How to teach children to play cards

To teach children to play cards, choose short games with simple rules, such as Escoba (Broom), Cinquillo (Fives) or Brisca (a trump-based trick-taking game). Start by playing with the cards face up and explain one rule at a time. The important thing is to have fun and enjoy playing together.

Games to start with

• Cinquillo: teaches the order of the cards. The rules.
• Escoba: ideal for practising addition. How to play.
• Brisca: a first introduction to trumps. The rules.

Tips

• Keep games short so they don't get bored.
• Play with the cards face up for the first few games.
• Introduce one new rule each day.
• Celebrate good moves, not just wins.

Learning to lose

Card games teach children to take winning and losing in good spirits. We explore this in what happens when we lose.

And if you're the one explaining the rules, take a look at how to teach a game in five minutes.