Card Games That Make Your Family Gatherings More Fun (And Less Awkward)
Ah, family Christmas parties. It's that annual, mandatory gathering of relatives who keep bugging you with questions like, "Uy, parang tumaba ka?" or "Kailan ka ga-graduate?" We love them though. But seriously, it can get a bit awkward when they've got nothing else to focus on but your personal life. So why not try introducing them to family-friendly card games instead? Here are some options to turn your family's questions from "Kailan ka ga-graduate?" to "Uy, nag-draw ka na ba?":
Exploding Kittens
Number of Players: 2 to 5
Gameplay: Players draw cards from a deck. The one who draws an exploding kitten is out and loses the game—unless he has a “diffuse” card. The deck is composed of cards, some of which let you avoid the exploding kitten by allowing you to peek before you draw, shuffle the deck, skip a turn, among others. Use these wisely to win the game.
Why: Because cats! The cards also bear hilarious illustrations that make the game feel light as you plot to make others lose.
Sushi Go Party!
Number of Players: 2 to 8
Gameplay: Pick and pass cards that bear different kinds of sushi (each with its own value) to earn the most points in the game. Whoever has the most points wins.
Why: The game forces you to strategize, but since it’s fast-paced and the drawings are cute, no one’s too serious to overthink the next move. There are many ways to win the game.
Codenames
Number of Players: 2 to 8
Gameplay: Two teams, each with its own representative or “spymaster,” play against each other. Before them are words laid out on a grid, and they must guess which words their respective spymasters are referring to.
Why: It’s easy to play and lets you get creative in giving clues to various members of your family. Inside jokes prove helpful.
