Which card games are easy to learn for a group meetup

TinaM

TinaM

Member
I don’t know card games (other than solitaire) but I recently joined a club of retired ladies who get together on different week days and meet at the local food court.

There are different games on different days — bunco, canasta, hand and foot, mah jong, and pinochle. As a newby, which one should I attempt to join?

I have a little social anxiety but I’m determined to get out more this year and this is one of the things I want to do.

I’m 67 and I’ve never done any of these American past times. Time for me to catch up.
 

I remember when Canasta parties were a big thing. Early 50s I think. I willingly accept your point. I guess I didn't stop to realize that fans of the game were still keeping the flame alive. I'm not a card player and obviously have a lot to learn. Have fun.
 
TinaM said:
I don’t know card games (other than solitaire) but I recently joined a club of retired ladies who get together on different week days and meet at the local food court.

There are different games on different days — bunco, canasta, hand and foot, mah jong, and pinochle. As a newby, which one should I attempt to join?

I have a little social anxiety but I’m determined to get out more this year and this is one of the things I want to do.

I’m 67 and I’ve never done any of these American past times. Time for me to catch up.
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I used to be a Canasta freak. Gin Rummy and 500 Rummy are also easy. Setback is good too and can be a lead in to Bridge. I loved several forms of Poker but just nickle/dime.
Hope you have fun learning and playing.
 
TinaM said:
There are different games on different days — bunco, canasta, hand and foot, mah jong, and pinochle. As a newby, which one should I attempt to join?
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Of the games you've listed I'm only familiar with canasta and pinochle. Canasta is the easier to learn of the two.

There seem to be (as least) two types of card players. One is the person who understands that it's just a game and a social activity. The other considers it a blood sport where the fate of the world hangs on how well their partner plays. Avoid the latter like the plague! ;)
 
Many lifetimes ago, I knew and enjoyed Pinochle and Canasta. Kinda sad to realize that if I'd have to play either one now, I would be totally lost. Good luck with your new group, Tina... I really don't know which of the games you listed would be easier to learn... and I've never heard of two of them.
 
Imogene said:
Euchre was a big one at work lunch time and one of the local pubs held euchre tournaments back in the day.
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I havent played IRL in a while but I currently play Euchre on line.

Tina there are quite a few sites online where you can learn any game by playing against the bots. You can learn at your own pace and no one will yell at you if you make a mistake. :D They also have forums where you can ask questions.
 
Tommy said:
There seem to be (as least) two types of card players. One is the person who understands that it's just a game and a social activity. The other considers it a blood sport where the fate of the world hangs on how well their partner plays. Avoid the latter like the plague! ;)
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Isn't this the truth! I stopped playing any kind of games with a dear friend. I love her, but she's extremely competitive and turns into a "mean girl" when it comes to games. Strips the fun out.
 
During my service days I played either cribbage or dbl deck service pinochle. Currently the only card game I play is with my wife & 2 senior ladies weekly. Phase 10, a simple card game played for the fun of it.
 
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Tommy said:
There seem to be (as least) two types of card players. One is the person who understands that it's just a game and a social activity. The other considers it a blood sport where the fate of the world hangs on how well their partner plays. Avoid the latter like the plague! ;)
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Oh I agree. Ive played against those people. Getting one as a partner can be even worse. Im old and I have zero tolerance for that BS. So sometimes my online games can get shall we say interesting. Its a game. Even if you win you dont get Green Stamps. :D
 
OH MY..... I just reread the 1st post.... I have a game for you to introduce....
Farkle.... Or, OH $h1t .....

I would love to hear some of the exclamations coming from the sweet little ol-ladies in the middle of the food court....
 
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StarSong said:
Isn't this the truth! I stopped playing any kind of games with a dear friend. I love her, but she's extremely competitive and turns into a "mean girl" when it comes to games. Strips the fun out.
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I had a relative who was incredibly competitive, and his wife was even more so. A mutual family member told me once that the wife got so upset at the thought of losing a board game they were playing that she ripped up the score card and ate it. Yeesh!
 
StarSong said:
Isn't this the truth! I stopped playing any kind of games with a dear friend. I love her, but she's extremely competitive and turns into a "mean girl" when it comes to games. Strips the fun out.
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Sounds like my older sister. I want to run away every time she says: "Let's play...". I'd rather poke myself in the eye with a sharp stick.
 
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