Crazy Eights is a card game that has been around since up to the 1930s. This wild and high-pace classic remains a beloved staple, whether you're playing it for the first time or the hundredth.

How to Play Crazy Eights

To play a card from your hand, it must match the color or number of the first card in the pile. If you don’t have a playable card, tap the pile to draw a card. Depending on the rules you set at the start of a game, you either draw one card per turn or keep drawing until you pull a playable card. You can also change the current color by playing an eight or wild card. Be the first player to empty their hand to win the game.

From the title screen, tap the button on the right to play an online match! Create your own game and invite your friends, or jump into a match with random opponents. The match will start when the host presses play or when four players join.

Action Cards

Try playing with action cards for even more possibilities! Playing with action cards replaces the ace, king, queen and jack with cards that make the game more interesting. 

The action cards you play with may seem a bit familiar: 

Skip turn

Playing this card will skip over the next player’s turn. 

Reverse

Changes the direction of turns back to the previous player. 

Draw two

Your opponent must draw two cards from the deck. This move takes up one turn. 

Draw four

Your opponent must draw four cards from the deck. This card also allows you to change the color of the deck. 

Adding these to the deck gives you more ways to win a hand, but you’ll have to use them strategically! 

Crazy Eights Tips & Tricks

All of this information can seem a bit overwhelming. However, we have a few ideas that will help anyone gain an edge on their opponents.

Save your wild cards

Playing an eight will give you the power to change the color of the cards being played. When playing with action cards, the draw four card also lets you change the color of the deck. You should save these cards for when you need them most, like when you’re out of playable cards or to try and stump an opponent. 

Action cards on

When playing with action cards, it’s best to use them for when the game gets more competitive. Action cards affect the player whose turn is right after yours, so you’ll want to think carefully about which card will deal the most damage. For example, it’s smart to play a draw two or draw four cards if your opponent has one card left in their hand.

Be mindful of your opponents

Take note each time your opponent(s) go to draw a card. What was the color of the card on the pile? This can put you at an advantage when playing a wild or draw four card. 

Don’t forget about the numbers

You can play a different colored card as long as the number (or symbol) matches the one that’s on the pile. This will also change the color of the deck for the other players, which could be to your advantage if they are lacking that one color. 

What You Learn From Playing Crazy Eights

Playing Crazy Eights can help improve decision-making and critical thinking skills. You’ll have to think and decide between a few options when playing your turn, especially when playing with action cards. Weighing the pros and cons of each move help your brain’s evaluation processes. 

How to play Crazy Eights on your phone

To play Crazy Eights easily any time, you can add it directly to your phone as an app. It’s a great way to play without worrying about losing your game save data.

For iOS devices, simply tap the "Share" icon in Safari and select "Add to Home Screen". For Android devices, tap the “Menu” icon and select "Install App".