How to teach a card game in five minutes

To teach a card game in five minutes, start with the objective and explain only the rules needed to play a hand. Then play a practice round with the cards face up, explaining the finer details as they arise rather than trying to cover everything before you start.

1. The objective in one sentence

"The winner is whoever gets the most points in tricks" or "the winner is whoever runs out of cards first". If people know what the goal is, everything else fits into place better.

2. The bare minimum to start

Which cards are worth more and what you can do on your turn. Nothing else. The declarations, exceptions and bets can come later.

3. A practice hand face up

Play a hand with all cards visible. This way you can comment on the moves ("look, it's best to play this one here") without anyone feeling lost.

4. Details as they come up

When someone is able to "cantar las cuarenta" (declare the forty), explain what it is then. That way they will remember it forever.

5. Choose the first game wisely

Brisca [a trick-taking game] is ideal for beginners: few rules and plenty of excitement. Mus [a popular bluffing game], is better for the second afternoon. You can also send your friends to the interactive tutorials, which explain each game step by step.