Crazy Eights - an easy card game for everyone

Some card games are so exciting that you can not get enough of them. If you are looking for a fun way to spend your time, we suggest definitely trying Crazy Eights. The game has simple rules, and the gameplay is very engaging and entertaining. Crazy Eights is considered one of the most famous alternatives to Uno, but far more accessible. You can even practice Crazy 8 online on our website.

As we mentioned, the game isn’t a particularly difficult one, so you won’t have to put in a lot of effort to master it. The strategy you’ll have to understand is considerably easier to remember than, say, the one for the Spades card game.

Basic rules

Crazy 8s is a shedding-type card game, which means you have to get rid of your cards in order to be the winner. As the name implies, things can get a little bit crazy. Players will be in a rush to complete the objective and grab the victory.

Unlike solitaire, this is a card game for 2 or more players. In the beginning, each player is dealt 8 cards. The remaining cards are put face down in the center of the playing area. Crazy 8s game begins with the player positioned to the dealer’s left.

You can discard cards that are the same suit as previously played ones, or cards that are with the same value. For example, if the starting card placed face-up on the table is a Jack of spades, you have the option to discard either a Jack or a spade. If you can’t do that, you have to draw a card from the Stock pile.

There are a few unique cards. If you play a Queen, the next player misses their turn. Any 2s require the following player to draw two cards from the Stock. You can choose which suit will be discarded next with the 8s. When you play an Ace, the order of the play will be reversed (clockwise or counterclockwise).

Tips and strategies

You could expect to score a win in a few games, even if you play Crazy Eights with no particular strategy and just stick to the rules. But if you wish to be the very best at every game you play, here are some helpful Crazy 8s hints.

Always consider suits precisely

In Crazy Eights, suits have an important role. If you have several options when it’s your turn to play, try to choose the one that shifts the game to your advantage. For example:

• your opponent plays the 5 of clubs
• you have the option of responding with a 5 or a club
• you should choose to play the suit if you have a lot of clubs in your hand.

Discard high-value cards

If possible, play your high cards first. So you don’t end up with them at the end of the round. The score is calculated as follows:

• Eights are worth 50 points (isn’t that crazy).
• Each face card counts for 10 points.
• Aces can add to your score only a single point.
• Other cards are counted with their nominal values.

That being said, choosing a good suit should always be your first priority, and you should only worry about specific cards after that.

Be careful with the 8s

Whenever an 8 is played and the discarded suit is changed, it usually indicates that the player wants to get rid of their remaining few cards. If you have the chance to play an eight and switch to a different suit before the game returns to them, take it. It will mess with their plans a little bit.

On the other hand, maybe try to keep your 8s as long as possible since they will become more effective as the game progresses.

If you don’t get rid of your eights before the round finishes, you’ll lose 50 points for each eight you have in your hand. When a player is down to two cards, they should try to eliminate any remaining eights.

Hold on to the 2s

We consider the 2s as important as the 8s. A 2 can save you from drawing additional cards and help you win the game. Consider the following game situation:

• the player before you place a 2 of hearts
• if you don’t have any 2s in your hand, you have to draw two more cards from the Stock
• however, if you play a 2 of any suit as a response, you are forcing the next player to draw 4 additional cards and add them to their hand

Thus your opponent is adding cards to their hand and not you.

Remember, most individuals play for amusement and don’t plan in advance, so even these simple methods may help you significantly.

But please note that Crazy Eights is a game of chance. You can improve your chances of winning, but the luck of the draw will often determine who actually wins.

Variations and similar card games

Crazy 8s is considered to have many variations – the most famous ones being Switch, Mau Mau, and Uno. The goal of these card games is the same, but there are a few notable differences.

Switch

Each player begins the game with 7 cards. In Switch, by playing an 8, you can make the next player miss their turn. You can play an Ace anytime, regardless of the type or suit currently being discarded. If you play a Black Jack (Spades or Clubs), the following player is required to draw five cards from the Stock. A Red Jack, on the other hand, neutralizes a Black Jack. The 2s have the same power as in Crazy Eights.

Mau Mau

In Mau Mau players start with 5 cards each. Power cards are a little bit different. Forcing the next player to draw 2 cards is done by playing a 7. Any 9 can change the direction of play, and with an 8 the following player skips their turn. Playing a Jack allows you to choose a new color to discard. You can read the full rules of Mau Mau here.

Crazy Eights is one of the easiest card games available, yet it is no less entertaining than the more sophisticated ones. The fact that the game is so simple to learn and play online, makes it so popular and suitable for people of all ages.