Introduction
The origins of playing cards being introduced to Africa are unclear, but they likely arrived through trade and contact with foreign civilizations during colonial times when European explorers and merchants frequented the continent. These visitors brought card games which gradually became incorporated into various indigenous cultures.
Over generations, Africa’s diverse ethnic groups have developed numerous traditional card games reflecting their unique customs and values. Games often serve educational purposes like teaching strategy or math skills to children while also promoting social bonding.
The types of card games played have evolved significantly across different regions and eras. Areas with heavy colonial influence adopted popular Western games, especially in cities and among younger groups. Traditional games sometimes integrate cards into existing games using boards or tokens, as seen in the well-known East African game Omweso.
Recent technological advances and globalization have led to the revival of classic games in digital form as well as the proliferation of international card games online.
List of Most Popular African Card Games
Agram
Agram is a trick-taking card game with origins in regions like Niger, Ghana, West Africa, and Cameroon. This game for 2-5 players has a unique rule where the winner of the last trick in a round wins that entire round.
There can be minor differences in Agram’s rules and gameplay based on the specific region it is played in.
Spar
Spar is a 2-7 player trick-taking card game popular in Ghana. It is played with 35 cards from a standard deck. Players take turns playing higher cards in the led suit to win tricks, with the goal being to win the final trick.
Spar has simple rules but varying gameplay depending on the country. It is for example also played in Cameroon, Togo, and Benin.
Whot!
Whot! is a shedding card game played with a unique deck of 5 suits. The Nigerian version uses different cards and rules, like 6 card hands and a “call” card.
The game originated in England but is now considered Nigeria’s national card game. Though rules vary, it is easy to learn and enjoyed worldwide. The Nigerian Whot Game has made this classic uniquely its own.
Matatu
Matatu is a wildly popular 2-player card game in East Africa, especially Uganda, played with a standard 52-card deck.
Players take turns playing cards, aiming to be the first to empty their hand. Originally just a traditional game, Matatu can nowadays also be played on a mobile app
South African Kalooki
South African Kalooki is a popular rummy game variation using 2-4 decks and jokers. Each player gets 13 or 15 cards and plays are similar to Contract or Gin Rummy but with distinct rules. Along with Super and Baby Kalooki, it is one of several regional Kalooki versions.
Ronda
Ronda is a 2 or 4-player fishing card game very popular in Morocco. It uses a 40-card Spanish deck. Players try to capture table cards by playing matching cards. Gameplay involves drawing cards, calling out pairs, and strategically capturing cards to earn points Ronda has simple rules but requires skill in clearing the table.
Abastini
Albastini is a competitive 2-8 player trick-taking card game popular in Tanzania. Using card values similar to the game Bisca, players follow suit and play the highest card to win tricks and earn points. Albastini has gained popularity by being featured on Kickstarter.
Conclusion
Overall, while origins are vague, card games have become ingrained into African cultures over time, resulting in diverse traditional games as well as modern adaptations and adoptions spreading through various means.
