Best Card Games for Adults

Updated September 2020
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Exploding Kittens LLC Exploding Kittens: Game Night Bundle
Exploding Kittens LLC
Exploding Kittens: Game Night Bundle
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Bottom Line

Three games in one bundle for plenty of hilarious game nights.

Pros

3 incredibly silly games all in one value bundle with great illustrations by The Oatmeal make for a great time. Each of these games has simple rules that can be quickly learned, and the charming boxes are small and portable. Great gift idea and good for parties.

Cons

The simplicity of these games can be tiresome after multiple plays, so we recommend buying expanded decks.

Best Bang for the Buck
Czech Games Codenames
Czech Games
Codenames
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Bottom Line

A simple yet clever word game for two teams that is quick and rewarding.

Pros

Codenames pits 2 teams of 2 to 5 players against each other in a contest of words and clever clues. Players give clues to their teammates to get them to guess the correct word. Each turn is suspenseful, and with 200 cards, no 2 games are alike. Each game takes 15 minutes, so it's easy to play several rounds in an evening.

Cons

Though the rules are simple, giving clues may be difficult for some people as there is a lot to think about.

Dutch Blitz Games Dutch Blitz Original and Blue Expansion Pack Combo Card Game Set
Dutch Blitz Games
Dutch Blitz Original and Blue Expansion Pack Combo Card Game Set
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Bottom Line

This fast-playing game is a blast whether you have 2 players or 8.

Pros

This classic speed game is great when you want to get the whole gang together. With 2 packs of cards, you can play with 2 to 8 players in this game of racing to play every card in your Blitz pile. Each round takes just a few minutes, so it's easy to play this one over and over.

Cons

Some people may find the speed and intensity of this game intimidating.

7 Wonders 7 Wonders: Duel
7 Wonders
7 Wonders: Duel
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Bottom Line

There is a lot of strategy packed into this little card game for 2.

Pros

Puts two players in charge of rival kingdoms as they take cards to advance their kingdom's military, science, economy, and resources. With 3 different ways to win and a variety of strategies, it's easy to play this game over and over. With each game lasting only 30 minutes, you may even want to play it twice in a row.

Cons

Sorting the cards before each game takes some time, and the cards may show wear after multiple plays.

Pick Your Poison Pick Your Poison Adult Card Game [NSFW Edition]
Pick Your Poison
Pick Your Poison Adult Card Game [NSFW Edition]
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Bottom Line

A "would you rather" scenarios game that get get as risqué or ridiculous as players want.

Pros

Players compete to see just who's willing to opt for the most jaw-dropping would-you-rather scenarios, while the judge awards the anonymous winner for best answer – then all players find out who picked that as their answer. 350 poison cards included.

Cons

Requires at least 3 players and lowered inhibitions. Not for those who are easily offended or grossed out.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.Read more 
How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

22 Models Considered
6 Hours Researched
1 Experts Interviewed
395 Consumers Consulted
Zero products received from manufacturers.

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

Card games are a great way to gather around a table and interact with each other rather than your phones. There have never been more card games to choose from. If you have a crowd, a simple party game can get everyone laughing quickly. For something that will get you thinking, strategy games are a great way to challenge your wits. If you’re looking for something fast and frantic, speed card games are a hit with any group. And if you’re just looking to sip coffee and enjoy the company of friends or family, a simple set collection game is a good way to pass the time. Card games come in all different styles and are an affordable way to fill an evening with fun.

Other Products We Considered
The BestReviews editorial team researches hundreds of products based on consumer reviews, brand quality, and value. We then choose a shorter list for in-depth research and testing before finalizing our top picks. These are the products we considered that ultimately didn't make our top 5.
TeeTurtle
Unstable Unicorns Card Game
Gatwick Games
Goat Lords
Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever Adult Party Card Game
WHAT DO YOU MEME?
New Phone, Who Dis?
That's What She Said
That's What She Said - A Twisted Game of Innuendos
The team that worked on this review
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
  • Peter
    Peter
    Writer
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Czech Games

Codenames

Czech Games

Codenames

A simple yet clever word game for two teams that is quick and rewarding.
$15
×

Exploding Kittens LLC

Exploding Kittens: Game Night Bundle

Exploding Kittens LLC

Exploding Kittens: Game Night Bundle

Three games in one bundle for plenty of hilarious game nights.

$64
×

Dutch Blitz Games

Dutch Blitz Original and Blue Expansion Pack Combo Card Game Set

Dutch Blitz Games

Dutch Blitz Original and Blue Expansion Pack Combo Card Game Set

This fast-playing game is a blast whether you have 2 players or 8.

$24
×

7 Wonders

7 Wonders: Duel

7 Wonders

7 Wonders: Duel

There is a lot of strategy packed into this little card game for 2.

$33
×

Pick Your Poison

Pick Your Poison Adult Card Game [NSFW Edition]

Pick Your Poison

Pick Your Poison Adult Card Game [NSFW Edition]

A "would you rather" scenarios game that get get as risqué or ridiculous as players want.
$24

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