Top Card Games in Egypt: Tarneeb and Uno

Egypt boasts a rich history in card games, making it one of the few countries in the world to have such a strong association with this pastime. While the origins of card games can be traced back to ancient China, Egypt has developed its unique versions, which have gained widespread popularity in the region. The country has a diverse range of card games that have been played for centuries, and each game has its unique set of rules and gameplay. In this article, we will take a closer look at Egypt's favorite card games - Tarneb and Uno. 

The Evolution of Card Games in Egypt

The rise of card games in Egypt can be traced back to the early 18th century when two of the country's most popular card games, Uno and Tarneeb, saw a surge in popularity among local players. These games quickly became part of Egyptian culture and are still enjoyed today by players of all ages. Uno, a game played with a specialized deck of cards, is known for its fast-paced gameplay and simple rules, making it a favorite among children and adults alike. Tarneeb, on the other hand, is a trick-taking game that is played with a traditional deck of cards and is a beloved pastime among friends and family.

The popularity of card games in Egypt has also led to the creation of many local variations, such as Baloot, a game that is similar to Tarneeb but is played with a different set of rules. Other games that have gained popularity in Egypt include Estimation, Trix, and Tawla, all of which have unique gameplay and strategies.

An Introduction to Tarneeb and Uno Card Games in Egypt

Uno is a well-known card game around the world, but Tarneeb is a game that is more familiar to the Middle Eastern region. In Egypt, these two card games have a rich history dating back to the early 18th century. With the increasing popularity of  Arabic online casinos., the demand for new and exciting card games has grown. One of the ways gaming operators can attract more users is by offering a diverse game library that includes both fresh-released new games and lesser-known games from specific regions, such as Tarneeb in Egypt.

Tarneeb: Egypt's Number One Card Game

Tarneeb is a trick-taking card game widely played in the Middle East and North Africa. The game comes with variations in other parts of the world. Tarneeb players have to collect a set of consecutive hands to win the game. Four players are split into two teams, each partner sitting on opposite sides at a square table, so nobody can see the other player's cards. Tarneeb is played with a standard 52-card deck, whose card values rank from Ace downwards to two. 

After shuffling and cutting the deck, the game starts with a round of bidding on immediate raise. The players can decide to pass or bid for seven or more tricks. The winner of the auction hand can lead to the first trick, so the other players respond with a card of their own to the trick. If the players don't have a suitable card to respond to the trick, they can play any card. The highest trump in the trick earns the winning. It may also be possible that there are no trumps in the trick: if this is the case, the highest card of the suit led wins the hand. Tarneeb has scoring variations depending on the region where it is played (31 or 61 scores instead of 41).

How To Play Uno

Cards And Rules Uno is already a famous card game worldwide, whose origins date back to an American barber who created it in 1971 after arguing with his son about old-school card game rules. It seems that Uno appeared from a humble background, but its simple yet intriguing rules made it become a global smash hit. Uno runs with 108 card-deck, consisting of 19 regular cards in several colors (blue, green, red, and yellow) and 8 Draw Two cards, 8 Skip cards, 8 Reverse cards, 4 Wild Draw cards, and 4 Wild Draw Four cards.

The goal of the game is to score 500 points all through the rounds of the game. Each player starts the game with seven cards, while the remaining deck is set aside on the table with the top card face up. The players must respond to the face-up card on the table by playing one of their cards. The playable cards must be the same color or different color but the same value as the face-up card. For example, the players can play a red card or a 4 card in a different color for a faced-up four-red card. The Reverse and Skip cards can only be played if their color is the same as the last face-up card, while the Draw Two cards make the following player get two cards from the deck and skip a hand.

The players can use a Wild Draw card in case they don't have any card in the same color or number as the one on the table. If the players don't have any cards to respond to, they take a new card from the deck. The winner is the player who uses up all the cards available in their hands. At that point, the player says "Uno". This card game comes with several variants depending on the region of the players. But as a rule of thumb, its popularity in Egypt and the rest of the world is due to its simple rules and intuitive gameplay. Uno is one of the most popular family card games online on dedicated platforms. The game is available in the two-player game mode, too. 

Final Thoughts

Card games have played a significant role in Egypt's history and culture, with unique versions of popular games like Tarneeb and Uno gaining widespread popularity in the region. As the demand for diverse game libraries increases, gaming operators are introducing more and more games from different regions, including lesser-known games such as Tarneeb in Egypt. Whether you're a seasoned player or a beginner, Tarneeb and Uno offer an entertaining and exciting way to pass the time. So, next time you plan a trip to Egypt, don't forget to pack a deck of cards and immerse yourself in the rich card game culture of this beautiful country.