Card games have been a source of entertainment for centuries, offering endless fun and excitement for players of all ages.
Whether you’re looking for a quick game to pass the time or a strategic challenge to test your skills, there are plenty of options available.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 best card games for 3 people ranging from classics to lesser-known.
Best Card Games for 3 People and More
If you are not interested in playing blackjack, these 15 3 player card games are sure to provide hours of entertainment for you and your friends.
1. Spades – One of the Best Three Person Card Game
Players: 3
About the Game:
Spades is a classic trick-taking game where players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win. It’s known for its strategic depth and teamwork, as players must communicate and coordinate with their partners to achieve their bid.
How to Play:
Each player must be dealt 17 cards, and the bidding begins. The objective is to predict the number of tricks you’ll win.
After bidding, players take turns playing cards, with the highest-ranking card winning the trick. The team that meets or exceeds their bid wins points.
2. Rummy
Players: 3
About the Game:
Rummy is a popular matching-card game that encourages players to form sets and runs of cards in their hands. It’s a card game for three players of both luck and strategy, as players must decide which cards to keep and which to discard.
How to Play:
Players aim to form sets or runs of cards in their hands. Each turn, players draw a card from the deck or discard pile and discard a card from their hand. The first player to form valid sets or runs and lay them down on the table wins the round.
3. Euchre – 3 Person Card game
Players: 3
About the Game:
Euchre is a fast-paced trick-taking game that originated in Europe. It’s played with a unique deck of 24 cards, with players forming partnerships to win tricks and score points.
How to Play:
A standard 24-card deck is used, and players bid on the trump suit. The player with the highest bid leads the first trick.
4. Cutthroat Bridge
Players: 3
About the Game:
Cutthroat Bridge is a variation of the classic game Bridge, played without partnerships. It’s a game of strategy and deception, as players must outmaneuver their opponents to fulfill their bid while sabotaging others.
How to Play:
Similar to traditional Bridge, Cutthroat Bridge is played without partnerships. Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to take, and the highest bidder leads the first trick. The goal is to fulfill your bid while preventing opponents from doing the same.
5. Go Fish
Players: 3
About the Game:
Go Fish is a simple yet entertaining game suitable for players of all ages. It’s a game of memory and deduction, as players must remember which cards have been asked for and which are still in play.
How to Play:
Players aim to collect sets of four cards of the same rank. Each turn, players ask opponents for specific cards. If the opponent has the requested card, they must hand it over. If not, the player draws from the deck.
6. Crazy Eights
Players: 3
About the Game:
Crazy Eights is a fast-paced shedding game that’s easy to learn and highly addictive. It’s a game of strategy and timing, as players race to be the first to empty their hand of cards.
How to Play:
The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Players take turns playing cards that match either the rank or suit of the top card in the discard pile. Eights are wild and can be played at any time.
7. Oh Hell
Players: 3
About the Game:
Oh Hell, also known as Oh Pshaw or Nomination Whist, is a trick-taking game with an element of bidding. It’s a card game for three people of prediction and risk-taking, as players must accurately estimate the number of tricks they’ll win each round.
How to Play:
Players predict the number of tricks they’ll win each round. The number of cards dealt varies each round, starting with one card and increasing by one each round.
8. Thirty-One – Best 3 Player Card Game
Players: 3
About the Game:
Thirty-One, also known as Scat or Blitz, is a fast-paced card game that’s perfect for groups of three. It’s a game of luck and calculation, as players strive to assemble hands totaling 31 points.
How to Play:
Players aim to collect cards that add up to 31 points in one suit. With each turn, players draw a card from the deck or discard pile and discard a card from their hand. The player with the highest score at the end of the round wins.
9. Spit
Players: 2-3
About the Game:
Spit, also known as Speed or Slam, is a lightning-fast game of matching and speed. It’s a game of reflexes and agility, as players race to be the first to get rid of their cards.
How to Play:
Players simultaneously play cards into the center piles in ascending or descending order. When a pile reaches 13 cards, players can slap the pile, and the first to do so gets rid of their cards.
10. Texas Hold’em
Players: 2-10 (3 works well)
About the Game:
Texas Hold’em is one of the most popular variants of poker, known for its strategic depth and psychological elements. It’s a game of skill and psychology, as players bluff, bet, and strategize to outmaneuver their opponents.
How to Play:
Each player is dealt two private cards, and five community cards are dealt face-up on the table. Players use a combination of their private cards and the community cards to form the best five-card poker hand.
11. Gin Rummy
Players: 2-4 (3 works well)
About the Game:
Gin Rummy is a classic variant of Rummy that adds an element of strategy and planning. It’s a game of skill and foresight, as players must anticipate their opponents’ moves while planning their own.
How to Play:
Players aim to form sets or runs of cards in their hands. With each turn, players draw a card from the deck or discard pile and discard a card from their hand. The first player to form valid sets or runs and lay them down on the table wins the round.
12. President
Players: 3-7
About the Game:
President, also known as Scum or Asshole, is a social card game with elements of strategy and luck. It’s a game of hierarchy and dominance, as players strive to rise in rank while avoiding the lowest position.
How to Play:
The player who gets rid of their cards becomes the President in the next round, and the player with the most cards becomes the Scum.
13. Pinochle
Players: 3-4
About the Game:
Pinochle is a trick-taking game with a unique deck of cards and specialized scoring system. It’s a game of partnerships and communication, as players work together to win tricks and score points.
How to Play:
Use a 48-card deck. Players bid on the number of points they think they can earn in each hand based on the cards in their hand and the trump suit.
14. Canasta
Players: 2-6 (3 works well)
About the Game:
Canasta is a rummy-like game that emphasizes melding and strategic play. It’s a game of cooperation and competition, as players work with partners to form melds while trying to hinder their opponents’ progress.
How to Play:
Players aim to form melds of seven cards of the same rank. Special rules apply to forming and melding certain combinations of cards.
15. Durak
Players: 2-6 (3 works well)
About the Game:
Durak, meaning “fool” in Russian, is a popular card game known for its simplicity and unpredictability. It’s a game of strategy and luck, as players must defend against attacks while planning their own.
How to Play:
Players aim to get rid of all their cards. Players take turns attacking and defending against the active player, who tries to play cards higher than those in their hand.
Conclusion of Best Card Games for 3 People
In conclusion, these are the best card games for 3 people, offering a wide variety of entertainment and challenges.
Feel free to try out these three people card games and enjoy!
F.A.Q
What are the best 3 people card games❓
The best card games for three people include Spades, Rummy, Euchre, and Go Fish.
How many players do I need for a game of Spades❓
Spades are best played with 4 players but can be adapted for 3 players.
Is Go Fish suitable for younger players❓
✅ Yes, Go Fish is simple and suitable for players of all ages, making it a great choice for family game nights.
Can I play Rummy with just 3 people❓
✅ Yes, Rummy can be played with 3 players, although it’s usually more enjoyable with 4 or more.
What is the objective of Euchre❓
In Euchre, players aim to win tricks and score points by bidding on the trump suit and winning the majority of five tricks in each hand.
Is Crazy Eights a fast-paced game❓
✅ Yes, Crazy Eights is known for its fast-paced gameplay, making it perfect for quick rounds of fun.
How many cards are dealt in a game of Oh Hell❓
The number of cards dealt varies each round in Oh Hell, starting with one card and increasing by one each round.
Can Texas Hold'em be played with 3 people❓
✅ Yes, Texas Hold’em can be played with as few as 2 players and is suitable for 3 people.