Much to the players’ delight, the entertainment industry continues to grow each year, producing more exciting and technologically advanced video games. Everyone can find something for themselves and, of course, people tend to go back for the classics as well.
Even the less complicated games from the pre-computer era are still in fashion. If anything, the internet opened a lot more opportunities for gamers. Here are a few games every card enthusiast in Canada is probably familiar with.
Euchre
Perhaps the most familiar to anybody in the Great White North would be Euchre. This trick-taking game is highly appreciated in Canada and a few other English-speaking countries. To the point that some would argue that you’re not from around these parts if you don’t know how to play it. It isn’t incredibly complicated but to jump right in without any knowledge of the rules could prove difficult.
There are a few regional variations, but the game is typically played with four players, two on each team. It uses a standard playing cards deck with 24 cards (from 9 to Ace). Not getting too much into details, the main aim is to win most of the tricks — so 3 out of 5. If you fail to do so, it is said that the partnership that fixed the trump (intending to win at least three tricks) is to be ‘euchred.’ Winning all five is called a ‘march.’
Solitaire
When you’re craving a card game but don’t have anyone to play with, Solitaire is the best choice. You can play with a physical deck of cards or online for free. Specifically, classic Klondike Solitaire became popular in the late 19th century. People believe that it was named “Klondike” after the region of Canada where the Klondike Gold Rush happened in the late 1800s.
Hail to the chief
The love for trick-taking games in Canada brings us to another example: Keiser. It’s no surprise because the game originated in Canadian Prairies. Again, we have four participants playing in two teams. Only 32 cards out of 52 in a deck are used, starting from 8’s. There are four additional cards outside the mentioned section and a few tweaks and variations here and there. It is also possible to play Keiser online in a single-player and multi-player format.
The goal is to score 52 points to win. Alternatively, if your opponents’ score is -52, it also means their defeat. The points are earned based on bidding before the gameplay starts and the number of tricks won, which also includes tricks containing the special cards. The basic strategy relies on remembering what cards have been laid down already, so you have to have a good memory.
Casino king
Known to many as 21, blackjack is one of the most popular card games out there, both in brick-and-mortar establishments and online casinos. Various blackjack real money websites and apps will prove that this one is a leader of the classic player versus dealer games. There is no reason why Canada should be any different in terms of admiration for the game.
The gameplay is based on making decisions regarding the number of cards drawn from the deck. The goal is to have a higher score than a dealer without busting out over 21. It is also a win when the dealer who behaves according to specific rules exceeds this number.
Dealer's choice
While blackjack may be a typical game of choice for a casino visitor, there are other similar card games to enjoy at such establishments on an exciting night out. Particularly baccarat and poker are worth mentioning. The latter comes in many forms. The most popular is Texas Hold’em, but there are many more interesting variations to try out. Both poker and baccarat are well represented online. That includes various live dealer game options.