Playing cards are a familiar toy that many of us have been used to since childhood.
However, when it’s time to play, you might find yourself thinking, “We always play the same games—I’d like to try something new!”
In this article, I’ll introduce a variety of card games.
This time, I’ve especially gathered games that can be played with three people, so if any of them sound fun, give them a try with your friends or family!
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- Fun activities for junior high school students. Recreation games.
A card game for three players. Enjoy mind games and psychological battles! (1–10)
Doubt
Among card games, Cheat (also known as BS or I Doubt It) is a fun game where you can enjoy quick thinking and psychological battles.
While keeping your hand hidden, players take turns playing cards, but when it’s your turn to play a number you don’t have, you have to lie.
The hard part is making sure your lie doesn’t get caught.
You read your opponents’ expressions and words to judge the perfect moment to call “Cheat.” It can be pretty thrilling.
When you play with friends or family, it’s guaranteed to get everyone excited! It’s perfect if you’re looking for a lively game that lets you use your brain while having a great time.
Splash
Among card games, “Dobon” offers a thrilling mix of strategy and psychology.
Players take turns laying down cards that match the rank or suit of the top card on the pile, and whoever gets rid of all their cards first wins.
But here’s where it gets exciting: if the total value of the cards matches a certain condition, you can declare “Dobon!” and dump a bunch of cards at once.
That can be the turning point of the game.
Read your opponent’s hand while refining your own strategy—that tense, exhilarating feeling is the charm of Dobon.
Try it with friends or family; it’s guaranteed to be a hit!
Pig’s tail
Buta no Shippo (“Pig’s Tail”) is guaranteed to get everyone hyped.
Its rules are super simple, so both little kids and adults can enjoy it.
You arrange the cards in a circle to make the “tail,” draw one, and place it in the center.
If the suit or number matches the previous card, you have to take all the cards in the center.
The goal is to end with as few cards as possible, so your focus and quick reflexes are put to the test.
But the real charm of this game is the mind games—bluffs and feints add a psychological edge.
Even in a friendly atmosphere, you can enjoy real strategic back-and-forth.
You can also tweak the rules however you like, so it stays fresh no matter how many times you play.
Give it a try with family and friends!
Page One
Have you heard of Page One? It’s a playing card game where you quickly play cards and enjoy both mind games and strategy.
The rule is to play cards of the same suit to reduce your hand, and when you’re down to two cards, you have to declare “Page One.” If you miss the timing, you’ll be at a disadvantage, so the tension is real! But the rules are simple, so you can start having fun right away.
There’s an element of luck too, so it often gets exciting.
I recommend it for playing with family and friends—you’re sure to have a great time!
51
Let me introduce a game that tests your analytical skills: “51.” The rules are simple—collect five cards of the same suit to form your hand, and the player whose total is closest to 51 wins.
Card values are as follows: Jokers and Aces count as either 10 or 11, Kings, Queens, and Jacks are worth 10, and all other cards are worth 8.
Remembering who drew which cards and crafting your strategy accordingly is the key to victory.
Give it a try and keep your brain in high gear.
There are additional detailed rules as well, so be sure to look them up!
speed
When it comes to card games you can play with three people, Speed is definitely the top recommendation! Deal the cards evenly, and have each player lay out four cards face up.
Place the remaining cards in the center as a draw pile.
When someone calls “Speed,” the game begins! Quickly chain your cards together and race to run out of cards first to win.
The center cards keep changing, and as you replenish your hand, the game gets faster and faster.
It’s a tense psychological battle that demands snap judgment—perfect for those who love thrills and quick reflexes.
Give Speed a try for a fun break with friends or family!
Slapjack
A pure test of reflexes, “Slapjack” is a lot of fun.
The rules are very simple.
First, the players sit in a circle.
Then shuffle the cards and deal them out to everyone as their hands.
Now the game begins.
In turn, each player draws one card from their hand and places it face-up in the center.
When a Jack appears, everyone slaps the pile.
The person who slaps first takes all the cards in the center.
The player who has collected the most cards at the end wins.