12 Fun Card Games for 3 Players
Discover 12 engaging and entertaining card games for three players. A fun list of easy to learn card games for your next 3-player game night.
Whether you're looking to spice up your next game night or simply need new ideas to enjoy with friends, these card games offer the perfect blend of fun and challenge for groups of three, ensuring everyone stays entertained and engaged.
Many card games are designed for larger groups or only two players, making them either too chaotic or overly simplistic for three players, often leading to an unbalanced or less engaging experience.
Unlock the secret to perfect game nights with these 12 card games that transform the often-tricky three-player dynamic into hours of thrilling, competitive fun!
In this blog post, we’ll explore 12 fantastic card games for three players: 99, Fight the Landlord, Chicago, James Bond, Sergeant Major, Palace, Cribbage, Peanuts, 31, Crazy Eights, Rummy, and Kings in the Corner.
1. 99
99 is a fast-paced card game where players aim to keep the running total of a central pile below 99.
Each player is dealt three cards, and on their turn, they play one card to the pile, adding its value to the total.
Special cards have unique effects, such as reversing the play order or subtracting from the total.
The player who causes the total to exceed 99 loses the round.
This game is great because it combines quick thinking with strategic card play, making each round exciting and unpredictable.
2. Fight the Landlord
Fight the Landlord is a popular Chinese card game where one player becomes the "landlord" and the other two form a team to defeat them.
Players bid for the landlord role, and the highest bidder gets extra cards and becomes the landlord.
The landlord's goal is to be the first to play all their cards, while the other players work together to stop them.
This game stands out for its unique dynamic and teamwork, adding an extra layer of strategy and camaraderie.
3. Chicago
Chicago is a game with trick-taking and poker styles. Players aim to build high ranking poker hands and win tricks to score points over several rounds.
Each player is dealt five cards, and the game progresses through multiple rounds.
The objective is to reach a predetermined score by being awarded for poker hands and taking tricks.
It's an excellent game for three players because it balances skill and luck, with each round providing new challenges and opportunities to outsmart opponents.
4. James Bond
James Bond is a fast-moving game where players try to collect sets of four matching cards to create complete sets.
Each player starts with four piles of four cards each, and they can only look at one pile at a time.
Players work quickly to swap cards with a central draw pile to complete their sets. The first player to assemble all sets wins the game.
This game is particularly enjoyable due to its rapid pace and the tension of racing against opponents to complete sets, keeping all players engaged and on their toes.
5. Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major, also known as 3-5-8, is a trick-taking game where the goal is to win a specific number of tricks: 8 for the dealer, 5 for the second player, and 3 for the third.
Players are dealt 16 cards each, and the remaining cards form a kitty, which the dealer exchanges with before play begins.
The rotating role of the dealer creates a dynamic balance, and the need to achieve exact trick counts adds a challenging twist.
It’s a great game for three players because it encourages strategic play and adaptive thinking.
6. Palace
Palace is a shedding card game where players aim to be the first to get rid of all their cards.
Each player is dealt three face-down cards, three face-up cards, and a hand of three cards.
On their turn, players play a card equal to or higher than the previous card, using face-up cards when their hand is empty and face-down cards as a last resort. Special rules for certain plays add complexity.
This game shines in a three-player setting because of its blend of luck and skill, providing plenty of opportunities for clever plays and unexpected outcomes.
7. Cribbage
Cribbage is a classic card game where players score points by forming combinations of cards, with the first to reach 121 points declared the winner.
Each player is dealt five cards, and after discarding one into a "crib" for the dealer, they play cards in turns to make runs, pairs, and other combinations.
The unique scoring board and mix of strategy and chance make it ideal for three players, requiring a balance of offensive and defensive play to keep all participants constantly engaged.
8. Peanuts
Peanuts, also known as Nertz, is a fast-paced game where players simultaneously play cards from their own decks into shared foundation piles, aiming to be the first to empty their "Peanut" pile.
Each player has a deck, a Peanut pile, and four tableau piles.
Cards are played quickly, and players score points based on the number of cards played into the foundations.
The simultaneous play creates a lively, competitive atmosphere, making for a thrilling and chaotic experience that's perfect for three players.
9. 31
31 is a simple yet engaging game where players try to collect a hand of cards totaling as close to 31 points as possible, using only one suit.
Players are dealt three cards, and on each turn, they can draw a card from the deck or discard pile to improve their hand.
The game ends when a player knocks, and the player with the highest score wins.
This game is perfect for three players due to its straightforward rules and the blend of luck and strategy involved in achieving the optimal hand.
10. Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is a classic game where players take turns playing cards to match the rank or suit of the top card of a discard pile, with the first to get rid of all their cards winning the game.
Each player is dealt five cards, and eights are wild, allowing for creative plays.
Its simple rules and fast pace make Crazy Eights accessible and entertaining for everyone, particularly enjoyable in a three-player format.
11. Rummy
Rummy is a set-building game where players aim to form sets and runs of cards, with the first to deplete their hand scoring points.
Players are dealt seven cards and draw and discard in turns to build valid combinations.
The first player to lay down all their cards wins the round, scoring points based on the remaining cards of opponents.
Rummy is an excellent choice for three players because it combines strategic planning with the luck of the draw, ensuring each game is unique and engaging.
12. Kings in the Corner
Kings in the Corner is a solitaire-style game where players aim to build descending sequences of alternating colors, using a central "king's corner" layout.
Each player starts with seven cards, and they draw one card at the beginning of each turn.
Players can play cards into the middle layout, and the first to play all their cards wins.
This game is perfect for three players because it combines individual strategy with shared play space, creating a balanced and interactive experience.
How To Play Kings in the Corner
Gather Together For 3-Player Card Games
These 12 card games for three players offer a wealth of entertainment and strategic depth for your next game night or casual gathering.
Whether you're drawn to the fast-paced challenges of games like 99 and Peanuts, or prefer the classic strategy of Cribbage and Rummy, there's something here to suit every taste.
Each game brings its own unique blend of competition and camaraderie, ensuring hours of enjoyment with friends or family.
So gather your cards, invite your companions, and embark on a memorable gaming experience filled with laughter, surprises, and the thrill of victory.
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