These engaging, brain-stimulating games will be the highlight of your game night—and all you need is a deck of cards.

By Dani Fraher

Looking for something to do while hanging with your fellow homebodies? Card games are the go-to for everybody’s competitive spirit. We asked University of Minnesota students about their favorite card games. Here are their recommendations for the Top 3 strategy-based card games that will bring a fun, dynamic edge to game night at home. Grab a deck and go!

No. 3. Euchre

Though the rules seem daunting at first glance, Euchre is basically a game about taking tricks, laying down your highest card to trump your opponents’ cards in the round. Still, don’t let the smaller 24-card deck trick you. Euchre requires a fair bit of cunning to win. Step into your opponents’ minds, anticipate their moves, but only play for the tricks you know you can take.

No. 2. Cribbage

Cribbage is usually played with pegs and a wooden board. But those aren’t strictly necessary to play this counting classic. Use an online board or a good old-fashion pen and paper to track your way to 121 points. Cribbage is often pegged as a game of luck, but a lucky deal is only good if you know what to do with what’s handed to you. Cards adding up to fifteen are your biggest friends—just don’t give them to your opponents.

No. 1. (Gin) Rummy

The clear No. 1 is Rummy and Gin Rummy, and a fine line separates the two in the hunt for runs and sets of three or four. In Rummy, you lay down what you have when you have it until you have nothing left. In Gin Rummy, you bide your time, secretly crafting your hand, only laying it down when it’s nothing but runs and sets. Both games are the same overall race to rack up points and get rid of your cards before your opponent can say “Rummy!”