Most Popular Card Games in Africa

If you have lived or been in Africa, you know that card games are a huge part of African culture. They are so popular that people from all classes enjoy playing them to pass the time. In an average African home, you are likely to find various card decks used to play numerous games.

Popular card games in Africa include internationally recognized games like Rummy and Poker. There are, however, some from different regions, e.g., Vassie Vissie, which has its roots in South Africa. The truth is African card games are a great way of passing the time and engaging your mind, and here are some of the bests in Africa.

Go Fish

Go Fish is a popular African card game that both kids and adults can enjoy. There are many popular theories concerning the origin of the game. Some believe that the game was developed in China long ago, during World War 1. The other group believes that the card game was invented in 1984 by a young eight-year-old American boy.

Go Fish is a favorite for many households in Africa mainly because it is easy to play. The game is also a short game which implies that it can be finished in just a few minutes, making it even more fun to play. The card game is usually played by two to four players but is not limited as even five or more people can play the game only if it is longer.

Go Fish is played by first distributing five cards to each player. The remaining cards are shuffled and placed set down at the center. Most people prefer playing it in a clockwise direction. The player who starts playing asks the next player if they own certain cards to make pairs in their hands. Take note that every couple found earns a point to the player.

It is a game rule that you hand over the card to the person playing if you have it. If you do not have a matching card, you say Go Fish, and the player keeps picking more cards. The game is concluded when there are no pairs left. The player with the majority of pairs is the ultimate winner of the game.

Snap

Snap is among the few card-matching games that are common in Africa. The game is a favorite for people, especially children living in South Africa. The famous card game is believed to have originated from a British company in the early months of 1866. The main aim of developing the game at the time was to ensure that families bonded while playing.

To enjoy the Snap card game, you need to have a standard deck of fifty-two cards. It is, however, allowed to add an extra tier of cards if there are more players. The cards are equally distributed among the players such that every player has the same number of cards. These playing cards are distributed facing down, meaning that no player can see their contents.

The beginning player is required to pick one card and then turn it over. If a player picks a card that matches the last game, they call Snap and pick up the cards to continue piling. The game ends when all cards end and the player with the majority of cards wins the game.

Even though Snap hasn’t been adopted by online casinos or even featured on the list of the most popular online casino games ever, it is something that Africans play for real money at times. You are thus more likely to find card games such as blackjack, baccarat, and poker on such online gaming sites reviewed by experts. Interested players can now quickly find the safest, most secure sites, that offer promotions and recommendations.

UNO

UNO is one of the numerous card games that are popular globally. Besides being a worldwide sensation, the popular card game has been enjoyed in Africa for quite a long time and continues to be played. The game is believed to have originated from Ohio CL USA. The developer is believed to be Merle Robbins, who introduced the game in 1971.

UNO is among the most straightforward and most competitive card games in Africa. So popular is the game that there is a specific UNO card deck that contains 112 cards. Each UNO player is served with seven cards facing down such that you do not know the cards’ contents. After all, players are handed the cards; they gain the liberty to pick and look to identify the content of their cards.

After serving all players, the remaining cards are placed on the table facing down. The main goal here is to get rid of the cards as fast as possible. The winner is the player who successfully clears all the cards. The game is among the most thrilling card games in the African setting as winners brag about their card playing skills.

These are among the best African card games that you can enjoy playing with family and friends from anywhere in the world. Their form of entertainment is worth trying.