Have you ever wondered what the best card games for seniors are? As we age, many traditional pastimes and hobbies may not be suitable anymore – but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some fun-filled game time with friends. Card games are a great way to stay active while enjoying quality time with loved ones.
Several popular card games designed for seniors exist today, providing hours of entertainment, interaction, and, most importantly – lots of laughs. Read on to discover 6 of our favorite card games perfect for older adults, so you no longer have any excuse to pass up your next opportunity for an exciting round or two!
Classic Card Games for Older Adults
Did you know that the earliest record of card games being played for fun dates back to 9th century China? Princess Tongchang and her husband’s family enjoyed the “leaf game” together. Fast forward to today, and card games have evolved into a beloved pastime, especially for seniors looking for mental stimulation. Check out a few examples below!
Canasta
A classic card game invented in the 1940s, Canasta came from the Rummy family and is believed to be a variant of 500 rum. It also has the same engaging and straightforward gameplay, which is how it quickly spread like wildfire throughout South America.
It was dubbed the Argentine Rummy when it was introduced in the United States around 1949. Seniors today are familiar with this game, primarily if they grew up playing it.
Canasta Basics:
- Ideally played by four players divided into two pairs
- Played using four standard decks of cards with two Jokers for a total of 108 cards
- Each player receives 11 cards
- Score points by making melds consisting of three or more cards of the same rank from Four to Ace
- Joker and two are considered wild cards
- Black and Red 3s have special functions
- Melds with seven or more cards are called a Canasta
The gameplay is easy to master; even first-time players will get a kick. Fortunately, technological advances allowed card games to become more accessible. An example is Canasta, which is full of engaging game features.
Spades
Invented in the 1930s, Spades is a trick-taking card game where players must take as many tricks as possible to earn points. Like Canasta, it’s typically played by partnerships, so it takes teamwork and communication to win. It has become popular over the years, so everyone can easily find a free Spades online game, such as online apps for mobile devices.
Spades Basics:
- Players begin by bidding on the number of tricks they expect to take
- Teams earn points if they achieve their combined bids
- Most games are played for up to 500 points
- Played with a set of standard cards with Jokers removed
For seniors who want to play with different players, many free Spades online apps are available for Android and iPhone users. It can help players develop their trick-taking skills, especially those new to Spades.
Bridge
Most card games offer triple the excitement if played in partnerships, and adding to that list is Bridge. It also keeps the mind sharp, which is ideal for older adults experiencing a decline in cognitive functions.
Bridge Basics:
- Players hold 13 cards each
- Two teammates, with one pair playing as the declarer/dummy and the other as the defender
- A defender to the declarer’s right begins by playing a card
- The rest follow suit if possible or play a trump or discard one card from another suit
- The dummy places their cards face-up while the defender’s card remains hidden
- Teams who took the number of tricks according to their bids win points
This mentally stimulating game also offers an opportunity for older people to socialize. Although it has daunting rules, the game is generally easy to learn. Players may also search for browser-based platforms, ideal for older adults who don’t own smartphones.
Pinochle
Popular among seniors, Pinochle is also a trick-taking card game generally played by two teams with two players each. However, it only requires a 48-card deck instead of the standard 52 cards.
Pinochle Basics:
- A Pinochle deck has two of each: Face cards, 10s, 9s, and aces
- Players receive 12 cards each
- Melds provide points based on specific combinations
- Bidding refers to how many points a team can take after a round
Pinochle also has different variations, and seniors will have a grand time playing the game with its simplistic gameplay. An app version by KARMAN Games has online multiplayer features, perfect for older adults who are always cooped up inside their homes.
Cribbage
A well-known game that also has a membership club is Cribbage. It requires a Cribbage board and a peg, which is how players keep track of their scores, which anyone can buy at Amazon. To score points, players must combine numbers to make runs, also known as scoring combinations.
Cribbage Basics:
- Each player gets six cards, with two cards set aside
- The remaining cards are known as “the crib.”
- The game begins with a non-dealer laying one of their four cards face up
- Be the first player to peg out to win
Cribbage Online is an excellent smartphone app for elderly adults who want to play online. It also offers tutorials and match-making services, perfect for seniors alone at home.
Solitaire
Last but not least is a lifelong favorite that seniors can play alone. It’s a patience game where players must arrange a shuffled deck of cards into a specific order, also called a tableau.
Solitaire Basics:
- 28 cards are dealt into seven piles across the table
- Four aces on top of the deck serve as the foundation
- Work on more extensive stacks first and play aces and twos immediately
Solitaire by LinkDesks – Jewel Games Star is a modern version of the classic card game with numerous features that make it more fun and engaging. Playing Solitaire can also be therapeutic for older adults, as it helps alleviate stress and keeps them occupied.
Card Games Older Adults Must Play Online or Offline
Whether online or offline, these card games offer exciting and memorable experiences for seniors who want to have fun. These can be downloaded or played on designated gaming platforms, so there’s always something for everyone. Let older people enjoy a few rounds of these thrilling card games!
