Card games are very popular today in online casinos and offline. Millions of people play them regularly. Some of them even turned card games into a source of income. Just look at how many poker tournaments with huge prize pools are held every year!
Card Games: Online and Offline
Why are card games so popular?
They are accessible. Firstly, a deck of cards is inexpensive. You can buy it for just a few Australian dollars. Even teenagers and children can afford such a purchase. Secondly, cards can be bought almost everywhere. You can easily find it in physical stores. Also, it’s now possible to order cards with home delivery to almost any place in the world. Thirdly, card games are accessible because they can be played practically anywhere: at home, outdoors, in a train, in a car, etc. It’s hard to think of places where you can’t play cards.
Card games are captivating. They offer a sense of excitement and competition. And, of course, one can earn money by playing cards. You can do it in online gambling establishments and in land-based casinos. For really cool “card professionals”, winning tens of thousands of dollars in a single tournament – common thing. Just imagine, my friend: people earn such money thanks to simple card games.
Now, a bit of history. The 7th-9th centuries. It was during this period that people started playing cards. Of course, those primitive pieces of paper were far from today’s modern cards. But the foundation for their development was laid.
As we’ve already touched history, let’s speak about it a little more.
History of Card Games
The earliest 100% verified evidence of card games dates back to the 9th century AD. Scientists say that the Chinese were the first to play these games. For a long time, they remained popular exclusively in Asia. After China, card games spread to India and Persia.
Europeans had to wait relatively long for such entertainment. Card games “arrived” in Europe in the 13th-14th centuries. It was facilitated by the establishment of trade routes between Europe and Asia. Europeans immediately began to modify card games, shaping them into the form they have today. New games, new suits, and new cards appeared.
At first, card games were the prerogative of the aristocrats. Only they could afford such a purchase. Over time, these games “trickled down” to the lower classes.
Card games transformed from a simple pastime into a means of earning large sums of money in Italy and France during the 15th-16th centuries. The first professional card clubs were opened here. People began to earn significant amounts from their hobby.
With each passing decade, card games gained more and more popularity. The invention of the internet gave a major boost to this industry. Now, people can play cards with others from their homes.
Most Popular Offline Card Games
Offline card games remain popular despite the rapidly growing popularity of the internet. Players enjoy playing for real money or simply for fun.
Let’s take a look at a few popular examples.
- Poker.
Many call it the king of card games. The players receive random cards. Their task is to collect the best combination: full house, flush, and so on. Who has the strongest combination wins. - Blackjack.
The goal is to collect cards totaling 21 points. If no one hits 21, the player closest to that number wins. If a player exceeds 21 points, they lose automatically. Each card has its own value. - Bridge.
Played by two teams of two. Each player is dealt 13 cards from a 52-card deck. One player leads with a card of a certain suit, and whoever holds the highest card of that suit wins the round. They collect all the cards for the team. To thwart the opponents’ plans, you can beat the card with a trump card. After the game is over, the players count the points they have received (each card has its own value). - Solitaire.
A game for one player. Yes, such games exist. Solitaire is especially beloved by office workers. The cards are arranged randomly into four groups. The player’s task is to rearrange them so that each group is made up of cards of the same suit, from the lowest to the highest (from 2 to Ace).
Of course, this is not even 1% of the entire variety of card games. In addition, each game has several variations. Poker alone has about 10 popular variants.
Most Popular Online Card Games
Online card games essentially mirror offline ones. Poker, blackjack, and bridge are the most popular games here as well. But, solitaire is more frequently played offline.
It would be a crime if we forget about baccarat. It is played online most often. Want to play for the first time? Be ready for a surprise. In fact, you don’t have to play. The player’s task is to predict. That is, to guess who will win. Options: the dealer and the player. The task is to collect 9 points in the game. Participants receive random cards. Like in blackjack, the cards have a value. Who has 9 or the closest number to 9 wins. Simple, right? That’s why baccarat is so popular. No preparation is needed. But this is only the case with amateurs. Professionals use strategies.
Rules of the Most Popular Card Games
Above, we briefly spoke about the rules of some games. Now, let’s go into detail. We are going to describe several games for two (blackjack, poker) and won’t forget about a game for one (solitaire). Well, let’s begin.
Poker.
Going to play in a casino, for money? First, give your money and get chips. Every chip has its value. Planning to play at home? No one forbids you to use money instead of chips. All players receive 2 cards in the first phase. You can make bets after that moment. You can refuse to bet, if the cards are bad. The next stage is called “flop”. 3 random cards are placed on the table. They are available for all. After the flop, the participants can repeat bets. Then the fourth card is placed on the table and after the next bets – two more are placed. Final bets are made at the very end.
As we have already said, who has the better combination wins.
- Pair: two cards of the same value (for example, two Queens).
- Two pairs: two sets of pairs with identical values.
- Three of a kind: three cards of the same value.
- Straight: five consecutive cards of any suit (for example, from 3 to 7).
- Flush: five cards of the same suit with any value.
- Full house: a combination of three of a kind and a pair.
- Four of a kind: four cards of the same value (for example, four Queens).
- Straight flush: five consecutive cards of the same suit.
