Most Popular Card Game in Every State

Having first arrived on American soil with Spanish settlers in the late 1400s, card games can trace their popularity in the U.S. far before its actual founding. Over time, they’ve woven themselves into the fabric of our culture, captivating players with their blend of skill, strategy, and excitement.

Although their early popularity was exclusively rooted in gambling, today you can find card games of all kinds. From the playful gatherings of family-friendly games, like Go Fish and Crazy Eights, to the intense showdowns of casino table games and poker variants, card games hold a special place in the hearts of players nationwide. 

Here, we’ll explore the most popular card games in every U.S. state and delve into the favorites that dominate gaming tables, create lasting memories, and bring people together in the spirit of competition and camaraderie. So, shuffle the deck, and get ready to learn about the card games that see the most action at poker tables and beyond throughout the country.

To determine the most popular card games in every state, we analyzed Google Trends search data from June 2022 to June 2023. We started with a list of 34 popular card games that we broke into three categories (playing card games, casino table games, and branded card games).

Once we had our list of games, we found their search interest state-by-state and compared the results to uncover which card games Americans are most interested in.

In the majority of the country, Crazy Eights reigns supreme. With its easy-to-follow rules and lightning-fast gameplay, this card game keeps players on their toes as they race to discard their hands by matching the rank or the suit of the top card. Crazy Eights tops our list of the country’s favorite card games, claiming an impressive (and very fitting) eight states altogether; Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Cards Against Humanity comes in at a close second on our list as the most popular card game in Arizona, Idaho, Kansas, Kentucky, and West Virginia. While not a card game in the conventional sense, Cards Against Humanity takes the nation by storm with its irreverent humor and boundary-pushing gameplay. This party game for adults challenges players to complete fill-in-the-blank statements with hilarious and often controversial answers.

Among the classic casino card games, Five-Card Draw holds a special place in the hearts of players in Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This poker variant, played with five cards dealt face-down, involves a round of betting followed by an opportunity to discard and replace cards to improve the hand. The game’s blend of strategy, bluffing, and anticipation keeps players engaged as they vie for the best hand and the coveted pot.

Acey-Deucy, also known as In-Between or Red Dog, is another popular card game with a strong following in four states (California, Florida, New York, and Pennsylvania). In this casino staple, players bet on whether a third drawn card will fall between the values of the first two cards dealt. With its simple rules and quick gameplay, Acey-Deucy provides a thrilling experience and an opportunity for players to test their luck and intuition.

Not all card games are made equal. From family-friendly hits like Go Fish to thrilling casino classics like Texas Hold’em and the strategic battles of branded card games like Magic: The Gathering, there’s a game out there for everyone. Here, we’ll dive into America’s favorite card games by category.

When it comes to traditional playing card games, several classics dominate the search trends across states. Let’s dive into the most popular choices among families in the U.S.

Crazy Eights, with its fast-paced gameplay and simple rules, emerges as the top-searched playing card game in 17 states. This beloved game of matching ranks and suits has stood the test of time, captivating players of all ages with its addictive nature.

Go Fish, another classic game that teaches young players about strategy, continues to trend in 13 states. With its easy-to-understand rules and colorful deck of cards, Go Fish provides an entertaining experience for families seeking wholesome fun and quality time together.

For many card game enthusiasts, the allure of the casino extends far beyond the poker table, and certain card games continue to dominate trends in this category. 

Texas Hold’em is the king of poker variants and holds its crown as the most searched casino card game in 23 states. A prominent fixture in high-stakes tournaments like the World Series of Poker (WSOP), Texas Hold’em has become a cultural phenomenon in the U.S. In the 2000 WSOP Main Event, there were 512 entrants, in 2005, that number rose to 5,619, and in 2022, there were 8,663. With more players participating and a $10,000,000 first-place prize for the Main Event in 2022, it’s no wonder Americans are taken with Texas Hold’em.

Five-Card Draw, a table game that has history stretching back to the Middle Ages before becoming mainstream in the American West, ranks high in search trends across 21 states. The allure of drawing cards, strategizing hand improvements, and placing bets resonate with players seeking a blend of simplicity and excitement. 

In the heartland of Nebraska, Omaha Hold’em is the casino card game people are itching to know more about. Named after the Nebraskan capital city, this variant of Texas Hold’em remains a staple among players in the state. Omaha Hold’em follows similar rules to its Texas counterpart but introduces an exciting twist by dealing four-hole cards to each player. 

Nevada, the gambling mecca of the United States, holds Blackjack close to its heart. As the top-searched casino card game in the state, Blackjack embodies the essence of Las Vegas entertainment. Whether played on the bustling Las Vegas Strip or in local gaming establishments, Blackjack continues to captivate players with its timeless appeal and the promise of big-time wins.

Branded Card Games

Beyond traditional playing and casino card games, branded card games have also carved out their own niche. Whether you’re looking for a fun game to play at a party among friends or a captivating fantasy world to enjoy with players from all over the country, chances are there’s a game for you. Here are the branded card games that Americans fancy the most:

Cards Against Humanity is the favorite branded card game in 23 states. The game’s clever fill-in-the-blank statements and outrageous answers have made it a cultural phenomenon, revolutionizing the party game genre with its unique blend of humor and unfiltered creativity.

The enchanting world of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) captivates players in eight states, making it another top-searched branded card game. With its vast array of cards and intricate gameplay, MTG has cultivated a dedicated following and a competitive tournament scene.

From state to state, card games have delighted players and become an integral part of our culture. Whether it’s the timeless classics like Crazy Eights and Go Fish, the strategic battles of Spades and Texas Hold’em, or the laughter-filled moments with Cards Against Humanity and We’re Not Really Strangers, there’s a fun card game for everyone. Card games bring people together and create cherished memories. 

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