Crazy Eights Is Crazy Fun

There are few card games that incorporate as many twists and turns as the game of Hand ‘n Foot.  Actually, many card games feature similar features, such as matching suits, drawing and discarding, etc.  Still, the more basic card games are an excellent way to introduce younger players to the exciting world of card games.

Crazy Eights is a great beginner’s game because it is a simple draw and discard game.  The object of the game is to get rid of all the cards in your hand first.  Those that are still left with cards are assigned negative points based on the types of cards they are still holding onto.  A high score in Crazy Eights is bad thing.  Another great feature about the game of Crazy Eights is that it can be played easily by as few as two people, or in very large groups with only slight modifications.  If there are only two players then the dealer will give both players seven cards, dealt one at a time.  If, on the other hand, there are a great number of players the dealer will hand out only five cards.  A standard fifty-two card deck is used, but if you have a very large gathering you might consider doubling it by adding a second deck into the mix.

Games of Crazy Eights can go extremely fast.  The remaining undealt cards are placed in the middle of the table with the top card turned face up and placed next to the stack.  This becomes the discard pile.  The game begins as players try to get rid of their cards so that they don’t have to draw any more.  You may discard one of your cards by matching the value or suit of the top card on the discard stack.  For example, if the nine of spades is showing than you may rid yourself of a nine or a spade.  You may play an eight at any juncture, and then announce the suit of your choice.  This is the suit that must be played next.  The next player facing an eight on the top of the discard stack may play any card from the suit chosen by the player who played the eight in the first place.  If you cannot rid yourself of any cards according to the rules you must draw a card.  With such simple rules and the ability to accommodate a lot of people, Crazy Eights is a great card game choice for families with young players.