How card games strengthen friendships

Card games strengthen friendships by giving us reasons to meet regularly, share stories and compete without any serious consequences. They also encourage cooperation, especially in partnership games, where you have to trust your partner.

A regular get-together

The Thursday game, the one after lunch, the summer game back in the village. Having a regular date in the diary keeps you in touch even when life gets busy. We explore this in the culture of village card games.

Stories to share

‘Remember when we declared forty in the last game?’ Card games create anecdotes that get retold for years. Those stories are the glue that holds many groups together.

Teamwork at the table

In Mus (a Spanish partnership card game), Guiñote (a Spanish partnership trick-taking game) or Cuatrola (a Spanish partnership trick-taking game), you play with a partner. You have to understand them, work out what they’re holding and forgive the odd mistake. It’s a way of getting to know each other on a deeper level. We discuss this in why we enjoy competing.

Friendly rivalry

A bit of teasing after a defeat, asking for a rematch… Games let you compete without damaging your friendship, as long as you know how to lose gracefully. You’ll find tips in how to avoid arguments during a game.

Playing from afar

When friends end up living in different cities, an online table lets you keep your regular game going. We explain how in how to play with friends online.