Simple Card Games for Large Groups
Card games are a great way to bring people together. They’re especially fun when you’ve got a big group of friends or family. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a reunion, or just want to enjoy some laughs, card games are always a hit. The best ones are easy to learn, fast to play, and packed with entertainment. Here are some fantastic card games that meet all three and are perfect for large groups.
UNO
UNO is one of the most popular card games in the world, and it’s ideal for groups. The game uses a special deck of red, yellow, green, and blue cards. Each player starts with seven cards. The goal? Be the first to get rid of all your cards.
Players match the top card on the discard pile by color or number. Special cards like Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two add fun twists. The Wild card lets you change the current color, making it even more exciting.
UNO is quick, full of surprises, and easy for all ages. It’s perfect for parties and group game nights.
Cards Against Humanity
Looking for something bold and hilarious? Cards Against Humanity delivers. It’s designed for adults and filled with edgy, unexpected humor.
The game comes with black and white cards. One player reads a black card with a prompt. The others each choose a white card as a funny or clever response. The reader picks their favorite, and that player wins the round.
It’s easy to play and always unpredictable. With big groups, the laughter never stops.
Go Fish
Go Fish is a classic that’s easy to learn and perfect for all ages. It’s often played with a standard deck, but special Go Fish decks also exist.
Players aim to collect matching pairs. On your turn, you ask someone if they have a specific card. If they do, they give it to you. If not, they say “Go Fish,” and you draw a card from the deck.
This relaxed game works well in big groups. It doesn’t require strategy, making it great for casual fun.
Mafia
Though not a traditional card game, Mafia uses cards to assign roles and works brilliantly for large groups. You’ll need one moderator and several players. Each person receives a role card—either Mafia or villager.
The Mafia tries to eliminate the villagers. Villagers must identify and vote out the Mafia. The game includes discussion, bluffing, and strategic guessing.
Mafia encourages interaction and creativity. It’s a favorite for groups who love storytelling and deduction.
Spades
Spades is a trick-taking game typically played in teams of two, but you can easily adjust it for larger groups by forming multiple teams.
Each player gets 13 cards. Before play begins, everyone bids how many tricks they think they’ll win. Spades are always trump and beat other suits.
Players take turns and try to win tricks with the highest card of the suit led—or with a spade. The game mixes luck and deep strategy, making it a hit for competitive groups.
Spoons
Spoons is fast, chaotic, and incredibly fun. All you need is a regular deck and enough spoons for everyone—minus one.
Players pass cards around the circle, each trying to collect four of a kind. Once someone does, they silently grab a spoon. Then everyone else must grab one too. The person left without a spoon is out.
It’s wild, unpredictable, and perfect for big gatherings.
President
President is a silly and strategic game where the goal is to get rid of your cards first. It’s best with 4–8 players but works for more too.
The person with the lowest card starts. Others must play a higher card or pass. Once a player runs out of cards, they become the “President.” The last one becomes the “Scum.”
It’s easy to learn and full of fun role-switching and table-turning moments.
Pictionary (Card Edition)
Don’t have the official game? You can still play a version of Pictionary using a regular deck. Each suit or number can represent a category. Players draw a card, then sketch something from that category while others guess.
This creative twist makes the game fun and flexible. It’s perfect for big groups who love to laugh at funny drawings.
Final Thoughts
Card games bring people together like few things can. Whether you enjoy strategy, jokes, or simple fun, there’s a game for you. Try UNO, Cards Against Humanity, Go Fish, Mafia, Spades, Spoons, President, or even a DIY Pictionary. Refer to this article for more ideas: https://www.cbc.ca/life/culture/the-best-card-games-to-play-with-a-big-group-1.7006734 Each one offers hours of fun, bonding, and laughter. So gather your group, grab a deck, and let the games begin!