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Types of card games and how to play them

There are countless card games in the world that use cards with various designs and are played according to specific rules, ranging from simple ones that are easy to play to complex, mind-bending games full of strategy.

I’d like to introduce a few of the many types of card games.

Types of card games and how to play them (1–10)

Ghost Blitz

[Card Game] Ghost Blitz [Akagami no Tomo]
Ghost Blitz

A card game using special tools and spooky items.

Players take turns flipping one card from the deck and grab the item that exactly matches what’s shown.

If no item matches, grab the one that is different in both color and shape.

It’s first-come, first-served, and the first player to claim five cards wins.

Because it requires split-second judgment, it’s a uniquely fast-paced, hand-occupying game.

Cute but a bit tough: “Penguin Party”

Penguin Party (New Games Order · Yukai na Sakana) 2015 Japanese Remake Version – Rules and Game Introduction in a Video by Yukai na Sakana
Cute but a bit tough: “Penguin Party”

Players take turns playing cards from their hands and arranging them in a pyramid shape.

Since it has similarities to Sevens, even first-time players may find it familiar.

The game originally came out in Germany, but a Japanese remake has been released.

Coyote: a quick, casual game with cute cards

Fukuhana's Board Game Introduction No. 71: Coyote
Coyote: a quick, casual game with cute cards

When it comes to card games, it’s common to think while looking at your own hand, but Coyote is a unique game where you deduce by looking at other players’ cards instead of your own.

It’s perfect for quick play sessions, since it can be wrapped up in a short time even with a large group.

Types of Card Games and How to Play (11–20)

Koi-koi

Hanafuda Koi-Koi rules, how to play, how to do it
Koi-koi

Koi-Koi played with hanafuda cards.

It’s a two-player game with charming Japanese-style designs.

Unlike Western playing cards, it offers a uniquely Japanese atmosphere.

The rules are a bit complex, but you’ll be fine if you learn them gradually.

It’s perfect for relaxed family time, like during New Year’s.

Since parents and children can enjoy it together, it’s also a great way to pass this traditional Japanese pastime on to the next generation.

How about playing together in a cozy room with family or friends? You can enjoy a wonderful time immersing yourself in the world of Wa while giving your brain a workout.

An endlessly stylish “Dixit”

Dixit: Rules and Game Introduction Video by Yukaina Sakana
An endlessly stylish “Dixit”

It’s a game from France.

The cards don’t have any text—only illustrations.

The artwork is beautiful and stylish, so I think even people who aren’t used to games will find it appealing.

The rules are simple as well, which is great because beginners can understand them right away.

The Grand Parade of Alice’s World

[Board Game Review] Parade — The Grand March in Alice’s World
The Grand Parade of Alice's World

This is a card game called The Grand Parade in Alice’s World, inspired by the famous Disney animated film Alice in Wonderland.

The design is irresistibly cute, making it a card game that’s likely to be popular with girls.

With mechanics that let you read your opponent’s next move and pull off dramatic comebacks, the gameplay is also very well crafted.

It’s a card game I’d recommend both to anime fans and to seasoned card game enthusiasts.

Strawberry Gorilla

[Challenge-kun #16] Ichigorilla! [Snack Information Center]
Strawberry Gorilla

It’s a card game similar to Concentration, where the player who flips over the most cards with matching pictures wins.

However, it’s not enough to just find matching pictures—you only score points if you collect exactly the number of cards indicated by the number on the card.

That rule makes it simple yet deep.

The fact that you can’t win on memory alone is part of its appeal.