In a world that is dominated by technology, people often complain about the good old days of playing card games around the dinner table or whilst at picnics. Though considering some of my childhood experiences with card games, I’d argue they were not such good old days. (Looking at my family holidays in particular). However, in an economic climate where not everyone can afford the latest gaming console installments, being able to whip out a deck of cards and pass the time with good friends is a godsend. Though not all card games are created equal, with some specific ones leading to high levels of salt and unbridled fury *cough* Mao and Uno *cough*.
When my family and I used to go on holiday together, we’d take puzzle books, Top Trumps and a deck of cards to pass the time, alongside the library’s worth of fiction books we brought to read by the pool. After dinner each evening, we’d deal out the cards and play a card game – everything from Chase the Lady to Hearts, to Donkey and President. We’d keep score on a piece of paper from my mum’s bag and despite my dad winning most games, it was mostly a competition between my sister and me, because what is life without a bit of sibling rivalry.
I’d like to hope that there are very few individuals that haven’t ever played a card game. No matter how old you are, there is always something for you. Like most forms of media, your enjoyment of it is dependent on what you are willing to put into it. For example, Irish Snap is only fun if you all throw yourselves into it completely. If you don’t know what Irish Snap is, basically when you place down a card you say a specific number. If that card matches your number, everyone must touch their forehead and then slam their hands down on the card and the last person to do so gets all the cards in the pile. It can be both exhilarating and terrifying, especially if someone forgets to take off their rings!
As you can tell, this article is more of a series of examples of fun card games to play with those you care about or want to get to know better. As a student, people often seem to assume that the only way you can make friends is through drinking and clubbing. However, card games can also be a good way to get to know people. Games like Cheat or Mafia or Would You Rather, are the best way to get past those awkward first few conversations. After all, you can’t really feel embarrassed around someone if you’ve already confessed some of your darkest secrets to them. More than anything, it’s a conversation starter. Often those first few words are the hardest, so having something to divert your attention to once you all become accustomed to one another’s presence, can be comforting, especially to those struggling with social anxiety.
One card game that basically everyone has heard of at this point is Uno. From YouTube videos of various people screaming in rage at one another, to people flipping tables in rage over being given 16 cards for no reason. Uno is the Monopoly of card games, capable of ruining friendships in a single game. All the adverts for it are so wholesome, showing groups of friends laughing and smiling, when in reality – Uno is war. You stare dramatically around the room, scanning your friend’s faces for any hints on their strategy, trying to plan three or four steps ahead, making contingency plans for every situation. You lie in wait, poised like a hunter waiting for the right time to strike. Then when the moment is right, you lunge forward, throwing your card down or challenging someone a millisecond before they can get the word “Uno” out of their mouth. It’s fun, I promise.
What I’m trying to say with this very short piece is that card games can be the catalyst to lifelong friendships. Gaming can be with dice, cards or controllers. It’s the relationships we forge through these games that matter the most, not the actual content of them. Whether we are playing cards over a kitchen table or adventuring across imaginary worlds with our friends across the globe, gaming is something that ties us together and holds us strong through the fires of life. Appreciate it. No matter what form it takes.
Anyways, this was more of a little informal chat than an article. Back to service as usual on Monday,
Thanks,
CaitlinRC.