A great group card game needs to work at different player counts, be easy enough to explain in a minute, and stay interesting across multiple sessions. These games hit all three marks and all use a standard 52-card deck (plus Jokers where noted).

1. Switch (London Blackjack) - 2 to 4 Players

Switch is at its most chaotic and enjoyable with 3 or 4 players. The pickup stacks that build between players create dramatic moments that are impossible in a 2-player game. A stack of 2s and Black Jacks can travel three players before someone is forced to pick up 12+ cards.

How to play: Match the top card by suit or rank. Power cards create effects: 2s force pickups, Black Jacks (♣♠) force 5-card pickups, Red Jacks cancel stacks, 8s skip turns, Kings reverse direction, Aces change suit. First to empty their hand wins. You can play Switch online for free here.

2. Cheat (BS / I Doubt It) - 3 to 8 Players

The definitive group bluffing game. Works with any number of players and gets better with more people because there are more opportunities for bluffing and catching liars.

How to play: Deal all cards. Players take turns placing cards face-down and announcing their rank ("three 4s"). Anyone can call "Cheat!" If the challenge is correct, the liar takes the pile. If wrong, the challenger takes it. First to empty their hand wins.

3. Sevens (Fan Tan) - 3 to 7 Players

A highly strategic game where you build sequences on the table around the 7s. Particularly satisfying when you block opponents by holding the cards they need.

How to play: Deal all cards. The player with the 7 of Hearts starts. Players then take turns playing cards adjacent to cards already on the table (6 or 8 in the same suit). If you cannot play, pass. The first player to run out of cards wins.

4. Hearts - 4 Players (Exactly)

Hearts is best with exactly 4 players and rewards careful, long-term strategy. The goal is unusual - you want to avoid winning tricks containing Hearts.

How to play: Deal all 13 cards to each player. Players pass 3 cards to their left before each round. Take turns playing one card per trick. You must follow the leading suit if possible. Avoid winning Hearts (1 point each) and especially the Queen of Spades (13 points). First to 100 points loses.

5. Rummy - 2 to 6 Players

One of the most universally played card games in the world. Easy to learn but with enough strategic depth to keep experienced players engaged.

How to play: Deal 7-10 cards each. Take turns drawing and discarding. Build sets (three or four cards of the same rank) and runs (three or more consecutive cards of the same suit). "Knock" when your unmatched cards are worth 10 points or less. The hand ends and scores are calculated.

6. Old Maid - 3 to 8 Players

A classic for mixed groups including younger players. Remove one Queen from the deck before starting.

How to play: Deal all cards. Each player removes pairs from their hand. Players then take turns drawing a card from the player to their left. Any new pairs are discarded. The player left holding the unpaired Queen at the end is the Old Maid.

7. Shithead (Palace) - 2 to 5 Players

An extremely popular game with UK university students. Longer than Switch but deeply satisfying.

How to play: Deal 3 face-down cards (unknown), 3 face-up cards on top, and 3 cards in hand. Use the hand cards to build up stronger combinations. The goal is to get rid of all your cards. Special cards (2s, 7s, 10s) create effects. The last player with cards is the "shithead" and faces a forfeit.

8. Knock Out Whist - 2 to 7 Players

A simplified trick-taking game that works well with groups who have never played Whist before.

How to play: Deal 7 cards in the first round. Players bet on how many tricks they will win, then play through the hand. Anyone who wins zero tricks is eliminated. Each subsequent round deals one fewer card. The last player remaining wins.

9. Spoons - 3 to 13 Players

Gets louder and more chaotic with every additional player. Perfect for large groups.

How to play: Place one fewer spoon than there are players in the middle of the table. Deal 4 cards each. Players rapidly pass cards around trying to collect four of a kind. When someone gets four matching cards, they quietly grab a spoon. Everyone else scrambles for the remaining spoons. No spoon = eliminated.

10. President (Scum) - 4 to 7 Players

Creates a social hierarchy that persists across rounds, making it an ideal game for a full evening with drinks.

How to play: Players take turns playing single cards or sets in ascending order. First to empty their hand is President and sits at the head of the table. Last to finish is the Scum. In subsequent rounds, Scum gives their best cards to the President and receives the worst cards in return.

Play Switch Online with a Group

If your group is not all in the same place, LDN Blackjack lets you play Switch online with up to 4 players. Create a private room, share the 6-character code, and you are playing in seconds. No download, no account required for guests.