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Card games have always had a special place in our culture. Supposedly created in the Tang dynasty, cards have been around China since the 9th century. Since then, the standard deck of cards has changed quite a lot. Though one thing has remained steadfast, cards are a prevalent form of entertainment. Of course, we are all familiar with classic games. But, since the 20th century, we’ve seen alternatives to the standard deck. Trading card games have grown immensely in popularity. So, let us look at some trending card games in 2023.
Yu-Gi-Oh!
In the late 90s, Kazuki Takahashi created a “gaming manga” in which he introduced the Duel Monsters card game. The manga, Yu-Gi-Oh! Starred a small high-schooler whose body was the vessel for an Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh’s spirit. And though the original focus wasn’t on the card game, it was the card game that made the series famous. Yu-Gi-Oh! currently holds the title of the world’s most popular trading card game.
After the issues focusing on Duel Monsters attained vast popularity, Konami launched a real-life version of the game. Now, decades later, the Yu-Gi-Oh! The card game is still one of the most popular TCGs in the world, drawing in thousands, if not millions, of fans. From online and land-based tournaments to just friends playing the game for fun, to numerous video games and online Yu-Gi-Oh! Websites, the game has won the hearts and minds of several generations.
In 2022, Yu-Gi-Oh!’s creator Kazuki Takahashi died in a drowning accident. Though he is gone, his contribution to card games and manga cannot be understated.
Pokemon Trading Card Game
Pokemon is one of those franchises that has conquered the world. If you were too old when Pokemon came out, you undoubtedly heard of it through your children/younger siblings. If you were too young when Pokemon first came out, you had another dozen new games/shows to get you interested in the game. In other words, Pokemon is one game series that has endured the test of time, similar to Call of Duty, The Mario Bros, Sonic the Hedgehog, etc. While it initially started as a video game, the TCG needed to catch up.
Next to Yu-Gi-Oh!, the Pokemon Trading Card Game might be the world’s most popular series of trading cards. While initially published by Wizards of the Coast, the current rights belong to the Pokemon company. And they’ve certainly done a fine job with the game, selling over 40 billion copies worldwide.
Magic: The Gathering
Released in 1993 by Wizards of the Coast, the company behind Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: The Gathering is another of the most popular trading card games ever. Combining complex game mechanics with even more intricate lore, the game has won the hearts and minds of the greater public. Due to its complex lore and gameplay, MTG has garnered a much older player base. Though not nearly as popular as Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh!, it still deserves mention on a list of the best card games.
Blackjack
The classic card game has existed for centuries and remains the most popular casino game in Europe and North America. The reason is simple; blackjack has the best player odds out of any gambling game. Casino regulars will know that no gambling establishment is complete without at least a few blackjack tables.
With blackjack’s rise in popularity, casino operators and game developers have attempted to create their version of the popular game. So, much like poker, in 2023, we have numerous different versions of blackjack. One of the most popular ones is California Blackjack, created, as the name suggests, in California.
Numerous films, books, television shows, and even video games center around blackjack, card counting, and beating the casinos. Next to poker, blackjack is the most recognizable card game in the world.
Poker
Without a doubt the most recognizable casino game in the world. Few people have yet to hear of the game or see it played, whether in films or real life. For most, poker is the game they associate with gambling and casinos. Poker tournaments are a staple of the gambling industry, and some poker games can last for hours. So, if you ever find yourself playing poker or any game for a long time, remember to take some precautions and stay healthy.
Like blackjack, poker has also seen many variants of the classic formula. Nowadays, Texas hold ‘em is, without a doubt, the biggest one. However, it isn’t the only popular one. The following is a list of the most popular poker variants in 2023:
- Omaha
- Stud poker
- Draw Poker
- Community Card Poker
Conclusion
Anyone interested in card games should check out the five mentioned on this list. If gambling is your thing, then poker and blackjack are the way to go. However, for a different experience, check out the three TCGs we discussed. You might find your new favorite hobby.
