6 Books of Card Games reviewed

There are hundreds of card games and games of patience. Each card game is made up of many parts. In a world dominated by technologies, playing cards endures as a fascinating and greatly loved pastime. The rules, the scoring, the conventions and technicalities of card play can be difficult. A friendly game with friends can sometimes become controversial when we remember the rules differently. Flinging your cards in the air, from frustration, is not the solution. Do you need a book of card games? My review of Card Games Books, some oldies included, will help you find the right one for you.

Choose the Games Book you Need

Many books about Card Games have been written or compiled. Choosing one book to suit your specific needs is discouraging. Amongst the Card Games Books on the market, there are books related to Board Games, Parlour Games, Tricks and Magic. I have reviewed these elsewhere. Most physical bookstores only keep one or two card games book on hand. Although it is handy to flick through the pages in a bookstore, the lack of choice is annoying. Online stores, on the other hand, have an overwhelming number of titles and the contents are not always obvious.

Getting started:

It is always helpful to clarify what type of book of games you need. Are you a beginner or experienced card player? Do you want a book that includes solitaire (card games for one person only)? Is it a  broad-ranging card games book for an adult or a simpler more visual, book for a child that you are looking for? Once you have found the right book that you can refer to on card night, or tuck into your luggage on holidays, you will be well on your way to renewed enjoyment of card play.

Overview Table of 6 Books of Card Games

Title	Author/Editor	Image	My Comment
The Penguin Book of Card Games	David Parlett		Oldie but Goodie
Official Rules of Card Games	Albert Morehead		Oldie but Goodie
Bicycle Official Rules of Card Games	Joli Quentin Kansil and Tom Braunlich		Oldie but Goodie
The Ultimate Book of Family Card Games	Yi-Sung Oliver Ho		Worth a look, Newer kids on the Block
Super Fun Family Card Games for All Ages	Corinne Schmitt		Worth a look, Newer kids on the Block
The Complete Book of Solitaire & Patience Games	Albert H. Morehead		Solitaire & Patience

 How to Choose the right Book of Card Games

• Are you a beginner or experienced?
• Do you want to introduce children to card playing?
• Do you want Digital or Paper and print?
• What is your budget?
• Are you looking for a specific card game?
• Do you follow a particular author or editor?

Digital Books or Paper and Print Books    Do you want an electronic card games book or a conventional paperback / hardcover version.

The Authors and Editors of Card Games Books:  I love my 1973 reprint of the 1953 classic ‘Pan book of Card Games’ by Hubert Phillips. Dogeared with yellowed pages, this book has been well used. The argument of what author is better – Morehead, Parlett, or someone else – has been raging for decades and is unlikely to be resolved by me. I have also included some newer authors for your consideration.  No matter your preference I hope your enjoyment of playing cards continues and thrives.

According to Hoyle: What about Hoyle? Wikipedia tells us, Edmond Hoyle ( 1672 – 1769). was a writer best known for his works on the rules and play of card games. The phrase “according to Hoyle” came into the language as a reflection of his generally perceived authority on the subject. The trend to add ‘Hoyle’ to the title of a Card Gard Games Book in the 21^st Century is a lovely nod to the history of games. It may also be a stretch of marketing rather than reflecting the authority of the publication.

Top 6 Card Games Books

1.  The Penguin Book of Card Games – David Parlett  2009

This games book is written by an Englishman rather than an American. Don’t let this put you off. The Penguin Book of Card Games is a very comprehensive, diverse and up-to-date resource. As the front cover says “Everything you need to know to play over 250 games” The author has lived and breathed Card Games for a lifetime. It is no wonder that this publication is a ‘must-have’.

The Author: David Parlett has written many books on Card and Board Games. He is the inventor of many Board Games, Card Games, and Solitaire Games. Also a highly respected games scholar historian.

Pricing: more than $30

2.  Official Rules of Card Games – Edited by Albert H. Morehead 1996

This plain-covered book includes over 300 popular card games. Although an older book, it still has a lot to recommend it. It includes basic rules and instructions for the card games that you know, never knew, and have long forgotten. Nice additions of an age guide for child players and Categories related to mood i.e. Hilarious, Social, and Studious. I think this reflects the editor’s true love and understanding of playing cards.

The author: This book was edited by Albert H Morehead – Lexicographer (writer of dictionaries) Writer and publisher with a lifelong interest in Bridge

Pricing: Fair price, less than $20

3.  Bicycle Official Rules of Card Games – 1999

This is a comprehensive detailed book on over 250 card games. Rules, variations, descriptions, old games, and new games, written for new and seasoned players

Author: The Bicycle brand is owned by the United States Playing Card Company. This book is edited by Joli Quentin Kansil and Tom Braunlich. Both authors are very well credentialed in the games community as writers, researchers, developers, and players.

Pricing:                Affordable Used Books, less than $25, or invest in New, less than $80

4.  The Ultimate Book of Family Card Games – by Yi-Sung Oliver Ho

Describing only 57 games, this is the smallest of the Card Games books I have looked at.  Poker and its variations is not a part of this 2013 book, nor is Canasta, but there are plenty of other classic favorites for a family to enjoy. There is no doubt that this is a beautifully presented little book. The Index makes it easy to find what you want and the font size is larger and more readable than most other books. Most of the headings use upper-case lettering which disturbs me slightly, but the instructions are well-written and clear.

The Author: Yi-Sung Oliver Ho is reported as a modern children’s author. I do not know if he is an active card player.

Pricing:                Inexpensive, less than $10

5.  Super Fun Family Card Games – Corinne Schmitt

Describes 75 card games for all ages. The games clearly show the degree of difficulty and the age range that the game is suited to. This 2020 publication has a no-nonsense, modern look to each page and includes most of the classics and some of the newer games as well. A good resource to get your children into the swing of playing cards. Well-presented book. It does the job

The Author: Corinne Schmitt is reported as a mom and a blogger helping other moms

Pricing:                Inexpensive, less than $10

6.  The Complete Book of Solitaire & Patience Games – Albert H Morehead and Geoffrey Mott-Smith 1983

I have always loved playing patience. Feeling stressed, need to escape, need to pass time? This older publication of Solitaire and Patience Games is wonderful. Plenty of games to exercise my mind, frustrate and delight me. This book includes my favorites and those that only Morehead and Mott-Smith could unearth

Pricing: Inexpensive less than $10

Books of Card Games Summary

A book on Card Games must suit your requirements. Content, descriptions, illustrations, and layout are some of the considerations. I personally prefer a paper and print version. Above all your card games book must make learning, revising, and playing cards a fun experience. This article will help you make a good choice.

This review updated March 2024