Card games are a fun and easy way to pass the time. Whether you’re looking for something to do with family or friends, or just want to while away a few hours on your own, there’s something for everyone. Here are 9 card games for 3 players that are sure to keep you entertained.
1. Three-Player Hearts
Three-player Hearts is a classic card game that’s been around for generations. It’s a game of strategy, luck, and a bit of bluffing. Players must try to avoid taking points, as the one with the fewest points at the end of the game wins. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving 17 cards.
To start, one player is chosen to be the dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals out 17 cards to each player. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down. The dealer then turns over the top card from the deck and places it in the middle of the table. This card is known as the “lead card”.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all 17 cards have been played. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game is the winner. Points are awarded for each card taken by a player, with the Ace being worth the most points.
2. Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is a fast-paced game that is perfect for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner. Points are awarded for each card taken by a player, with the Ace being worth the most points.
3. Go Fish
Go Fish is a fun card game for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or ask another player for a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or ask another player for a card. If a player asks another player for a card, they must specify which card they are asking for. If the player asked has the card, they must give it to the player who asked. If the player asked does not have the card, they must say “Go Fish” and the player who asked must draw a card from the deck.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player with the most sets of four of a kind at the end of the game is the winner.
4. Speed
Speed is a fast-paced game that is perfect for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player with the most tricks at the end of the game is the winner.
5. War
War is a classic card game for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving 17 cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all 17 cards have been played. The player with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner.
6. Spades
Spades is a popular card game for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving 13 cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all 13 cards have been played. The player with the most points at the end of the game is the winner. Points are awarded for each card taken by a player, with the Ace being worth the most points.
7. Old Maid
Old Maid is a classic card game that’s perfect for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player who has the Old Maid card at the end of the game is the loser.
8. Spit
Spit is a fast-paced game that is perfect for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player with the most cards at the end of the game is the winner.
9. Sevens
Sevens is a simple card game that’s perfect for three players. It is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with each player receiving seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down.
The player to the left of the dealer starts the game. He or she can either pass or play a card. If the player passes, the next player can either pass or play a card. If a card is played, the suit of the lead card must be followed. If a player cannot follow suit, they can play any card. The player with the highest card of the same suit as the lead card wins the trick. That player collects the cards and places them face down in a pile in front of themselves.
The game continues until all seven cards have been played. The player with the most sevens at the end of the game is the winner.
Card games for 3 players are a great way to pass the time and have some fun. Whether you’re looking for something to do with family or friends, or just want to while away a few hours on your own, there’s something for everyone. With these nine games, you’re sure to find something that everyone can enjoy. So grab a deck of cards and get ready to have some fun!
