How to host a games night at home

To host a games night at home, match your guest list to the games: four is ideal for playing cards in pairs. Have two or three games of varying difficulty ready, a clear, well-lit table and some snacks that won’t mark the cards. Start with something easy and save the longer games for later.

1. The people

Four people is the magic number for games with a Spanish deck: Mus (a Spanish bluffing card game), Guiñote (a Spanish trick-taking game), Tute (a Spanish trick-taking game) or Cuatrola (a Spanish partnership card game). If there are more of you, Chinchón (Spanish rummy) accommodates quite a few players, and Mentiroso (Cheat) is perfect for larger groups.

2. The games

• A quick one to break the ice: Brisca (a Spanish trick-taking game) or Escoba (a Spanish card-matching game).
• A longer game as the main event.
• A backup in case someone doesn’t know the main game.

If there are beginners, spend five minutes explaining the rules using the method in how to teach a card game in five minutes.

3. The table

A roomy table, a card-table cloth or plain tablecloth, good lighting and some paper for keeping score. Two decks are better than one: while someone shuffles one, you can deal with the other.

4. The food

Nuts, cubed cured meats and things you can eat with a cocktail stick. Avoid greasy food if you want your cards to last; we explain more in how to look after a deck of cards.

5. The atmosphere

Agree on clear rules before you start and keep things good-humoured. You’ll find tips in how to avoid arguments during a game. And if someone can’t make it, you can always set up an online table with them.