three sevens) or a run of cards in a sequence of the same suit (e.g. To score points, you must play sets of a minimum of three cards that are the same rank (e.g. The objective is to be the first player to score 500 points. It belongs to the rummy family of card games, which involve grouping cards together in certain sequences and sets. This is one of my favourite games because it doesn't take long to play the rules are simple and there's the dramatic possibility of starting out badly, but ultimately winning the game, and vice versa. There are variations for three people, but they're at their best when you play with just two. Most multiplayer card games can be scaled up or down to accommodate more or fewer players and the games mentioned here are no exception. They range from the straightforward to the complex, and all can be played with a standard 52-card deck. If you decide to play them, I hope they serve you similarly well. I'm passionate about a wide variety of games, whether they be board, tabletop or card games, and the ones listed here are what I've played most often and that bring back the best memories. I was six years old when I played my first card in a game of Crazy Eights, and I've dealt countless hands since then. For me, card games were integral to my childhood: I grew up playing cards with my parents and three siblings. They're social, portable and inexpensive (unless you're gambling with money), and the rules are easy to learn. From the bold and colourful designs of India to the intricate and detailed patterns of Russia, playing cards are a testament to the creativity and diversity of the human experience.Card games have entertained people for centuries and have always been a great way to pass time. As Sylvia Mann put it “ there are fashions in cards, and these fashions very often reflect the history of the times”. Playing cards are a reflection of our society, with each country and region having its unique designs and styles. The artistic value of cards cannot be overlooked, with their intricate details and unique designs of each card reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of artists. For many, gambling has become an addiction, leading to financial ruin and even anti-social problems. While playing cards have brought people together for fun and play, they have also been a source of disruption in the form of gambling.

Above right: the Magician from the popualr Rider-Waite tarot, which has become the template for modern tarot decks. Above center: Trump Presidential playing cards, playing cards are often used for political messages. Above left: a set of Spanish playing cards from 1638 was discovered inside a prison wall during demolition, likely used for gambling by prisoners.

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