Favorite Five - Card Games

When I did my Favorite Five - Board Games entry I promised I would also do one for card games. As a child I played my share of card games such as Battle (War), Old Maid, Go Fish, Slap Jack and others, but I don't think any of those will make my top five list.

1. Double Solitaire - Playing solitaire on the computer is a fun time-waster, but nothing beats the real thing ... except maybe double solitaire. That is when two people play together, each using their own deck, but playing off either player's aces as they surface. It can become a very physical game!

2. Spades - Following my college graduation I ran with a group that loved this game. We would have marathon sessions of Spades. When my friend Dennis and I were partners we were almost unbeatable! I don't think I've played in more than 25 years, though, so I wouldn't be a good partner anymore.

3. Spoons - This was something I played a lot as a teenager. Again, it's been so long that I really don't remember the rules. I just remember that lots of folks could play and that it also got quite physical at times.

4. Speed - We call this game "high/low" and play it a little differently than what is shown in the link I provided. Again, a potentially physical game. (am I seeing a pattern here?)

5. Pyramid Solitaire - Somewhere around my house I have a book that lists dozens of variations of solitaire. There are several versions I enjoy, but this one probably ranks at the top.

I always think of some I should have included once I read your comments, but for now these are my "worth mentioning": Rook, Uno, Blackjack, Freecell.

I do remember one card game I didn't like. When I was five years old my brother asked me if I wanted to play "Round Up". I eagerly said yes then watched as he tossed a loose deck of cards into the air announcing, "There are the cows. You round them up!". It must have scarred me for life since I can remember the day so vividly!