5 Traditional and Classic Card Games Devised in the U.S.

For those who grew up in a traditional household, you might remember gathering around the family kitchen table for a classic game of cards after dinner with nothing but cheering and laughter. Practiced by generations since the dawn of American culture, playing Poker, Rummy, or Whist is an experience unlike any other.

For those looking to bridge the gap between young and older generations through traditional experiences, we’ve compiled a list of five timeless classics invented from within the U.S. borders. Read on if you want to discover what these card games are and how they came to be.

The Best American Pastimes Everyone Will Appreciate

Card games are the ultimate source of entertainment, especially back then when access to technology was limited. With that said, below are some of the most unforgettable pastimes you should keep on playing;

500 Rum

An American game that was derived from Rummy is 500 Rum. Also called Rummy 500, this infamous variant was believed to have been developed around the mid to late 1800s. Furthermore, several other popular card games today were also designed based on 500 Rum.

Two to eight people can join the game using an Anglo-American standard deck with 52 cards. The objective is to be the first to win 500 points by playing sets of three or four cards or sequences of three or more cards.

500 Rum Basics:

• Ace (high or low), K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, A.
• The game ends once a player gets rid of all their cards.
• Cards drawn from the pile must be used immediately, either as a part of your set or placed on an existing set on the table.

500 Rum is relatively easy to play, especially if you’re a master at making sets and sequences. Fortunately, numerous versions have been developed for mobile apps and browser-based platforms!

Spades

Another crowd-favorite since the 1930s is Spades. It’s an iconic trick-taking card game, usually played by four players divided into two teams called partnerships. It’s closely related to Bridge and descended from Whist, another timeless trick-taking game.

Nowadays, finding a free Spades online game is easy. You can search for one on Google and Apple Play Store or your web browser and you can instantly play one for free! Due to its compelling gameplay, many people enjoy it in the U.S. and worldwide, too!

Spades Basics:

• Perfect for four players, but can be played by two people on a cutthroat game
• The game consists of Bidding and Trick-Taking
• A team must earn points by achieving their combined bid
• No player is allowed to pass during the bidding phase

Test your expertise in bidding and trick-taking by playing a free Spades game online. You may challenge an intelligent AI or play against real online players worldwide.

Phase 10

Created in 1982 by Kenneth Johnson, Phase 10 became a household name for those who enjoy game nights at home. Distributed by Mattel, it has similarities with UNO since their cards look the same. However, the gameplay is far from that because Phase 10 is based on a unique Rummy variant known as Contract Rummy.

Phase 10 Basics:

• Two decks of cards are required to start the game.
• Two to six players can join.
• The objective is to complete all ten phases one round at a time.
• Once the last phase is done, the player with the lowest score becomes the ultimate winner, depending on how many points they accrued from the remaining cards.
• Players must remember to discard a card after playing their turn, too!

You can still purchase Phase 10 cards from Amazon and play them with your friends. If you can’t wait and want to play it today, you may also download an app for mobile devices.

Texas Hold ’em Poker

Poker has multiple versions, but Texas Hold ’em Poker is the one that stands out the most. Birthed in its namesake, Texas, this old-age poker game was made sometime in the 1900s in Robstown. It was a local game in that loner town until its spectacular introduction in Las Vegas in 1968.

Who would have thought that this poker game would garner the attention of gamblers worldwide? Since then, Texas Hold ’em Poker tournaments have been held to see who’s the best bluffer! The jackpot prizes are no joke since players have the chance to win millions of dollars!

Other Famous Poker Variations:

• Omaha
• Five-card draw
• Chinese Poker
• Seven-card stud
• Caribbean stud poker
• Four of a kind

These variations are popular in many parts of the world, and you can also find them on the internet. If you’re not ready to lose some cash, play free poker games first. Once you think you’re ready, you can join online casinos and try to hit that jackpot!

Pitch

Pitch is a variant of the British trick-taking game called All-Fours. However, Pitch originated from North America and was rumored to have been made in the 1800s by a bored hunting party. It was principally known as Auction Pitch but has evolved to other games, such as Seven-Up and Cinch.

Over the years, game rules have been changed and updated every time. However, the basics or the essential features remain: the scoring of high, low, jack, and the game. At least three players are needed to begin.

Pitch Basics:

• Each player is dealt six cards starting from the dealer’s left
• The player on the dealer’s left bid first, and everyone can pass or bid
• The lowest bid is two, and successive bids must be higher than the last
• The highest bidder is called the pitcher, who will begin the play
• The suit of the card pitched is the trump suit, and each player must follow until all six tricks have been played.
• Players can play any card if they don’t have the same suit.

This card game is perfect for adults who want something more competitive. If you want to hone your skills first, practicing with Pitch online at free game websites is best. It also requires quick thinking, so it should be interesting!

Enjoy Timeless Classics Made by Our American Ancestors

With so many card games today, finding one that will never lose its charm and appeal is extraordinary. That’s why the titles listed above are still played today. Even after centuries, these classic card games remain the most beloved at any social gathering. Keep on paying homage to these card games, and you’ll never have to worry about not having enough entertaining things to do!