Best 6 Playing Card Games of 2024 to Try

Looking for the best playing card games? We've got six amazing options to keep you and your friends entertained.
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Exploding Kittens coverLove Letter coverSushi Go! cover

6 Best Board Games Based on Playing Card Games

On this list:

6 Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens cover

  • Age Range: 7+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Exploding Kittens is a hilarious and quick-paced game involving cats and explosions. It’s easy to learn, making it perfect for newbies and families. The cards are humorous, and the game offers plenty of replayability. It’s a real crowd-pleaser and a great introduction to playing card games.

5 Love Letter

Love Letter cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-6
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Love Letter is a compact, enjoyable card game about delivering a love letter to the princess. The game requires some strategy and a bit of luck. Despite its small size, it offers a rich and engaging experience. It’s perfect for new gamers or seasoned players looking for a quick game.

4 Sushi Go!

Sushi Go! cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 15 minutes

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Sushi Go! is a delightful card drafting game with cute artwork and simple rules. Players collect sushi rolls and form the best meal combinations. It’s fast and fun, making it a fantastic choice for those new to playing card games. The game is easy to pick up but keeps you coming back for more.

3 The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine

The Crew: The Quest for Planet Nine cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-5
  • Play Time: 20 minutes per mission

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The Crew offers a cooperative twist to trick-taking games. Players work together to complete missions, adding depth to the usual card game mechanics. It’s innovative and engaging, providing a fresh experience for fans of playing card games. Plus, its story-driven gameplay keeps everyone on their toes.

2 Citadels

Citadels cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-8
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Citadels is a classic card game where players take on roles, build districts, and outwit opponents. The game is rich in strategy and requires careful planning. It’s great for those who enjoy more depth in their playing card games. The variety of roles ensures no two games are the same.

1 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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7 Wonders Duel is the top pick for playing card games based on its balance of strategy, depth, and accessibility. It’s a two-player game that rivals many larger games in complexity. Players build civilizations, focus on science, military, or culture to win. Its beautiful design and replay value make it a must-have for fans and newcomers alike.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.