Top Mexican Card Games: The Best of the Best!

If you’re looking for a way to spice up your next family game night, consider trying out some exciting Mexican card games! Incorporating games from different cultures not only brings a fresh experience to your game collection but also allows you to learn about traditions and pastimes from around the world.

While some of these games call for specialized decks, many can be adapted to a standard 52-card deck by simply excluding the 8s, 9s, and 10s, resulting in a 40-card deck. So, dust off that deck hiding in your drawer and embark on a new gaming adventure with these Mexican card games!

You may find similarities between these games and ones you’re already familiar with, such as Rummy, Poker, or Bingo. While it may take a round or two to get the hang of the rules, the enjoyment and cultural enrichment you’ll experience make it a rewarding and engaging experience for everyone—truly a win-win situation!

Exciting Mexican Card Games:

1. Conquian Card Game

Conquian, or Mexican Rummy, is the precursor to the Western version of Rummy. It uses a 40-card deck (a standard deck minus the 8s, 9s, and 10s). Each player is dealt 10 cards, and the remaining cards form a draw pile. Players draw cards to create “melds,” which are sets of three or four cards or sequences of three or more in the same suit. The game ends when a player melds 11 cards. If a player can’t find the final meld, the next game counts as double.

2. Mexican Poker

Using a 40-card deck, each player is dealt five cards, with one card dealt face down. Betting occurs after each of the five cards is dealt. Players can choose to reveal their down card before receiving their third card. The player with the highest hand value wins the round.

3. Burro Castigado

A fun children’s game played with a 40-card Spanish deck. Players aim to get all cards of the same number. The first player to achieve this shouts “Burro!” All other players must then place their hand on the winning pile; the last to do so writes a letter of the word “burro” as a tally. The game continues until someone spells “burro” and loses.

4. Brisca

Using a 40-card Spanish deck, one person plays a card face up, and others follow suit. The highest trump card or the highest card of the leading suit wins the round. Gameplay continues until no more cards are left to draw.

5. La Viuda

Played with a standard 52-card deck plus two jokers, this game includes chips for each player and one extra chip called “La Viuda,” providing an extra life. Players draw five cards and keep a spare five-card deck, with the worst hand losing a chip each round. Buying “La Viuda” provides an extra life, but it can only be purchased once.

6. Siete Loco

A mix of Crazy Eights and Blackjack played with a 40-card deck. The goal is to get as close to seven points as possible without exceeding it. Face cards are worth half a point, and other cards hold their face value. Players draw cards one at a time and can request more.

7. Lotería

A traditional game similar to Bingo, played with a deck of picture cards. Players fill their boards with called cards. The caller tries to distract players by calling cards quickly. Traditional markers for this game include dried beans, but you can use anything like pennies or beads. This game is family-friendly and easy to learn.

Conclusion

Exploring Mexican card games is a wonderful way to bring some novelty and cultural richness to your game nights. From the challenging strategies of Conquian to the lively excitement of Lotería, these games offer a fun and educational experience for players of all ages. So next time you gather with family or friends, break out a deck of cards and try one of these Mexican favorites. Not only will you enjoy hours of entertainment, but you’ll also gain a deeper appreciation for the traditions and customs of Mexico. Happy playing!