Types of card games and how to play them

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

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

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.

Koi-koi

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

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

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

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]

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.

A memory-style game using cards and pieces: “Ghost Blitz”

Ghost Blitz: Rules and Game Introduction Video by Yukai na Sakana

Players take on the role of wizards and battle against other players.

The match ends after cycling through the four seasons three times (i.e., after three years’ worth of turns).

The physical game may feel a bit daunting since it uses various tools in addition to cards, but it’s easy to play online.