Overview
Crazy Eights is a shedding card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Be the first player to get rid of every card in your hand.
What You Need
- Standard 52-card deck
- 2–7 player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
Deal 5 cards each in a typical game (often 7 cards for two players). Place the rest face down as the stock and turn one card face up to start the discard pile.
How to Play
- On your turn, play a card matching the top discard by suit or rank.
- An 8 is wild and may normally be played at any time; nominate the suit that continues.
- If you cannot play, draw according to the agreed rule.
- Continue clockwise until a player has no cards left.
Scoring / Winning
For a simple game, the first player out wins. For a scored series, opponents may count cards left in their hands using the group’s agreed values.
Worked Example
If the discard is 6 of Hearts, you may play another Heart, any 6, or an 8. If you play an 8, name the suit the next player must match.
Strategy Tips
- Save an 8 for when your hand becomes awkward.
- Notice which suits opponents appear unable to follow.
- Reduce high-value cards early in scored games.
Common Mistakes
- Playing a card that matches neither suit nor rank.
- Forgetting to nominate a suit after playing an 8.
- Mixing house rules without agreeing on them first.
Variations & House Rules
Draw-one versus draw-until-playable rules are common, and some groups add action effects to particular ranks.
FAQ
Are 8s always wild?
Yes in the standard concept, although groups may add restrictions.
What happens when the stock runs out?
Usually shuffle the discard pile except its top card to form a new stock.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Crazy Eights Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.