Here at Arkadium, we know a thing or two about card games. In fact, we’re the card game experts, having created the Microsoft Solitaire Collection that comes pre-installed on every single computer with Microsoft Windows. Yes, that game. Our extensive collection of free online card games spans 10 classic free solitaire titles, as well as several other best in class card games including 2 classic versions of Bridge, Classic Solitaire, Canfield Solitaire, and Blackjack, to name a few.
Fun facts about Card Games
- Did you know that playing cards were first invented in China around the 9th century AD (they more closely resembled dominoes than today’s paper cards), spread to India and Persia, and were later introduced in Europe in the 14th century?
- It is widely believed that poker is the world's most popular card game. In fact, it has become so popular in the US that some consider it to be a sport and not a card game. After poker Rummy -which is exceedingly popular in India- is considered to be the 2nd most popular card game.
- Modern cards originated in France in the late 1400's, when images of men and women were first introduced, along with the suits that are still used today: spades, hearts, diamonds and clubs. The joker, on the other hand, is a much more modern American invention and is the only card suit with two cards. All other suits contain 4 cards per deck.
- We didn't spend the time calculating this, but according to credible resources there are actually more ways to shuffle a standard 52 deck of cards than there are atoms that make up the planet. We'll have to take their word for it!
- Most casinos around the world use plastic playing cards not for cost savings purposes, but rather to prevent cheating given that they are much more difficult to crease than paper-based playing cards. It also doesn't hurt that plastic playing cards last longer than their paper counterparts. Once a deck of cards is ready to be retired (in Las Vegas a deck of cards is used for no more than 12 hours before being retired and taken out of circulation) the casino will either punch a hole through the cards or cut off a corner to also help prevent cheating.
Play Online Card Games for Free Today
You’ll find a number of free card games that are both fun and challenging. For people who love testing their skills, you can now play online for free from the comfort of your home. Play your favorite card game online or challenge yourself to something new! We have a variety of free card games in every category so you can choose based on your playing style and skill level. And thanks to our fully online version, you can play cards online any time, anywhere — no need to download an app to your mobile device!
Whether you consider yourself to be an expert or you’re just looking to enjoy a quick game, our collection of free card games online is the place to be, no card shuffling, 52-card pickup, or removing jokers required. Good luck!