Games To Make

When were card games invented?

No one really knows who invented cards and card games. The Chinese were known to tell fortunes with cards over 1000 years ago. Cards were probably first made for religious use and fortune-telling, but then people developed games to have fun.

The first decks of cards were painted by hand. This took a very long time, and meant that the cards cost too much money for most people. When the printing press came into wide use in the 16th century, cards became much cheaper. Then, ordinary families could afford a deck of cards.

Try this: Make up your own card game. Change the rules on a game you know or make up a completely new game. Use a deck of cards that you already have, or make your own deck.

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How to Play the Match Card Game

Here's what you need: Deck of cards - Aunt Annie's Match Cards or regular playing cards
You can play this game with all of the cards, but it can also be played with as few as eight pairs or four sets of four-of-a-kind — 16 cards total.
Number of players: Two to six.
Object of game: To get as many matched pairs of cards as possible. The player who gets the most matched pairs wins.
Before you start: You will need a big place to play: either a large table or the floor.

Step 1 - Shuffle and Deal

Shuffle the cards. Lay the cards face-down on the table or floor, one at a time. Be sure that no cards overlap. You can lay the cards out in rows, in circles, or any way you like.

Step 2 - Play

• Play starts with the youngest player.
• The player turns over two cards, one at a time. The cards are kept in position.
• If the cards match, the player takes the cards and turns over two more cards.
• If the cards do not match, the player turns the cards face-down. Play passes to the next player to the left.
• Play continues until all the cards have been picked up.
• You should watch carefully and remember where cards are located. Then, when you turn over your first card, you may remember where to find a matching card.

Step 3 - Score

The player with the most cards wins the game. If you want, use a score sheet to keep track of the number of games each player wins or to keep a running total of each player's score.

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How to Play the Go Fish Card Game

Here's what you need: Deck of cards - Aunt Annie's Match Cards or regular playing cards
It is best if you play this game with 48 cards—12 sets of four-of-a-kind. Two players can play with a deck of 24 cards — 6 sets of four-of-a-kind or 12 pairs.
Number of players: Two to five.
Object of game: To collect as many matched pairs of cards as possible. The player who gets the most matched pairs wins.
Before you start: You will need a big place to play: either a large table or on the floor.

Step 1 - Shuffle and Deal

Shuffle the cards. Deal five cards to each player, one at a time. Spread the rest of the cards face-down in the center of the table or on the floor.

Step 2 - Play

• Before you start, check your hand for pairs: two dogs or two hearts, for example. Put all pairs face-up in front of you. Each player must do this.
• Play starts with the dealer and continues clockwise around the table.
• When it's your turn, you ask any other player for a card that matches one in your hand.
• If the other player has the card asked for, she must hand it over to you. If the other player doesn't have that card, she says "Go fish!". Now fish for a card by drawing one from the cards face-down on the table. If you run out of cards, you may take one from the cards face-down on the table.
• If you get a pair by asking or fishing, put it face-up in front of you. You keep asking and fishing until you do not get a match. The player on your left has the next turn.
• Play is over when all the cards are gone.

Step 3 - Score

The player with the most pairs wins the game. If you want, use a score sheet to keep track of the number of games each player wins or to keep a running total of each player's score.

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How to Play the Catch the Dog (Deuce) Game

Here's what you need: Deck of cards - Aunt Annie's Match Cards or regular playing cards
You play this game with 45 Aunt Annie's Match Cards. Take all of the dogs out of the deck except one. Or play with 49 regular playing cards. Remove three of the deuces (2's), and play Catch the Deuce.
Number of players: Two to eight.
Object of game: To have the dog card in your hand at game end. (This game is the opposite of Old Maid.)
Before you start: This game can be played almost anywhere.

Step 1 - Shuffle and Deal

Shuffle the cards. Deal the cards, one at a time, to the players until all the cards are gone. It's okay if a few players have an extra card.
Remember you want the dog card in your hand.

Step 2 - Play

• Before you start, check your hand for pairs - two worms, two hearts, for example. Put all pairs face up in front of you. Each player must do this.
• Play starts with the dealer and continues clockwise around the table.
• On your turn draw a card from the hand of the player on your left. (No looking!) If you get a card that matches one in your hand, put the pair down on the table face up. If it doesn't match, keep the card in your hand. Now, the player to your left takes a turn.
• The game is over when all the cards are paired except the one dog card.

Step 3 - Score

One player will be left with the dog card. That's the winner—they caught the dog! If you want, use a score sheet to keep track of the number of games each player wins.