Best Card Games for Train Journeys
A long train ride without a pack of cards? Unthinkable. Here's what to play, depending on who's with you.
Four of you
29 or 28 if everyone knows it; Call Break if not. Court Piece if you're heading north.
Six of you
Thuruppu 40 or 56 fill the whole compartment. Kazhutha works with any number.
Mixed group, kids included
Bluff and Kazhutha: easy rules and lots of noise (keep an eye on your neighbours).
Alone, or the network's down
Open Cheettukali once before you travel and every game works offline: Solitaire, FreeCell, Spider, or a hand of 28 with computer partners.
Tips for small spaces
- Use a bag or a book as the table.
- Keep the discard pile in the middle of the berth.
- Avoid games needing a big tableau, like Spider, with real cards.
FAQ
What is a good card game for 4 people on a train?
29, 28 or Call Break.
Can I play card games offline on my phone?
Yes. Open Cheettukali once while online and the games work without internet.