Popular card games by region in Spain

Favourite card games vary across Spain: Mus dominates in the Basque Country, Navarre and much of the north; Guiñote in Aragon; Cuatrola in parts of Castile and León; and Butifarra (a card game) in Catalonia. Brisca, Tute and Chinchón (a card game), meanwhile, are played practically everywhere in the country.

The north: Mus

According to the most widely accepted tradition, Mus originated in the Basque Country and Navarre, spreading from there throughout Spain. Today, it is one of the most popular card games in bars and social clubs. We cover it in everything you need to know about Mus.

Aragon: Guiñote

Guiñote is almost a symbol of Aragon, with its declarations, compulsory trumping and extra rounds. You’ll find our guide in all about Guiñote.

Castile and León: Cuatrola

Cuatrola, with its solo, cuatrola and quintola bids, is very popular in Castilian and Leonese areas. We explain it in everything you need to know about Cuatrola.

Catalonia, Valencia and the Balearic Islands

Local favourites include Butifarra in Catalonia and Truc (a card game) in parts of Valencia and the Balearic Islands, each with their own decks and traditions.

Played everywhere

Brisca, Tute and Chinchón are the familiar favourites: wherever you go, you’ll always find someone who knows them. And Escoba (a card game), much loved in Andalusia, is a favourite with many families with children.

This is a broad overview: every local area has variations and games that deserve an article of their own.