Most classic card games are either best for two, four, or other even numbers of players. But what if your group only consists of three players who love card games, and it can sometimes be difficult to find the fourth player? We have a list of the best card games for 3 people that you can play when you find yourself in such a situation.
Best 3 Player Card Games
We’ll explore the top 15 best 3 player card games, covering everything from rules to strategies and tips. Don’t forget to check out the best games for 2 people.
1. Spades – One of the Best Card Game for Three People
About the Game: Spades is a classic trick-taking, one of the best card games for three people where players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win each round.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players must follow suit if possible, and the highest card of the led suit wins the trick. The game continues until all tricks have been played, and scores are tallied based on the number of tricks won versus the bid.
Strategies and Tips: Bid conservatively and communicate with your partner to maximize your chances of meeting your bid. Pay attention to the cards played to deduce the distribution of remaining cards.
2. Euchre
About the Game: Euchre is a trick-taking game where players compete to win tricks and score points.
Deck Needed: Standard 24-card deck (only 9s through Aces).
Rules: Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win, with the highest bidder leading the first trick. The trump suit is determined by the highest bidder, and players must follow suit if possible. The team that scores the most points wins the round.
Strategies and Tips: Pay close attention to the cards in your hand and anticipate your opponents’ moves. Work with your partner to coordinate your strategy.
3. Hearts
About the Game: Hearts is a trick-taking game where players aim to avoid certain cards while collecting others to score points.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players must follow suit if possible, with the highest card of the led suit winning the trick. Players aim to avoid collecting hearts and the Queen of Spades, as these cards carry penalty points. The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.
Strategies and Tips: Pay attention to the cards played and try to deduce which cards your opponents are holding. Avoid taking penalty cards whenever possible, and consider “shooting the moon” if you have a strong hand.
4. Gin Rummy – Best Three Person Card Game
About the Game: Gin Rummy is a classic matching game where players aim to form sets and runs of cards.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players draw and discard cards to form melds (sets or runs). The first player to go out by forming valid combinations wins the round, with points tallied based on the cards remaining in players’ hands.
Strategies and Tips: Focus on forming melds quickly to minimize points in your hand. Pay attention to the cards your opponents discard to anticipate their strategy.
5. Cribbage – 3 Person Card Game
About the Game: Cribbage is a unique game that combines luck and skill with a scoring pegboard.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck plus a cribbage board and pegs.
Rules: Players play cards to reach a total of fifteen or form combinations. Scoring occurs during play and the crib phase, with the game continuing until one player reaches the target score on the cribbage board.
Strategies and Tips: Plan your discards carefully to maximize scoring opportunities during the crib phase. Keep track of possible combinations to optimize your scoring during play.
6. Bridge
About the Game: Bridge is a complex and strategic trick-taking game that requires teamwork and communication.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: The highest bidder leads the first trick, with players following suit if possible. The team that scores the most points wins the game.
Strategies and Tips: Communicate openly with your partner to convey information about your hand. Pay attention to bidding conventions and develop a system to signal your partner about the strength of your hand.
7. Rummy 500 – Card Game for Three Players
About the Game: Rummy 500 is a variation of Gin Rummy where players aim to reach a target score by forming sets and runs of cards.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players draw and discard cards to form melds (sets or runs). Points are tallied based on the value of the cards melded, with the first player to reach the target score winning the game.
Strategies and Tips: Be strategic in your discards and focus on forming high-value melds. Keep track of the cards your opponents pick up to deduce their strategy.
8. Crazy Eights – One of the Best 3 Player Card Game
About the Game: Crazy Eights is a fast-paced game where players aim to get rid of their cards by matching them with the previous card or playing eighths as wild cards.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players match cards by suit or rank, or play eights to change the suit. The first player to empty their hand wins.
Strategies and Tips: Save eights to change the suit strategically. Pay attention to your opponents’ discards to deduce their hand and plan your moves accordingly.
