Top 6 Best Playing Cards Games of 2024 Reviewed

Discover the best playing cards games for new players: Sushi Go!, Exploding Kittens, Love Letter, Citadels, 7 Wonders, and Dominion top our list.
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Sushi Go! coverExploding Kittens coverLove Letter cover

Hey there, fellow board game lovers! We’re on a quest to shake up game night with the best picks for ‘playing cards games’. When scouting for the top contenders, we zeroed in on fun, ease of learning, and how well they bring people together. You know, the kind of games that have you laughing, strategizing, and maybe even betraying your pals (all in good fun, of course). Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the table, these gems are sure to spice up your collection. So, grab your snacks and let’s get ready to find your next favorite game!

On this list:

6 Sushi Go!

Sushi Go! cover

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

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Sushi Go! takes the cake for being an absolute blast in the world of playing cards games. It’s all about grabbing the best combination of sushi dishes as they whiz by. It’s a fast-paced drafting game that we found easy to learn but challenging to master. Each round, you pick a card hoping to score the most points by making sets. The artwork? Adorable! And the strategy involved keeps it interesting game after game.

5 Exploding Kittens

Exploding Kittens cover

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

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Now, if you’re up for a bit of chaos with your friends, Exploding Kittens is a go-to. It’s basically a highly-strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian roulette with a side of humor. We couldn’t stop laughing at the silly cards and tense moments when you’re praying not to draw an exploding kitten. It’s the unpredictability and fun art that makes this a perfect pick for anyone looking into playing cards games that are quick and hilarious.

4 Love Letter

Love Letter cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 min

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Love Letter has a simplicity that’s pure genius. With just a handful of cards, it creates this intense deduction game where you’re trying to get your love letter into the princess’s hands. What makes it stand out in the realm of playing cards games is how much strategy you can pack into a short playtime. It’s all about risk and guesswork, and pulling off a win feels incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s super portable, making it great for any situation.

3 Citadels

Citadels cover

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

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Citadels will have you and your friends building cities through strategic card selection and character roles. The reason it’s a top pick for us is the depth of strategy involved. Each round, players choose a new role, which can drastically change how your game unfolds. It’s a mix of bluffing, strategy, and adaptability. The game scales well with more players, making it versatile and always engaging. Definitely a gem in playing cards games for those who love a bit of cunning.

2 7 Wonders

7 Wonders cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-7
  • Play Time: 30 min

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7 Wonders is a game that impressively blends card drafting and civilization-building. It’s not just about playing cards; it’s about building an empire. The variety of strategies and the way your decisions impact not just your game but your neighbors’ makes every round dynamic. We found it to be an endlessly replayable game because every game feels different. The balance of simplicity in rules and complexity in strategy is just right, making it a hit among playing cards games.

1 Dominion

Dominion cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 min

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Dominion is the crown jewel of deck-building playing cards games. Why is it the best? It literally pioneered the deck-building genre. Each game, you start with the same small deck, and through strategic selection of cards, you build a powerful deck to outmaneuver your opponents. The reason we can’t get enough of it is the sheer variety of strategies and card combinations. It’s this replayability and depth that makes Dominion not just a game, but an experience. Perfect for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of playing cards games.

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.