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The 10 best card games to buy in the UK

Picture of a card game

The best card games offer countless hours of fun between friends and family. While the classic 52 card deck has spawned endless card games of its own, there are dozens of other card games that use unique cards, rules, and strategies.

So, it’s safe to say that choosing the best card game can take some time, as there simply so many great options available. Looking to buy a great card game but are unsure where to start? Check out this handy buying guide for all the info you need!

What are card games?

A card game is a type of game where card decks are used as the main form of gameplay. This includes traditional card games using 52-deck playing cards (e.g. blackjack, poker, solitaire etc), as well as more modern types of games that feature game-specific rules and cards, such as trading card games and trivia card games.

Why should you buy a good card game?

The best card games offer endless hours of entertainment. Whether you’re playing traditional card games or newer games, there are so many fun-filled options out there to play with. Better still, card games can involve solo or group play. For instance, a game of solitaire is very enjoyable on your own, while playing a game of poker with friends is also a great time.

The same goes for other types of card games. Trading card games feature a strong community of players, and the cards aren’t only used to play the game, but are also collected and traded too. There are card games suitable for all ages, and you can play the games virtually anywhere you want to!

How to choose the right card game in 2024?

Another picture of a card game

Choosing the best card game is usually down to personal preferences, much like any other game. However, with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine what you might enjoy playing. Here’s some things to consider that can help you choose a great card game:

  • Number of Players: One of the easiest ways to choose a card game is by the number of players it allows. For group games, you can’t go wrong with the classic 52-card deck or a trivia card game. Trading card games are great for solo play, although you do need to play against other players, but collecting and building decks can be done without other players.
  • Gameplay: Card games vary in their gameplay, so it helps to know what style of gameplay you most prefer. For instance, people looking for serious, competitive gameplay will like playing bridge or poker, while trivia card games offer a lot fun entertainment for parties and the like. Trading card games require a lot strategy and planning, but are also great fun to play.
  • Complexity: Card games come with varying levels of complexity, so be sure to consider this before you buy one. This is especially important if you’re looking for family-friendly games where kids are playing, as you want a game that everyone can learn with relative ease. Card games come with so many different type of rules and styles of play that it can be rather difficult to grasp for first-time players.

What is the best kind of card game in the UK?

As mentioned, there are countless types of card games available, but they can be generally categorised into the following types:

  • Traditional Card Games: The best-known card games, they use the traditional 52-card playing deck to play an endless selection of games. Poker, blackjack, solitaire, and bridge are just a few examples of popular traditional card games, and there are countless rules that can be applied to each. For most games all you need is a deck of traditional playing cards, so it’s one of the cheapest options that provides countless games.
  • Trading Card Games: Trading card games (also known as collecting card games) involve buying unique sets of playing cards to build what is known as deck. Once you have a suitable deck, you can play the game in its most basic form against another player, although there are usually hundreds of cards of varying rarities that can be collected and used in different ways. The best-known examples are the Pokémon card game and Magic: The Gathering, and players tend to commit long-term collecting and playing.
  • Trivia Card Games: Trivia card games - often called party games - are card games that involve several players playing as teams or individuals. The rules vary depending on the game, but often involve logic, memory, or creative thinking. Many of these card games feature basic question and answers, while others utilise very unique rules like a board game. Examples include Exploding Kittens, Cards Against Humanity, and Uno.

Top 10 list of card games in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their card games. Which card game is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of Thames & Kosmos 696118 card game
Thames & Kosmos The Lost Words: Card Game, Strategic Card Game,…
  • Components: The game includes 20 Nature cards, 40 Spell cards, and 20 Special ca…
  • Family Games for Game Night: Suitable for age 8 and above, The Lost Words: Card Game…
  • Interactive Gaming Experience: Win the game by strategically placing your Spell cards…
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TOP 2
Image of ATM Gaming QSUK card game
QUICKSTOP | Card Game for Family and Friends | Fast and Hilarious…
  • Made with love: created by a family who are passionate about enhancing fun moments…
  • Short and intense: a game that lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes, suitable for…
  • Perfect game for all generations: Quickstop is much more than just a game, it is…
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TOP 3
Image of COILEDSPRING CSG-THE_MIND_UK card game
NSV | The Mind UK version | Card Game | Ages 8+ | 2-4 Players | 20…
  • This award-winning game has sold over 1 million copies worldwide. Let’s become…
  • Can you master all levels, before you run out of lives?
  • Connect minds telepathically with your teammates, to play cards in ascending order…
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Offer TOP 4
Image of Mattel HWV18 card game
Mattel Games UNO Show ?em No Mercy Card Game for Kids, Adults &…
  • Makes a great gift to amp up the action on friends and family game nights, travels…
  • More cards mean more chances to show opponents absolutely no mercy!
  • The Mercy Rule means that if any player gets 25+ cards in their hand, they are out…
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TOP 5
Image of Monopoly monopoly deal card game
Monopoly Deal Card Game
  • EASY TO LEARN AND PLAY: the Monopoly Deal card game is a snap to learn, teach and…
  • ACTION CARDS CHANGE THE GAME: use Action Cards to collect rent, steal and swap properties,…
  • COLLECT 3 PROPERTY SETS TO WIN: in this exciting strategy card game, be the first…
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TOP 6
Image of Magilano SKYJO card game
SKYJO by Magilano - The entertaining card game for kids and adults.…
  • PLAYERS: For 2 - 8 players. AGE: From age 8 and up. GAME DURATION: about 30 minutes.…
  • EDUCATIONAL GAMING: Count - Adding of up to 100 two-digit numbers. Estimate - Get…
  • FAST GAME START: Easy to learn game rules! Includes a short manual with pictures.…
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TOP 7
Image of Mattel Games W2087 card game
Mattel Games UNO, Classic Card Game for Kids and Adults for Family…
  • Don’t forget to shout “UNO” when you only have one card remain…
  • Special graphic symbols have been added to each card to help identify the color(s)…
  • Players take turns matching a card in their hand with the color or number of the…
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TOP 8
Image of CRACK LIST UK-YQ-CL-00000 card game
CRACK LIST I Family game I Card Game I 2-8 players I Board Game for…
  • A game dreamed up around the dining table by a father-daughter team.
  • 30+ min playing time I Ages 10+ I 2 to 8 players or more by playing in teams I Small…
  • A one-of-a-kind card game that would bring all generations together, to play with…
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TOP 9
Image of Generic gggb123 card game
Oink Games Scout Card Game For 2-5 Players • Funny Circus Family…
  • FUN. NEW. INTERESTING. - Oink Games develops enchanting board games for adults as…
  • WONDERFUL GIFT - Ideal birthday gifts or Christmas games, our adult & kids board…
  • PLAY ANYWHERE - Better than the old fashioned family board games kids dread, 9 to…
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TOP 10
Image of Mattel Games GDR44 card game
Mattel Games UNO FLIP! Family Card Game for Adults, Teens & Kids,…
  • UNO FLIP! Tin is perfect for adults, teens and kids 7 years old and up. The fun family…
  • Colorblind accessible! Special graphic symbols have been added to each card to help…
  • UNO FLIP! also includes fun new action cards, like Draw Five and Skip Everyone.
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/11/21.