Games to Play with Our Card Deck

Whether you’re gathering with friends or simply passing time, a standard deck of cards offers endless possibilities. Below are some classic games you can play with our custom deck, organized by the number of players.

2+ Player Games

1. Speed
Speed is a fast-paced game where players compete to discard cards as quickly as possible.

  • Objective: Get rid of all your cards before your opponent.

  • Setup: Divide the deck equally. Each player has a stockpile, two side piles, and five active cards. Place two center piles between players.

  • Gameplay: Players can place cards that are one number higher or lower than the center cards. Both players play simultaneously, so speed is essential. When no moves are available, flip a card onto the center piles and continue.

  • Winning: The first player to empty their stockpile wins.

2. Rummy
Rummy is a classic matching game focusing on creating sets and runs.

  • Objective: Form sets (3+ of a kind) and runs (consecutive cards of the same suit) to score points.

  • Setup: Deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face down as the draw pile, and turn the top card over to start the discard pile.

  • Gameplay: Players take turns drawing a card and discarding one, aiming to complete sets or runs. At any time, players can lay down completed sets.

  • Winning: The first player to lay down all their cards wins. Play continues to tally scores, with runs and sets earning points.

3. Idiot
Idiot is a simple, strategic game where the last player with cards loses.

  • Objective: Be the first to get rid of all your cards.

  • Setup: Each player gets four cards face down, four face up on top of them, and three cards in hand. The rest of the deck forms the draw pile.

  • Gameplay: Players must discard cards that are equal to or higher than the top card on the discard pile. If unable, they must pick up the pile. Special cards (e.g., 2 resets the pile) add strategic layers.

  • Winning: The last player with cards left is the “idiot.” All others win by discarding their cards first.

4+ Player Games

1. Spades
Spades is a trick-taking game played in teams, focusing on predicting the number of tricks.

  • Objective: Win tricks according to your team’s bid.

  • Setup: Deal 13 cards to each player. Partners sit across from each other, and teams bid the number of tricks they expect to win.

  • Gameplay: Players must follow the lead suit if possible; if not, they may play any card. Spades are trump cards and can win over any other suit.

  • Winning: Teams score based on successful bids, with penalties for over- or under-bidding. The first team to reach 500 points wins.

2. Hearts
Hearts is a trick-taking game where players avoid certain cards, especially hearts and the Queen of Spades.

  • Objective: Avoid taking hearts or the Queen of Spades, as these add penalty points.

  • Setup: Deal all cards. Each player chooses three cards to pass left, right, or across (alternating each round).

  • Gameplay: Players follow the lead suit. Hearts cannot be led until a heart has been played, known as “breaking hearts.”

  • Winning: Players score points based on the penalty cards collected. The game ends at a set score, typically 100, and the player with the lowest score wins.

3. Oh Hell
Oh Hell is a bidding game where players try to predict the exact number of tricks they will win each round.

  • Objective: Accurately bid the number of tricks you’ll take each round.

  • Setup: Deal a changing number of cards each round, from one card per player up to the full deck and back down. Each player bids on the number of tricks they expect to win.

  • Gameplay: Players must follow suit, with the highest card of the lead suit winning the trick.

  • Winning: Players score for accurate bids. The highest total score after all rounds wins.

Our Story: How We Created Our Card Deck

The inspiration behind our custom card deck was rooted in our appreciation for classic games and the joy of playing with friends and family. We wanted to create a deck that was simple, elegant, and felt great to hold—something versatile enough to handle any game but still distinctively ours.

At Creates Cool, we believe design should be accessible and fun, so creating a card deck was a natural choice. Our design process started with studying the visual language of traditional decks and reimagining it with subtle, modern elements. We aimed to maintain the timeless look of classic cards but added a unique flair through refined patterns and clean typography, making each suit and face card stand out.

Partnering with a local print studio, we carefully selected card stock that would provide a smooth shuffle and handle frequent use. Testing the materials was a rewarding process, similar to our approach with architecture—considering form, function, and durability in equal measure.

With this deck, we hope to bring people together, whether for a friendly game of Rummy, a high-stakes round of Spades, or a lightning-speed session of Speed. Our card deck represents a blend of tradition and modern design, crafted to enhance every game and create lasting memories.

We’re excited to see this deck become a staple for game nights, road trips, and casual gatherings—designed by us, but created for everyone.