How to Make Holiday Friends with Card Games
You know the feeling. You're on holiday with your mates, or maybe you've met some fun new people at the hostel bar or poolside, but… now what? You've already covered where you're all from, what you do for a living, and how hot it is. The vibe is good, but it's missing something — a way to take it from polite chat to belly laughs and inside jokes.
Enter: card games. They're a holiday lifesaver. Portable, easy to learn, and instant social glue. Whether you're breaking the ice with strangers or bonding with your crew, a simple deck of cards can turn any evening into something memorable.
Here are five cracking card games that'll get everyone playing, laughing, and probably accusing each other of cheating (it's all part of the fun).
Shithead
The one where you try not to come last — literally.
Shithead is all about avoiding being the last person with cards — because then, yep, you're the "Shithead." You take turns playing cards in ascending order, with special ones like 2s and 10s that can reset or clear the pile. It's simple enough to learn quickly but keeps you on your toes.
- Players: 2–6
- Playtime: 20–30 minutes
- Why it's fun: it's a mix of strategy, luck, and pure chaos, plus it's easy for anyone to pick up
- How you get social: there's no better icebreaker than laughing about the ridiculous title and gleefully sticking someone with an impossible move. You'll be cackling in no time.
Cheat
The one where everyone lies through their teeth.
In Cheat, the goal is simple: get rid of all your cards. The twist? You play them face-down and pretend they're what you say they are. (Spoiler: they often aren't.) If someone yells "Cheat!" and they're right, you pick up the pile. If they're wrong, they do.
- Players: 3–6
- Playtime: 15–30 minutes
- Why it's fun: bluffing, calling people out, and trying not to get caught — it's hilariously sneaky
- How you get social: it's a game of reading people — and laughing when your friend absolutely fails at keeping a straight face.
Yaniv
The one where you're racing to call "Yaniv!" first.
In this fast-paced Israeli card game, you're trying to get the total value of your hand as low as possible. Once you think you've got the lowest hand, you call "Yaniv!" But if someone's hand is lower, you lose. Tense, right?
- Players: 2–5
- Playtime: 10–20 minutes per round
- Why it's fun: it's quick, clever, and addictive, with just the right mix of luck and strategy
- How you get social: quick turns and plenty of room for playful rivalry keep the energy high and everyone engaged.
Spit
The one where speed is everything.
Spit is a frantic two-player game where the goal is to get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible. Players simultaneously play cards into piles in numerical order, and the speed and competition create instant drama. Perfect for kicking the energy up a notch.
- Players: 2
- Playtime: 10–15 minutes
- Why it's fun: it's lightning-fast and full of adrenaline — you'll be shouting and scrambling to win
- How you get social: you're locked in a 1-on-1 duel, but the chaos often draws in spectators who'll laugh and cheer along.
Jungle Speed
The one where reflexes (and good eyes) rule.
In Jungle Speed, players flip cards in turn, and when two matching cards appear, the players who flipped them race to grab the totem in the middle of the table. Grab it first? You win. Grab it second? Sorry, mate, you're out.
- Players: 2–8
- Playtime: 15–20 minutes
- Why it's fun: it's fast, frantic, and will have everyone shouting and laughing
- How you get social: the chaos is contagious — players and bystanders alike get caught up in the action.
Why Card Games Are a Holiday Must-Have
Card games are more than just a way to pass the time — they're a way to connect. Whether you're bluffing your way through Cheat, racing to slap the totem in Jungle Speed, or yelling "Yaniv!" at the top of your lungs, these games bring out laughter, competition, and new friendships.
So next time you pack for a holiday, don't just grab sunscreen and swimwear. Toss in a deck of cards, too. You'll never be stuck for something fun to do — and you might even leave with a few new friends.
Chat soon!
Chris and Dean