Card games can sometimes get confusing. If you’re unsure of the rules, even a strong hand isn’t going to help you win. So, while on your journey of mastering card games, you may start off with some relatively easy ones that won’t confuse you with complex rules and mechanics. Once you master these, you can move onto more complex ones.
Of course, there are many genres of card games, including RPGs, trick-taking, andTCGs, but we’ll keep things simple by starting off with some party games, simple deck building games, and some with a few complex rules. You’ll be able to master these pretty easily, preparing you for more complex card games.
Updated on Jul 15, 2025, by Vaspaan Dastoor:Sometimes, you don’t want to think too hard while playing card games. Maybe you just want to wind down with your gang over a fun game. These easy card games are perfect for such situations. We’ve added a few more of them to the list.
Exploding Kittens
That’s a fuzzy little explosion
It’s not very hard to play Exploding Kittens, all you have to do is not pick up the Exploding Kitten card until everyone else has gone boom. However, you can’t control which card you’ll pick up, so better be prepared with counters and defusal options, should you pick up that angry little kitty.
Playing Exploding Kittens is not only easy, but you’ll have a laugh while doing so. There are two main factors that will determine your victory - luck, which you can’t control, and having the right card to defuse the situation should you have the bad luck of drawing one of the Exploiting Kittens. Also, no kittens were harmed in the making of this game.
UNO
Just ensure you know which version of the rules you’re playing.
There are only so many things you’re able to do on any given turn in Uno. You either place a card, or draw one if you don’t have one to place. Of course, you can condemn others by making them draw four cards, but nothing quite beats the moment when a Draw 4 is met with another Draw 4 to absolutely ruin someone’s day.
One of the biggest issues with Uno is agreeing upon whether a Draw 4 can be placed on a Draw 4 to save yourself. If you can figure that part out before you start, the rest of the game will go pretty smoothly, and without much thought being put into it. Just remember to yell “Uno” when you’re on your last card.
Cards Against Humanity
Something something dead babies.
There’s no real tact or strategy required in Cards Against Humanity; if you think your card is the funniest in accordance to the one on the table, simply put it down and hope that the judge for that round thinks so too. If the base pack is too tame for you, there’s also an NSFW version.
Card Against Humanity is one of the most popular card games in the world for two major reasons. One, it gives you the license to make dark jokes, and secondly, it’s very easy to play. As long as you have a decent sense of humour, and aren’t too PC during the game, you have a good chance at winning.
Sushi Go!
Perfect for sushi nights
Deck building may sound like an advanced card game mechanic, but Sushi Go! does a good job in simplifying it. By simply following the instructions on the cards, and enjoying the adorably yummy sushi art, you’ll figure out how to pair cards to make your deck stronger over all. Just don’t get too distracted by the sushi.
Sushi Go! not only features cute looking pieces of sushi, but also a great strategic gameplay loop. You need to build up your sushi army by making sure you have the most compatible deck in terms of points. Some cards will react with others to form multipliers that will get you more points.
Monopoly Deal is for when you want to play Monopoly, but don’t have the time or space for the board. It has brilliantly adapted the classic gameplay formula into a card-based medium. If you know the basics of the original game, it shouldn’t take you too long learn how to play this version.
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Gather all forces.
Ever dreamt of having a unicorn army? Well, Unstable Unicorns can finally fulfill those dreams. Another take on deck building, it tasks you with assembling the best hand, with certain cards acting as multipliers and modifiers for your overall score. Just because a particular unicorn is worth a lot of points, it doesn’t mean it’s good for your deck.
Even if you don’t want to build an army of unicorns, one look at the cards, and you’ll want to recruit them all to your cause, whatever it may be. Unstable Unicorns is another take on deck building, and doesn’t require too much thought or strategy.
Codenames
Spy not hard
Running a spy agency probably isn’t an easy job, especially if you don’t know who your spies are. Codenames aims to make that process a bit easier by having the Spymaster give you hints via an alphanumeric code. All you require to bring your agents home safely is basic deduction.
Being a spy doesn’t sound too tough - movies have shown us that 50 percent of it is going to casinos and ordering vodka martinis. However, things can get hairy once it’s time to exfiltrate your agents. As long as the Spymaster gives you a proper hint, you should be able to bring them all home safely. An added bonus is that some editions turn your agents into characters from various popular IPs.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
Burrito
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza has a very simple ruleset - keep the rhythm going, and perform the right action. While the gameplay is pretty simple on paper, it’s up to you to play it correctly or risk picking up more cards. It’s a simple game that gets tougher and raises the stakes as each round progresses.
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza sounds simple enough to play, but ther tough part is playing it without making mistakes. Players must keep the rhythm up while saying the correct word, and perform a slap the deck when they draw the same card as the word. The last one to do so has to pick up all the cards played till then. Things get a bit more complicated when a special card is drawn, and players have to perform a special action related to the card.
Cthulhu Fluxx
Taking madness to a new level.
The Fluxx series would probably be the easiest of the card games to play on this list, because all you have to do is follow the instructions written on each card. Each edition has its own little twist, like the Cthulhu edition featuring elements of Eldritch horror. you’re able to mix and match multiple editions if you really want a challenge.
The games in the Fluxx series have one simple ruler - follow the instructions on the cards. While it may be a bit tough to remember what the instructions are after they’ve changed multiple times, the basic gameplay is still pretty simple. Each edition adds its own bit of flavour to it - in this case, a bit of Lovecraftian horror and the Cthulhu Mythos. Just pay attention to the instruction with each card and it should be a breeeze.
Munchkin Deluxe
When dungeaon delving becomes a tabletop.
Munchkin is another one of those games where you just need to read the instructions on each card to get a grasp of it. While this edition includes standees and a game board, and is based on the classic formula, there are those based on other IPs or tropes.
The original Munchkin takes the dungeon exploring aspect of TTRPGs and presents it in a card-based formula. This allows for immense replayability. And, if you really want to mix things up, just add another edition into yours!
Game That Song
“Name a song with another player’s name in it.”
Don’t worry, you don’t need to be able to sing to play Game That Song. However, a good knowledge of song names will really help. You’ll have to name songs based on what’s asked of you on the card. However, it’s more personal, as you must relate it to the other players.
Thankfully, you don’t need to name songs based on the lyrics or artist. Game That Song will ask you to name a song in relevance with another player. A song that describes someone, or has their name in it. That makes it easy for everyone, as you don’t need to have indepth knowledge of the music industry.
FAQ
Are card games good for older adults?
Card games are a great way to spend time with your friends. They also help in stimulating mental health.
What is the recommended age for adult card games?
The ideal age for an adult card game is 16 years. However, parents should play the game themselves and take a call.
What is the most complex card game?
Magic: The Gathering, due to its regular new releases and evolving ruleset, is considered to be one of the most complex card games.
