How to Play Crazy Eights
Crazy Eights is one of the simplest and most relaxing card games. Match the top card of the discard pile by suit or by rank, and use the wild eights to change the suit when you are stuck. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.
- Players
- You + 1 to 3 computer players
- Cards
- Standard 52 cards
- Game length
- 5 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
The goal
Be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
Setting up
- Use one standard 52-card deck. We play with four players and deal five cards to each.
- The next card from the deck is turned face up to start the discard pile. If it is an 8, the next card is used instead.
- The rest of the deck is the draw pile.
Playing a turn
- Play one card that matches the top card of the discard pile by suit or by rank. On a 9♥ you may play any heart or any 9.
- Eights are wild. You can play an 8 on any card, and then you choose the suit the next player has to match.
- If you cannot play, draw one card at a time from the draw pile until you can play.
- If the draw pile runs out, the discard pile (except its top card) is shuffled to make a new draw pile. If there is nothing left to draw, you pass.
Winning
The first player with no cards left wins. If every player passes in a row, the game is blocked and the player with the lowest total in hand wins:
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| Each 8 | 50 |
| King, queen, jack, 10 | 10 |
| Ace | 1 |
| 2 to 9 | Face value |
Strategy tips
- Save your 8s. They are your way out when you are stuck, and they are worth 50 points against you if the game is blocked.
- When you play an 8, choose the suit you hold the most of.
- Play cards from your longest suit first, so you keep options open.
- Watch your opponents' hands: when someone is down to one card, change the suit away from what they seem to need.
Rule variations
Crazy Eights has many family versions. Some play 2s as "draw two", jacks as "skip" or aces as "reverse", and some only let you draw one card before passing. Our version keeps to the classic rules above.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play an eight on anything in Crazy Eights?
Yes. An eight can be played on any card, and the player who plays it chooses the suit that must be followed next.
What happens if the draw pile runs out?
The discard pile, except its top card, is shuffled to make a new draw pile.
Card games have many house rules. This page describes the most common way Crazy Eights is played, and the version you play on Card Sunday. Does your family play differently, or have you spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will check it.
