For crossword enthusiasts, few clues are as deceptively simple yet endlessly variable as the phrase “card game.” Whether you’re solving a quick puzzle in a newspaper, battling your way through a cryptic grid, or competing in a digital tournament, this clue frequently makes an appearance. But what does it actually mean? And more importantly, what could the answer be?
In this in-depth guide, we’ll uncover the most likely solutions to the clue “card game” across different word lengths, explore how crossword setters think, and help you become a sharper solver. So, whether you’re a beginner puzzler or an experienced cruciverbalist, this article is your one-stop reference to mastering the card game crossword clue.
Why “Card Game” Appears So Often in Crosswords
The term “card game” is a favourite of crossword creators for several reasons:
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Broad variety: There are hundreds of card games to choose from, each with a unique name and length.
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Simple clueing: Setters can keep it vague (“card game”) or get more specific (“fast-paced card game”).
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Familiarity: Most solvers have at least a basic awareness of games like poker, bridge, or rummy.
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Multiple lengths: It fits well in any crossword format—whether 3-letter grids or full 9-letter challenges.
Common Answers Based on Word Length
When you encounter the clue “card game”, your first task is to check the number of boxes to fill. Here are some of the most frequent answers, broken down by letter count.
3-Letter Card Game Answers
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Gin – Short for “Gin Rummy”, a popular two-player game.
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Uno – A wildly popular commercial game with simple matching rules.
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War – A game of luck and comparison, often played by children.
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Nap – Short for Napolean, a trick-taking game.
4-Letter Card Game Answers
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Snap – One of the most common answers for this length, often clued as a children’s game.
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Faro – A historic gambling card game popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Brag – A British card game similar to poker.
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Skat – A strategic German game often seen in cryptic crosswords.
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Loo – A trick-taking card game, mostly found in historical references.
5-Letter Card Game Answers
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Poker – Arguably the most recognisable card game globally.
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Whist – A predecessor to bridge, popular in classic puzzles.
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Monte – Often used in American-style crosswords.
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Rummy – A family of matching-card games played worldwide.
6-Letter Card Game Answers
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Bridge – A competitive and analytical card game with international tournaments.
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Euchre – A trick-taking game popular in parts of Canada and the USA.
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Piquet – A French game for two players, sometimes seen in themed crosswords.
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Casino – A classic game involving capturing cards.
7 to 9-Letter Card Game Answers
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Canasta – A rummy-type game popular in the 1950s.
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Cribbage – A distinctive game involving pegging points on a board.
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Patience – Another term for “Solitaire”, especially in British English.
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Blackjack – Also known as “21”, commonly played in casinos.
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Solitaire – Often clued as a “solo card game” or “one-player challenge.”
How Crossword Setters Add a Twist
Crossword creators love to play with the ambiguity of the clue “card game.” Sometimes they’ll add a modifier like:
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“Fast-paced card game” → SNAP
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“Casino card game” → FARO or BLACKJACK
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“Three-card game” → BRAG or MONTE
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“Game with tricks” → WHIST or EUCHRE
In cryptic crosswords, things get even more creative. A clue like “Contest involving playing cards” might point to “POKER” (a contest + a card game). Or, “Folded game?” might be a clever pointer to BRIDGE.
Understanding how setters think can transform your approach.
Tips to Solve the Card Game Crossword Clue Quickly
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Count the letters – Most crossword platforms provide the length of the answer. That narrows down options significantly.
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Use intersecting clues – Letters filled in from adjacent answers help eliminate guesses that don’t fit.
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Watch for regional clues – British puzzles may prefer BRAG or NAP, while American crosswords favour POKER and EUCHRE.
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Consider the theme – If the crossword has a theme (e.g. gambling, leisure, or classic games), your answer might be thematic.
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Avoid red herrings – Don’t overthink unless you’re doing a cryptic puzzle. For quick crosswords, the simplest answer is often correct.
Card Games That Rarely Appear — But Could
Occasionally, a puzzle will use lesser-known or even obsolete card games. These might show up in specialised or high-difficulty crosswords:
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Ombre – A 17th-century trick-taking game.
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Pinochle – A strategic game still popular in parts of the United States.
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Bezique – Played with two decks; historically famous but now rare.
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Klaberjass – A Dutch game, lesser known but still valid for puzzling.
It’s always worth familiarising yourself with unusual names. They could appear in challenging or themed crosswords.
Fun Facts About Card Games in Crosswords
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SNAP is often ranked among the top five most-used 4-letter answers in UK crosswords.
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GIN is frequently used due to its utility in tight 3-letter grids.
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Some puzzles use “card game” as a misdirection when the actual answer is an acronym or slang term (e.g., UNO).
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Many famous crossword compilers have signature clue styles—some enjoy using BRIDGE or PIQUET to show off their literary flair.
Card Game Crossword Clue in British vs American Crosswords
There are some regional differences you should be aware of:
British Crosswords
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Prefer older or regional card games: NAP, BRAG, EUCHRE
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Might use the clue to indicate a cryptic pun or double meaning
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“Patience” is more common than “Solitaire”
American Crosswords
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Emphasise modern and gambling games: POKER, UNO, MONTE
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Use cleaner, more direct clues
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Clues often reflect pop culture or casino themes
Crossword Clue Variations and What They Might Mean
Here are some variations of the “card game” clue and the likely answers:
| Clue Variant | Possible Answer(s) |
|---|---|
| “Old card game” | FARO, WHIST, NAP |
| “Fast-paced card game” | SNAP, WAR |
| “Game with bets” | POKER, MONTE, BRAG |
| “Solo card game” | SOLITAIRE, PATIENCE |
| “Two-player card game” | GIN, EUCHRE, PIQUET |
| “Casino game with cards” | BLACKJACK, BACCARAT |
Conclusion: Mastering the Card Game Clue
The next time you encounter the clue “card game” in your crossword, you’ll be well prepared to tackle it with confidence. From 3-letter fillers like GIN and WAR to more challenging entries like CRIBBAGE and PIQUET, understanding your options — and how they relate to the clue style — gives you a serious edge.
Keep this guide bookmarked and revisit it each time you pick up a puzzle. With enough practice and pattern recognition, even the trickiest card game crossword clue will become second nature.
