Hello there! Are you ready to dive into a fun and essential part of Arab culture? Arabic card games aren’t just a hobby; they’re a fantastic way to bring family and friends together, creating an atmosphere full of laughter and friendly competition.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular Arab card games that will help you understand the gaming culture in the region and connect with your Arab friends.
What Are Arabic Card Games?
Card games, or “ألعاب الورق” in Arabic, are games played using a standard deck of cards. In many Arab countries, these games are part of daily social life — played at home, in cafes, and during family gatherings.
Whether you’re a beginner or fluent speaker, playing card games بالعربية is a fun and practical way to experience the Arabic language in action.
Now, let’s explore some of the most popular Arabic card games played today.
Baloot
Baloot is arguably the most famous Arabic card game in the Gulf region, especially in Saudi Arabia. It’s a strategic game played by four people in two teams and requires sharp wit and planning to win.
- How to Play:
- Played with a 40-card deck (the 2s, 3s, 4s, 5s, and 6s are removed).
- Each player is dealt 8 cards.
- The goal is to score the highest number of points by winning “tricks” and announcing “sequences.”
- Key Terms:
- Sun: When there is no trump card, and the rank of the cards is high.
- Hokom: When a trump suit is chosen, and its cards gain a higher value.
Trix
Trix is a complex and fun Arabic card game widely known in the Levant. It’s played by four individuals and consists of five different game types, known as “contracts.”
- The Contracts:
- Trix: The goal is to be the first to get rid of your cards by building sequences on the table.
- Queens: You must avoid taking any queen cards in your tricks, as they count as negative points.
- Diamonds: You must avoid taking any diamond cards.
- King of Hearts: You must avoid taking the King of Hearts.
- Lutoosh (Tricks): You must avoid taking any tricks at all. Each trick you take gives you negative points.
The beauty of Trix lies in its variety, as the strategy changes with every contract!
Tarneeb
If you visit the Levant (Lebanon, Syria, Jordan), you’ll find that Tarneeb is a staple Arab card game at any gathering. It’s played by four people in two teams and relies heavily on strong communication between partners.
- How to Play:
- Played with a full 52-card deck.
- The objective is to win a specific number of “tricks” that are determined at the beginning through bidding.
- Winning and losing are based on whether the team achieves its bid.
Ronda
Ronda is an extremely popular Arabic card game in Morocco. It’s a simple and fast-paced game that focuses on capturing cards from the table.
- How to Play:
- Played with a 40-card Spanish-style deck.
- The goal is to collect the most cards.
- If you have a card that matches one on the table, you capture it and all subsequent cards in a sequence.
- Transition Words
- Ronda: When you have a card that matches one on the table, and you capture it.
- Bwahad: When you play a card that matches a card your opponent just played, earning you an extra point.
- Maysa: When you clear all the cards from the table in your turn, you get an extra point.
Basra
Basra is an Arabic card game well-known in Egypt and the Levant. It’s a “fishing game” with the goal of collecting the most cards.
- How to Play:
- Played with a full 52-card deck.
- You can capture cards from the table by:
- Matching a card from your hand with a card on the table.
- Combining multiple cards on the table that add up to the value of a card in your hand.
- Basra: This happens when you capture all the cards from the table in one turn (except for a Jack), earning you 10 bonus points.
Concan (concan arabic card game)
- The concan arabic card game is a local version of the international game Gin Rummy.
- It can be played by two or more players.
- The aim is to form sets (same-numbered cards) or sequences (in order).
- Why people love it:
- Easy to learn
- Relaxed and social
- Perfect for all ages
Why Arabic Card Games Are Perfect for Language Learners
Here’s how these games support your Arabic learning journey:
- Practice Speaking: You use real-world phrases in a natural setting.
- Boost Vocabulary: Learn words like “your turn”, “draw”, “discard”, and numbers.
- Learn Culture: Card games are a social window into Arab traditions.
Essential Arabic Card Game Vocabulary
To help you get started, here is some essential Arabic vocabulary that you’ll hear often while playing these games:
| Arabic Term | Meaning in English |
|---|---|
| ورقة | Card |
| لعبة | Game |
| ملك | King |
| ملكة | Queen |
| دورك | Your turn |
| فزت! | I won! |
| اسحب ورقة | Draw a card |
| ارمي ورقة | Discard a card |
How to Start Playing Card Games in Arabic
Want to start playing Arabic card games? Here’s how:
- Watch tutorial videos on YouTube using phrases like “learn Arabic card games” or “تعلم تركس”.
- Use mobile apps like Tamatem or Maysalward, which offer Arabic-language card games.
- Play with native speakers or other learners — practice makes perfect!
- Challenge yourself to speak only Arabic while playing — it’s fun and effective.
Conclusion
These games are more than just a way to pass the time; they’re a fantastic opportunity to learn about Arab culture and practice the language in a fun and natural setting. Have a great time!
If you wish to learn more about the Arabic language, download our Arabic learning app.