- Royal flush: the same as a straight flush, but from 10 to Ace. The rarest and strongest combination.
Blackjack.
The player competes against the dealer. Both receive two cards. One of the dealer’s cards is visible to the player. The goal is to gather cards totaling 21 points or the closest possible. Cards from 2 to 10 are valued at their face value. Jack, Queen and King are valued at 10 points. Ace is “worth” 1 or 11. If it does not lead to a bust, the ace is valued at 11. If it does, this card adds 1 to the total number of points.
Solitaire.
It is played with a standard 52-card deck. Cards are divided into four groups. The goal is to arrange all the cards by suit in the correct order (from 2 to Ace). Cards can be moved between groups following two rules. First: the new card must be one rank lower than the one it’s placed on. Second: red and black suits must alternate. For example, you can place a red Queen on a black King, and so on, until all four groups are perfectly ordered.
Online vs Offline Card Games
Let’s compare card games online and offline.
Let’s start with the Internet version.
- You can play anywhere;
- No need to buy paper or plastic cards, which often get lost and worn out;
- All games are in one place. You don’t need to buy different decks of cards;
- Automation. The counting of points, dealing of cards, and enforcement of rules are carried out by the computer, not the players. This is convenient;
- Globalization. Card games online allow you to play with players from anywhere in the world. This means you can even make new acquaintances. Moreover, if you’re interested in rare variations of games popular in certain parts of the world, you can play with someone who is well-versed in them.
- The risk of encountering scammers. This is particularly relevant for players gambling for money. Not all online casinos behave honestly towards their clients;
- The possibility of technical issues. The game can be interrupted due to server failures or poor internet connection;
- Lack of live communication. Many people value physical casinos and live games precisely for this reason.
Now, let’s move on to offline card games.
- Transparency. The game is played with physical cards, with a live dealer and real players present. In the online space, much can be hidden behind software algorithms;
- Fewer restrictions. In card games online, players may be given a specific time for their turn. It can cause anxiety and pressure. Offline, you can think as long as you need (within reason, of course);
- Atmosphere. As mentioned earlier, a large number of players like the atmosphere of a real casino.
- Limited availability of card game types. A standard deck of cards limits diversity;
- The necessity to visit a casino for serious play. Of course, you can play with friends at home. But if you want to play an “adult” game, you’ll have to find a casino and travel there;
- Possible pressure. This is the flip side of live interaction in a real casino. You might find yourself at the same table with some less-than-pleasant persons.
In summary, everyone can choose the option that suits them best.
How to Play Card Games Online
There are two popular options: online casinos and card game platforms.
In the first case, we deal with websites and applications that focus on gambling in general. They offer slots, sports betting, and video games. Card games are just one item on the list.
Card game platforms are specialized portals where tournaments for various games are organized. We won’t advertise any here. You can easily find platforms for poker tournaments, for example.
When choosing a place to play, pay attention to the presence of a license. Only play with companies that operate legally. Otherwise, you might encounter scammers. Also, check the list of payment systems supported by the website or application, as well as the range of games.
Tips for Beginners
Want to start playing card games? First, we will say something important. If you plan to play for money, we strongly recommend not treating it as a reliable way to earn income. Consider it as entertainment.
And adhere to the following recommendations:
- Start with simple games.
Don’t start playing poker for money. Experienced players will easily outplay you. For example, it’s better to start with blackjack, where much depends simply on luck rather than tactics and strategies. - Don’t play for big money right away.
Your emotional state isn’t ready for that kind of stress. You won’t be able to play properly. It’s better to place small amounts that you won’t mind losing. - Spend enough time choosing a gaming platform. We mentioned this earlier. Read reviews, watch video reviews, and use a demo account if such a feature is available on a particular website or app.
- Set a time and money limit in advance. Never exceed these limits.
- If luck is not on your side, stop. This is normal even for experienced players. Everyone has streaks of bad luck.
Overall, psychological preparation is perhaps even more important than theoretical knowledge (understanding the rules, strategies, etc.). An unstable emotional state often leads to losses.
Future of Card Games
Let’s play predictors. Here are three of our forecasts regarding the future development of card games.
Development of mobile experience.
Over time, land-based casinos are likely to become a rarity. More players will recognize the convenience of playing online. The same applies to computer gaming. Why sit at a table or have a heavy laptop on your legs when you can play on a small phone or tablet? Statistics show that many forms of entertainment (music, movies, books, socializing, etc.) are “migrating” to mobile devices. It’s unlikely that card games will be an exception.
Virtual reality.
Remember we mentioned that many players cannot live without the atmosphere of a real casino? What if modern technology allows one to experience that atmosphere simply by being at home? VR could give just that. Players could feel as if they are at a gaming table with a live dealer and real players.
NFTs.
Today, casino clients primarily play for money. However, the first signs of the popularization of NFTs in the gambling sphere have already appeared. Firstly, they could be bet. Secondly, online casinos and application developers are likely to distribute valuable digital assets to their most loyal clients.
Conclusion
Card games have been popular for centuries, and there are no signs that this form of entertainment will lose its popularity.
Certainly, card games online have greatly contributed to making this pastime incredibly accessible.
