Couples Card Games

Card games are a fantastic, free and easy way to spend time with a loved one. Aside from providing hours of entertainment, they encourage conversation, provide a good reason for turning off the television and offer an opportunity for some friendly competition. Rules may also be adapted to add intimate forfeits for the loser.

Cheat is a fast, fun and exciting game that's ideal for couples. The aim of the game is in the title, with players deceiving each other to be the first to play all their cards. A full deck of cards is dealt between the two players. Player A is obliged to play an "ace," and player B must follow with a "two." Player A must continue by playing a "three," and so on. Players are allowed to play multiple cards of the same value at the same time.

Players are encouraged to deceive. As cards are played face down into a discard pile, the other player isn't aware what's actually being played. If player A is supposed to play an "8," but doesn't have one, he may cheat and play cards of another value. If player B thinks player A is cheating, she may challenge him to show his cards, and prove his innocence. If player A didn't play an "8," he must pick up the entire discard pile. If he was telling the truth, player B must pick up the discard pile for making a false accusation. The game continues until one player has played all his cards.

Crazy Eights is another game in which the aim is to play all the cards in your hand. Each player is dealt seven cards, with the rest placed face down forming a stock pile. The top card of the stock pile is turned over and placed next to it. The starting player must either play a card matching the value (2, 3, king) or suit (spade, heart) of the overturned card onto the discard pile. If he's unable to match the card, he must take a card from the stock pile. The 8 is so-called "crazy" as it may be played on any card of any value.

Great fun and intimate, strip poker follows the rules of original poker, with an added twist. Couples can start by playing for money, and offer their clothes when their cash runs out. The player who collected the most articles of clothing at the end of the game is the winner. Alternatively, couples can decide what each article of clothing is worth, for example, two dollars for a sock, and total up the amount at the end. Background music, low lighting and wine can be used to add to the intimate atmosphere.

Blackjack, also known as "21", is simple, fun and ideal to play as a couple. The game lends itself to friendly competition, which may include betting or forfeits. The aim of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible using two cards. The "ace" may count as one or 11, and face cards are worth 10. The game, and the betting, may continue as long as players wish.