9. Canasta
About the Game: Canasta is a rummy-style card game where players aim to form melds of seven cards of the same rank.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck plus jokers.
Rules: Players draw and discard cards to form melds (sets or runs) of seven cards. Points are tallied based on the value of the cards melded, with bonuses awarded for certain combinations.
Strategies and Tips: Work with your partner to form melds quickly and block your opponents from doing the same. Pay attention to the cards in the discard pile to gauge the state of the game.
10. Whist
About the Game: Whist is a classic trick-taking game that dates back to the 17th century and is the precursor to Bridge.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win, and the highest bidder leads the first trick. Players must follow suit if possible, with the highest card of the led suit winning the trick. The team that scores the most points wins the game.
Strategies and Tips: Communicate with your partner through bidding and signaling to coordinate your efforts. Keep track of the cards played to anticipate which cards remain in each player’s hand.
11. Oh Hell
About the Game: Oh Hell is a trick-taking game where players must predict the number of tricks they will win each round.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win, with the number of tricks decreasing each round. The highest bidder leads the first trick, and players must follow suit if possible. The game continues until all tricks have been played, and scores are tallied based on the accuracy of players’ bids.
Strategies and Tips: Bid strategically based on your hand and the number of cards in play. Pay attention to the cards played to assess the remaining distribution of cards.
12. Napoleon
About the Game: Napoleon is a trick-taking game where players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win and aim to capture specific cards to score points.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players bid on the number of tricks they expect to win and the trump suit. The highest bidder leads the first trick, and players must follow suit if possible. Points are scored based on the number of tricks won and the specific cards captured.
Strategies and Tips: Bid conservatively and focus on capturing valuable cards to score points.
13. Palace
About the Game: Palace is a shedding card game where players aim to be the first to empty their hands while following specific rules for card play.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players must play cards of equal or higher rank than the previous player, with special cards introducing additional rules. The first player to empty their hand wins.
Strategies and Tips: Manage your hand carefully to ensure you can always play a card on your turn. Save powerful cards for strategic moments to gain an advantage.
14. Rummy 31
About the Game: Rummy 31 is a variation of Rummy where players aim to reach a total of 31 points in their hand.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players draw and discard cards to form sets and runs, with the goal of reaching a total of 31 points in their hand. Points are scored based on the value of the cards melded, with bonuses awarded for certain combinations.
Strategies and Tips: Prioritize forming high-value melds to reach 31 points as quickly as possible. Pay attention to your opponents’ discards to anticipate their strategy.
15. Double Solitaire
About the Game: Double Solitaire is a fast-paced solitaire game for two players where the goal is to play all cards from the tableau to the foundation piles.
Deck Needed: Standard 52-card deck.
Rules: Players take turns playing cards from the tableau to the foundation piles according to specific rules. The first player to play all their cards wins.
Strategies and Tips: Focus on creating long sequences of cards to free up space on the tableau. Pay attention to the cards your opponent plays to anticipate their moves.
Conclusion about Best Card Games for 3 People
With these 15 best card games for 3 people, you’re sure to find hours of entertainment and excitement.
Have fun!
F.A.Q
Can these card games be played with just three players❓
Yes, all the card games listed in the guide are specifically designed for three players, making them perfect for small gatherings or gaming sessions.
Do I need any special equipment to play these three people card games❓
For most of these card games, all you need is a standard 52-card deck. Some games may require additional items like a cribbage board for Cribbage or a scoring pad for some variations of Rummy.
Are these games suitable for all ages❓
Yes, many of these card games are suitable for players of all ages, offering wholesome entertainment for kids, teens, and adults alike.
How long does it take to learn these best card games for 3 people❓
Most of these games have simple rules that can be learned in just a few minutes, making them perfect for quick and easy entertainment.
Can I play these 3 people card games anywhere❓
Absolutely! These card games can be played virtually anywhere, whether you’re at home, on a picnic, or traveling.