For big groups
Six players or more around the table – games that stay fun, fast and fair when the room is full.
- #1 Mao The only rule we can tell you is this one – the rest you'll learn one penalty card at a time. Up to eight players and one rule we can tell you – the rest you learn one penalty card at a time.
- #2 President Beat the last play with higher cards, shed your hand first and rise from Beggar to President – and claim the Beggar's best cards next round. Seven players give a long ladder from President to Beggar, and the card swap keeps every round spicy.
- #3 Spoons Pass cards round the table until someone grabs a spoon – then everyone dives for the rest, and one hand comes up empty. Up to twelve players pass cards until someone grabs a spoon – then everyone dives.
- #4 Cheat Play face down, claim whatever you like and keep a straight face – but if someone calls "Cheat!" and you lied, the pile is yours. Up to ten players, one pile and a lot of straight faces – the more liars, the better.
- #5 Oh Hell! Say exactly how many tricks you'll take – no more, no fewer – and watch everyone else's plans go to hell. Still sharp with six or seven: fewer cards per hand, but every bid matters.
- #6 Texas Hold'em (No Limit) Two secret cards, five shared ones and a pile of chips – bet it all when you dare and make the best five-card hand of seven. Up to ten seats at one table, and players who bust can still watch every hand play out.
- #7 Schwimmen (31) Swap with the middle, collect 31 in one suit and knock at the right moment – lose your last life and you have to swim. Up to nine players, three cards each and three lives – a German pub favourite that scales effortlessly.
- #8 Kemps Swap cards from the middle, collect four of a kind and give your partner the secret sign – before the others crack your code. Up to eight players in pairs, each with a secret sign – a code-cracking game for the whole room.
- #9 Swoop Play equal or lower, swoop the pile away with four of a kind, a 10 or a joker – and empty your hand before the penalty points pile up. Up to eight players with extra decks and jokers: play equal or lower and swoop the pile away.
- #10 Chase the Ace One card each – keep it or swap it with your neighbour, and don't be caught holding the lowest. Up to twenty players with one card each: keep it or swap it with your neighbour – and three lives keep everyone in the game for a while.