Card games for groups: the best ones for 5 or more players

Got a big group round the table, on holiday or at a party? These card games work with five, six or more players and keep everyone involved.

1. Rafiki (up to 6)

Four hidden cards each, peeking, blind swaps and slamming matching cards onto the pile. With a big group the slams get chaotic, which is half the fun. Play at the table with a normal deck (rules here), or free online at playrafiki.com if your group is spread out. On Discord, play it in a voice call.

2. Cheat

Play cards face down and say what they are, truthfully or not. Anyone can call "Cheat!" Great for big groups and big personalities.

3. Spoons

Pass cards round as fast as you can to collect four of a kind, then grab a spoon. There's one spoon fewer than players, so someone always misses out. Loud and fast.

4. President (Scum)

Get rid of your cards first to become President for the next round, and make the loser hand over their best cards. The rankings make it more fun every round.

5. Crazy Eights

Match the top card by suit or number, play an 8 to change suit, and be first to empty your hand. It's the game behind several famous branded versions, and it works with up to about seven players with one deck.

6. Pablo, Gringo and Dutch

The holiday favourites in the Rafiki family, all fine with five or six players. Use two decks if the draw pile runs low. Rules: Pablo, Gringo, Dutch.

Tips for big groups

• Use two decks for six or more in most games.
• Keep rounds short so nobody waits long between turns.
• Agree house rules first. Every group plays these slightly differently.

Questions

What is a good card game for 6 players?

Rafiki, Pablo and Cambio-style games work well with six, as do Cheat, Spoons and President.

What card games can a big group play online?

Rafiki plays 2 to 6 at one table online. One person creates a room and shares the link, and friends join with just a name.

Do you need two decks for a big group?

For six or more players, most games run better with two decks shuffled together, so the draw pile doesn't run out.