Late Night Cards Going Strong

Playing cards brings back memories of my mom, who got everyone hooked on the game—every grandchild and anyone visiting.

My grandparents were the same way. After all these years, I can go back in an instant to their table and hear the deck shuffling. My grandfather could count cards and know what was in your hand; my Grandmother played to win but never held a grudge once the cards were back in the deck: healthy competition and cheating on the side.

We feel my mom next to us whenever we play cards, and her name is often on our lips as we play.


We all have our favorites—some are good at playing cards, some cheat, and Yann, who used to lose all the time, doesn’t anymore. I kind of like when I won easily because of it.

Do you play cards? What’s your favorite game? Mine is hearts. Yann loves golf, and Swoosh is a family favorite. Gabriel likes Crazy 8. We played Steal the Pile or Go Fish when we were his age.

We raised a glass to those we love, to those who are far away, to those who have played cards at this table, giving us such good memories, and to Sacha, who will return to Seattle soon.



Comments

10 responses to “Late Night Cards Going Strong”

  1. Cribbage was my parents’ game, which I learned around age 10. Taught Farmboy Husband while we were dating, and by the end of the evening he was winning half the games! We even have a “travel” board we’d take camping when we were a young married couple, for when we were cooped up in the car or tent due to prolonged rains.

    What I didn’t realize when I met him is what a card-sharp he was/is. His family’s game was Pinochle, although he also excels at Hearts. And he’s better at Contract Bridge than I am, although we haven’t played for decades…

    When we were impoverished students, an evening of Bridge with schoolmates — serving a few after-dinner snacks — was a cheap form of entertainment.

  2. We played Rook and I was always my father’s partner! We were very good! My mother and sister played partners against us. I have such happy memories of kicking my father under the table!

  3. Annafromindiana

    After Sunday dinners at my parents’ home or ours, and many, many evenings with dear friends —- Euchre was our favorite game. Now my husband and I play Cribbage. In earlier years, Pinochle, Poker, Blitz, War and Canasta. Yes —- we love to play cards —- and board games, and more. Telestrations is also a family favorite now. So much laughter and joy!

  4. Our family loved (and still does) playing pinochle. Our great-uncle taught us when we were the age we had to stand on chairs to wash dishes at the sink. The reward for doing our chores quickly was a few hands of pinochle. We still play, but since the passing of our #2 sister (out of four), we have to play three-handed with a kitty. Warm memories and your comment about hearing the deck of cards being shuffled…I hear it.

  5. I, too, like hearts. My grandparents played bridge and my parents didn’t really play at all. They liked to play tennis in their spare time. I had to google that Coureur des Bois in the table. I’ve never seen it before, it sounds good.

  6. Gina Lanman

    Oh I am so envious that I am not playing with you! Except I am challenged at “Hearts” I like Golf, Kings in the Corner, 5 Crowns and Canasta! Blessings upon you all!

  7. Leonie Buchanan

    We played 500, my FIL used to partner me and he say ‘play your ?? Girlie, we never lost.
    My mother & brother were so competitive that I refused to play with them.
    Crazy Whist was another favourite, also Crib.
    I’m happy playing Solitaire now.
    🇦🇺

  8. Jeanette Plummer

    Our family game is scrabble. Played several games this past weekend!
    Dominos sometimes, too.

  9. I’m so happy to see this blog because I read your other one for years! I am sorry to learn about your mom. I always enjoyed seeing her home when you would be visiting. I don’t play cards, so came here to just say this. 🙂

  10. Judy Wilcox

    I like word games like Scrabble and Catch Phrase. I love Trivial Pursuit.
    We are going to play pitch with our 10 year old grandson on New Year’s Eve In college I played Canasta and then I played Bridge.

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