Simple card games

[sherrardk]

Been playing War with the 5 and 7 year old and they both get very excited when they win (obviously, they think it is down to their wonderful card-playing skills). Now, however, I am getting a bit bored of it, anyone know of any other simple card games that I could introduce (have played Patience with them but it takes ages to set up). Thanks (and yes, I expect there is a more suitable category for this question but couldn't think where to put it.)

[askyourgran]

I used to play Donkey with mine. Turn all the cards over and pair them up. 2 fives 2 kings etc. The game goes by different names, but we used to spend ages, my daughter was quicker than me.

[Buenchico]

Something here might help:
http://grandparents.a...rd_Games_for_Kids.htm

[JMR27]

Beggar My Neighbour
http://www.pagat.com/...gar_my_neighbour.html

[boxtops]

We used to call that Beat your Neighbour, jmr - we used to play that for hours when we were little. We also played Snap! a lot, which caused great hilarity.

[sherrardk]

Thanks all - the beggar my neighbour one is the one we've been playing but calling it War (my husband's name for it). Will try some of the others tomorrow and see how we get on.

[cazzz1975]

I remember playing stop the bus and strip jack naked when I was a kid, though strip jack naked is not anything rude (in case you wondered!)

[jackthehat]

Thank goodness for that!!! ;o)

[cazzz1975]

lol! it was a very good game non the less ;)

[Stephen_G]

Hi sherr.

We used to play a game called Newmarket (There's probably a proper name for it). You put the four Kings in the middle of the table, shuffle and then deal the rest out.

The person to the left of the dealer plays the lowest card in their hand and then you try to be the person to play the Queen (We used to use 1p and 2p coins - one in the kitty and one on a card). If you can't make a run to the Queen, the last person to play a card then alternates between the lowest Red and Black. The first person to play all their cards takes the pot. If no-one takes the pot then you all put in the kitty again and bet on a card.

Being younger kids you might want to swap out the cash for something else.

[Stephen_G]

Should have added that you also deal out a dummy hand that anyone can buy (Pay double into the kitty), but it must be bought unseen.

[sherrardk]

Thanks for that Judge, might be a bit complicated for the 5 year old (she's a bit of an air head, bless her) but they would love the idea of playing for cold, hard cash!!!

[erin-x]

Scabby Queen is good (I think it's called something different in England). You take three of the queens out leaving one in the deck. Deal all of the remaining cards equally and when dealt look at your cards and take out all pairs. After all the pairs are gone you then go round in a circle taking a card from the player to the left. If the new card gives you a pair you take it out your hand and if it's the scabby queen just pray that someone takes it from you. The person left with scabby is the loser! haha!

Now that i've written it out it sounds quite complicated but it's really easy :) x

[boxtops]

You can also play for jelly beans, sherrard, we used to play for liquorice allsorts!

[JMR27]

Clock Patience
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clock_patience
that takes me back lol

[craft1948]

Train them up now................teach them poker.

[sherrardk]

Erin-x - fancy Scabby Queen - sounds familiar but can't think what we called it. Might just keep it as Scabby Queen.

JMR27 - can't be doing with clock patience, takes too long to deal them out but the kids love it, will have to teach them how to deal them put for themselves.

[erin-x]

It was bugging me so i googled it lol.. it's also called 'old maid'.. I think 'scabby queens' better.... it makes you really try to avoid getting her! haha x

[sherrardk]

Hi Craft - I don't know how to play poker, but will have a look at the rules (they would love the element of competition and it must be good for their maths or something).

[craft1948]

If you want to help their maths get them playing pontoon/blackjack.........

[annie0000]

there is a good selection here:
http://www.pagat.com/class/index.html#children
knockout whist is a favourite in our house.