When someone says “card games,” what goes through your head? We tend to think about card games as something a little bit old school — let’s face it, who breaks out a deck of cards anymore? But the pandemic has revealed that there’s still a lot of enthusiasm for these gaming hobbies. Many have turned to card gaming as a way to busy themselves and connect with friends, either by playing in person or over apps and websites. And while playing card games requires just a simple deck, there are still plenty of fun gifts that you might consider giving to a friend or family member who's taken up these games.
Hoyle’s Card Games
If you have ever tried to learn a new card game, you have probably discovered that it can be a little confusing at first. In order to clarify any confusion, the best source for official rules is and always has been Hoyle's books on the matter. The book is so popular that it inspired its own PC game, but it still makes for a terrific resource in and of itself. If you are thinking of getting a gift for a card game enthusiast, you can either get new "Hoyle's Modern Encyclopedia of Card Games" (which has the rules for almost every card game in existence), or find a first edition for the fan who also happens to be a collector.
High-End Playing Cards
One of the great things about being a fan of card games is that the same standard deck can be used to play countless games, including all of the different varieties of poker. Rules differ, but each iteration of poker fundamentally relies on the same 52-card deck –– and for the most part, the same can be said of other popular, mainstream card games. Frequent players often prefer a durable but elegant set of cards to use for any game. Look too the likes of KEM, Legends, or Theory 11, and you'll find some beautiful, high-quality options that make excellent gifts.
Personalized Table
As fun as it is to visit a casino, nothing beats hosting a friendly (or competitive!) card game at home. As mentioned, card game enthusiasts love to acquire sets of cards (and nice chips, for the poker-heads), but few ever bother to get a personalized table of their own. But you can certainly find or build a personalized table as a one-of-a-kind gift! You can select between different types of fabrics for the surface, as well as plan out the number of players that can sit around the table. You can also add designs to the fabric if any are needed for a particular game –– a common feature on poker and blackjack tables. And of course, you can add special little design features and inscriptions as you like.
Gaming Mouse
Don't forget gifts for the online gamers, too! People who play card games on a computer tend to take their time to think about their next moves. Once the decision has been made though, they want to execute it with speed and precision. In order to ensure that happens, they need a good gaming mouse. This sort of accessory would make great gift for any of your techy friends. For card game fans specifically, a gaming mouse would offer low latency and include hardware that prevents interference. As a result, they won’t have to worry about accidentally making a costly mistake when placing a bet or picking a card. Plus, there's just something irresistibly smooth about playing with a great gaming mouse.
VR Headset
Online card games have evolved considerably since their early days. Whether you are playing blackjack, poker, or any given trading card game, many experiences now include advanced graphics and even complex storylines. Some card-gaming platforms like Pokerstars are even implementing virtual reality into the gameplay. This offers players richer interactions with opponents and simulates the feeling of being in a real casino. In order to play this game, however, it’s necessary to have an Oculus VR headset –– which is why this makes for a great (although pricey) gift.
People are enjoying tons of card games, and through gifts like these you can improve a friend or family member's experience — whether they're more interested in Go Fish in the living room or Texas Hold'em in an online tournament.
