Card Game Variants You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

27 August 2025

Ah, card games. Whether they remind you of heated family gatherings around the kitchen table, late-night poker sessions with the gang, or just a nostalgic bout of solitaire on a rainy day, they hold a special place in our lives. But let’s be real—when most of us think of card games, we envision the classics: Poker, Uno, Rummy, or the ever-aggravating Monopoly Deal.

What if I told you there’s a whole world of quirky, fascinating, and downright genius card game variants out there that you’ve likely never played? Yep, they exist, and some of them are so unique that they’ll make you question why they aren’t more popular. So grab a cup of coffee (or your beverage of choice), shuffle up, and let’s dive into the world of obscure but brilliant card game variants that deserve a spot at your next game night.

1. Egyptian Rat Screw: A Frenzied Fiesta

Okay, let’s start with something chaotic and fun. Egyptian Rat Screw (ERS for short) is a high-energy game that blends strategy, speed, and sheer luck into one wild ride. If the name alone piques your curiosity, just wait until you hear how it’s played.

The game starts with each player flipping cards, and the goal is to slap the pile when specific combos appear (like doubles, sandwiches, or runs). The first to slap wins the pile. Seems easy, right? Wrong. This game gets so heated, it’s basically the card game equivalent of dodgeball: fast, aggressive, and not for faint-hearted fingers. One minute, you’re laughing; the next, you’re swatting the table like it owes you money.

Why You Should Try It:
It’s perfect for breaking any ice or injecting adrenaline into a low-key game night. Plus, you’ll walk away with better reflexes—win-win!

2. Kemps: Poker's Rowdier Cousin

Imagine playing Poker, but instead of bluffing with stoic poker faces, you’re hilariously winking, nodding, or (discreetly) scratching your nose to signal your partner. That’s Kemps in a nutshell. It’s played in teams of two and focuses on covert communication.

Here’s how it works: Players try to collect four cards of the same rank. Once they’ve got them, their partner must call out “Kemps” after spotting the pre-agreed signal. But there’s a catch. If someone outside your team suspects your sneaky signs, they can yell "Stop Kemps!" and bust you.

Why It Rocks:
It’s like Poker meets charades, and the antics are priceless. Plus, it’s subtle enough to keep things fresh and funny as you form (or fail at forming) secret leagues with your teammate.

3. Cheat (a.k.a. I Doubt It)

Ever dreamt of being a master liar? Here’s your chance. Cheat is a hilarious game that rewards those who can fib confidently.

Players take turns placing cards facedown and announcing (or pretending to announce) what they put down. The trick? They don’t necessarily have to be honest. The other players can call “Cheat!” if they suspect foul play. If the accuser is right, the liar takes the entire pile. If they’re wrong, the accuser ends up eating the pile instead.

Why It’s Addictive:
It’s a test of nerves and detective skills. Plus, you’ll quickly find out which of your friends should never be trusted during a crime investigation.

4. Scum (a.k.a. President)

Scum (also known as President, depending on how fancy you’re feeling) is all about climbing up the social ladder. Here’s the idea: In each round, players aim to get rid of all their cards as fast as possible. The first one out becomes the "President," while the last one holding cards is crowned the "Scum."

The twist? At the start of the next round, the Scum must hand over their best cards to the President. Talk about rubbing it in! But don’t worry—one great play and you could dethrone the President faster than you can say “election scandal.”

What Makes It Fun:
It’s strategic yet absurdly satisfying. You can’t help but root for yourself while plotting to overthrow your rivals.

5. Hand and Foot: The Hidden Gem of Card Games

If you’re into longer games that lean more toward strategy, you’ll definitely want to give Hand and Foot a shot. It’s kind of like a beefed-up version of Canasta. Each player gets two sets of cards: one is their "hand" (the active deck), and the other is their "foot" (the reserve deck).

Your goal is to form melds (sets of cards) while carefully balancing your hand and foot decks. It takes patience, teamwork (if played in pairs), and a whole lot of planning ahead.

Perfect For:
Those who enjoy games like Rummy or Phase 10 but are craving something with a bit more depth. Think of it as the gourmet dinner version of classic card games.

6. Exploding Kittens: A Modern Twist on Chaos

You’ve probably heard of Exploding Kittens at some point, but did you know that advanced variants of this game exist? This quirky, Russian Roulette-style card game is all about dodging "exploding kitten" cards while strategically messing with your opponents.

The expansions and homebrew rule modifications add layers of complexity. For example, some groups introduce “custom sabotage cards” or build-in mini-trivia rounds to keep everyone on their toes.

Why You Should Play:
It blends dark humor with quick thinking in a way that makes each game session unpredictable. Plus, the lightweight rules make it a hit even for casual crowds.

7. Durak: The Underdog From Russia

Durak (Russian for “fool”) is a card game that’s wildly popular in Eastern Europe but criminally underrated elsewhere. The premise? Players try to outsmart each other by attacking and defending with cards in a battle-style format. Whoever gets stuck with cards in their hand at the end is crowned the “Durak.”

It’s a mix of wit and strategy, with a bit of luck thrown in. The best part? It’s endlessly adaptable. Whether you’ve got two players or six, this game scales beautifully and never loses its charm.

Why It’s Worth Your Time:
It’s fast-paced yet still manages to make you feel like a cunning general plotting your next big war tactic.

8. Mao: The Game With No Instructions

Prepare for a wild ride with Mao, a card game where the golden rule is... no one tells you the rules. Yep, you’re thrown into the deep end and expected to figure things out as you play. Each time you break an unspoken rule, the dealer penalizes you with extra cards. New rules can also be made up as the game progresses, adding to the confusion.

The real fun comes from the bewildered expressions of first-timers as they try to decode the logic. It’s frustrating, hilarious, and ridiculously satisfying once you get the hang of it.

Who’s It For?
People who love mystery, a sprinkle of chaos, and watching their friends squirm in sheer confusion.

9. Golf: The Card Game That’s Surprisingly Zen

No clubs? No problem. Golf, the card game, has nothing to do with the sport but shares its goal-oriented nature. Players aim to score the lowest points possible (kind of like golf, get it?) by strategically swapping cards to create the perfect hand.

It’s a mix of logic and luck, which makes it beginner-friendly but still satisfying for veterans. Plus, it’s surprisingly meditative—perfect for those low-energy evenings when you just want to chill.

Why It Stands Out:
It doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it’s challenging enough to keep you hooked for multiple rounds.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it—nine incredible card game variants you’ve probably never heard of. Whether you’re looking for something lighthearted or a game that’ll test your wits, there’s a hidden gem on this list for everyone. Next time you’re planning a game night, ditch the old standbys and whip out one of these. Who knows? You might just discover your new favorite!

And hey, if you’ve played (or mastered) any of these already, we’d love to hear about your experience. Did Egyptian Rat Screw leave your hands sore? Was Mao a total mind-bender for your group? Let us know in the comments!