’d like.

6.  Once the entire round is complete, the players will count how many tricks they won.

7. If a team matches the bid with the actual amount of tricks won, they will receive 10 points.  If a team exceeds the bid with the actual amount, they will receive one point for each additional trick that they won.

8. The bag score is calculated by counting up the total score for each team (Player 1, 2; Player 2,3).  Add the bid from player 1 and 2, then add the actual score from player 1 and 2.  This creates the bag score, so if a team reaches 10 bags, then they will receive -100 points.

9. The first team to 500 wins.

GO FISH!

You most likely learned this game when you were younger, so here’s a refresher on how to play this family-friendly card game.  The goal is to obtain four cards of the same face to create a book.  This game is played with at least two players (in this case 7 cards will be dealt).

HOW TO PLAY:

1. Assign a dealer to give each player 5 cards (if played with 3 or more players).  Do not show any players your cards.

2. Typically, the player who is to the left of the dealer will start off, but you can start with any player you’d like.

3. Players will ask any opponent if they have a certain card.  You can only ask for that card IF you hold in your hand at least one card of the rank that you’re asking for.

4. If you are asked “Do you have any Queens?” then you MUST give that player ALL of your Queens.  Then, the player will continue to ask various players if they have any Queens.  If the player asked doesn’t have any Queens, then you say “Go Fish”.

4.  If you are asked to “Go Fish” then you pick up a card from the stacked collection at the center of the table, and it is the next player’s turn.

5.  Once a player obtains four of a kind, they will make it known to their opponents by placing the four cards face up next to them.

6. At the end of the game, each player will count up how many books they have.  Whoever has the most books wins the game.

CHEAT

Full of bluffing and deceit, this game will keep your family members on their toes. The objective is to be left with no cards and to also ensure that when/if you lie about a card you play that you won’t get caught in the act.

HOW TO PLAY:

1.  Assign a dealer to evenly distribute playing cards to each player until the deck runs out.

2. The order in which the cards are placed face down is from the highest-ranked card to the lowest-ranked card.  This means the player who starts must put down any/all of their Aces in the center pile.

3.  Now, it’s the next player’s turn to go.  If you don’t have the same value as the person before, you can put down one card above or one below the previous player’s card.  (Note: You have to put down AT LEAST one card).

4.  If you believe that someone is lying either about how many cards they are putting down or if they are even putting down the appropriate card, then you call out CHEAT.

5.  If you are CORRECT that the player is being deceitful, then that player must pick up all of the cards in the center pile.

6.  If you are INCORRECT that the player is lying, then you have to pick up all of the cards in the center pile.

7.  The first player to be left empty-handed wins the game.

ROLLING STONE

This card game’s rules are simple and the game itself is engaging for children in particular.  The idea is similar to that of Cheat, but there is no bluffing involved.  The goal is to run out of cards!

HOW TO PLAY:

1. The dealer must shuffle and give 8 cards to each player.

2. The player to the left of the dealer starts off the game by placing any card of any suit at the center of the table.

3. Going clockwise, the next player(s) must put down a card that follows the same suit as the first card played. Once all players have followed suit and contributed to the pile, that’s the end of the trick.

4. All of the cards played during the previous trick will be discarded.  To determine who won the trick, find which player put down the highest-ranking card.  The winner of the trick will lead the next one and place any card in the new pile.

5. If during a trick, a player does not have the selected suit in their hand, then they must collect all of the cards in the center pile, adding it to their current hand.  This player will end up starting the next trick.

6. The player who has no cards left in their hand will win.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU

For nearly two decades, we have assisted in making your customized projects come to life! And we will continue to do so, as our manufacturing facility and office are fully operational. While this is a unique time, it is also a great opportunity to start working on a customized game that you may have put on the back burner. So, stay at home and get started — we can’t wait to see your creative ideas! ● 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 Game at: ShuffledInk