Dashain, one of the most significant festivals in Nepal, is a time of joy, celebration, and family gatherings. As much as putting tika and family gatherings are a part of the festivities, playing card games is also a big part of it. Card games bring family and friends together, strengthening bonds and creating cherished memories. To celebrate this spirit, there are some popular card games you can also engage in during the Dashain festival:
Fanash
Fanash is a simple yet enjoyable game that is accessible to everyone. It is a delightful game suitable for the entire family, adding a sense of inclusivity to the festive spirit. With no specific skills required, Fanash is probably one of the most common and popular card games played during Dashain. It bridges generational gaps and allows everyone to participate, bringing joy and a sense of camaraderie.
Each player is dealt three cards face-down, and the competition begins as cards are revealed, one by one. The player with the highest card combination emerges victorious, adding an element of friendly rivalry. The game’s simplicity, combined with the potential for friendly betting, makes Fanash perfect for a festive gathering.
Julaamchor (Chase the Joker)
In this intriguing card game, a card is secretly chosen and concealed. Players take turns making sets of cards, striving to unveil the elusive or ‘chased’ card. The suspense and element of surprise make this game a Dashain favourite. It is also easy to play, making it one of the most popular card games played.
At the start of the game, a card is secretly chosen and hidden, usually a joker, hence the name. Players take turns making sets of cards and put them down. With the remaining cards, players take turns, taking a card from their nearest player to make matches and emptying their hands. At the end, they play to unveil the joker or the ‘chased’ card. Players can also decide to hide a card at random, keeping the surprise till the end.
In Between
In Between is another exhilarating and popular card game among people. It involves calculated bets on whether a third drawn card will fall between two initial cards dealt. After that players bet on whether a third drawn card will fall between the two initial cards or not. They can bet within the agreed limitation.
The reveal of the third card and the subsequent cheers or groans of victory or defeat are the beauty of this game. To win, the third card must be inside the range of the first two cards. If the third card matches the value of either of the first two cards or if the third card is outside the range of the first two cards, the one loses the round and the amount they first bet. It is a game of probability and luck.
Jutpatti (Rummy/Skip-Bo)
Jutpatti is known by various names but it is a game of sequencing and strategic moves. Players begin with a set number of cards, typically seven, and aim to create specific card combinations such as sets of two. The gameplay involves a combination of drawing and discarding cards, requiring both skill and cunning to organise one’s hand optimally.
The player who can put together four sets of two with the final drawn card can claim victory. A similar gameplay can also be seen in Rummy/Skip-Bo.
Kitty
Kitty is a game of creativity and quick thinking as well as extremely exhilarating. Players, five at a time, aim to create unique combinations within three rounds, aiming to outpower others, each culminating in a round of discarding three cards. The player with the most compelling combinations emerges victorious, adding an element of excitement and friendly competition to Dashain gatherings.
The game is played in the best-of-three format which elevates the excitement. If you get four of the same number, you automatically win the round. Adding bets to the mix amplifies the fun, creating a lively and entertaining environment, and making Kitty one of the popular card games during Dashain celebrations.
Marriage
Marriage, a card game requiring a blend of skill and strategy, is a staple during Dashain festivities. The game begins with the meticulous mixing and shuffling of three decks of cards, setting the stage for the competition.
Each player is dealt 21 cards, and the mission begins: creating sets of runs or three-of-a-kind in the same suit. The rush to display three sets of combinations and secure the coveted power card fuels the game’s excitement. The player who adeptly organises their remaining cards first emerges as the victor, showcasing the nuanced gameplay and making Marriage a thrilling choice for Dashain celebrations.
Uno
If you want to try something new this festive season, try your hand at Uno. It is a beloved and one of the popular card games that is played during Dashain gatherings, especially among the young members of the family. The objective is simple: to be the first to empty your hand.
Each player gets seven cards in the first. Turn by turn, the players match cards by colour or number and keep the game going. The one who has just one card at hand has to call out ‘UNO’. Using power cards and special cards, the goal is to stop others from finishing their hand.
