Playing games is a fantastic way to get a feel for the local culture and relax with new friends as you travel the world. If you love playing card games, the following are some you might like to try in different places.

Scopa in Italy
Italy is one of the planet’s most attractive travel destinations. From the incredible history and natural beauty to the food and unbeatable shopping, there is just so much to do here. 2023 saw a record number of visitors, with 134 million national and international hotel arrivals last year. It’s a hugely diverse country, with the food, sports, and even card games changing according to the region you visit.

In terms of card games, machiavelli, briscola, and tresette are all worth looking out for. However, scopa is possibly the most interesting of their national card games. The name comes from the Italian word for broom and that gives us an idea of the fast gameplay and easy-to-understand nature of this game.

The idea is to grab the cards that are on the table by finding those that match the ones in your hand. It’s extremely entertaining and Italian players often get excited as they play, making it a great way to get to know someone better. Each player gets three cards, with four more placed face-up on the table. Each player has to decide whether to capture a card from the table or put one of their cards down.

Poker in the US or Online
Poker has become hugely popular all over the world. Its roots aren’t clear, as there are various theories covering its possible origins and history. Yet, what’s clear is that modern poker took shape in the US, so if you want to discover an authentic version of this game then what about checking out some of the regional variations?

One of the first things to strike us about playing poker in the US is the variety of settings. You could head to the bright lights of Las Vegas in the desert, set sail on a casino cruise, or discover a small, atmospheric poker room in Texas. The US remain the world’s biggest and most influential tourism market. If you’re planning to visit this huge country, it’s a good idea to check out the local places to play and which variations are most popular there. 

Going online to play is another option worth considering. The global appeal of this card game means that there are now many versions offered in online casinos. If you don’t have the time to discover new versions, you could play video poker games online instead. Titles including Jacks or Better and Joker Poker are among the favorites, with slightly different rules making each game unique. Rather than taking on other players, you’re just trying to get a winning hand in these fast-paced games.

500 in Australia
Like many of the world’s most popular card games, 500 has a long and interesting history. It was created in the US from the starting point of the existing euchre rules with some changes. It’s a trick-taking game that was popular among Americans at the start of the 20th century before heading to Australia to become regarded as the national card game.

As this is a highly social game, it’s the perfect way to spend time with locals and other tourists as you travel across this country. This list of the best things to do in Australia includes unmissable activities like going on a road trip across the Great Ocean Road or visiting Uluru, which are going to include plenty of relaxing time for playing cards.

Whether you live life in the fast lane in one of the big cities to take it slowly in a rural destination, you’re likely to find Australians who love playing 500. Poker and blackjack are among the other most popular card games you might want to try here.

Teen Patti in India
For many people, India is one of these once-in-a-lifetime destinations that exposes them to an exciting new world of vivid colors, tastes, and experiences. The glorious Taj Mahal in Agra is the country’s most visited tourist attraction but there’s far more to India than that. From the Red Fort in Delhi to the numerous temples in Varanasi, there are attractions and activities here for every type of traveler.

The Indians love playing card games, and none have captured their imagination quite like teen patti. It’s based on three card brag with more than a passing resemblance to poker. Players pay an ante and then a blind person before deciding whether to call and raise the wager. The overall aim is to try and get the best three-card hand to win the pot.

These examples show how it’s possible to soak up some of the local culture by playing card games. You’ll find popular games virtually anywhere you travel and asking a local to show you their favorite can be a fantastic way of getting started.