A new poll of 2,000 adults has revealed the nation's favourite card games, with blackjack, poker and patience topping the list. These were closely followed by classics snap, rummy and go fish, according to the study.
Almost half (49%) prefer to stick to what they know when it comes to card games, as 35% don't like being taught anything new with a deck, while 29% don't have the attention span to learn a new game.
Why Brits avoid learning new card games
Many players find new rules too confusing to take in, and admit they feel stressed when being taught a game for the first time. According to the research, it takes 17% more than six times to get used to playing something new – only 3% feel confident the first time around.
Most people learn to play cards through friends and family. The research found Brits know, on average, four different card games. Most (47%) learned these from their parents, while 36% picked up tricks from their friends, and 18% from their grandparents.
Card game knowledge gaps and betting habits
Three in 10 (31%) didn't know each deck has 52 cards and 17% were unaware there are four different suits. Furthermore, 13% like to take their card games further when playing with friends and add wagers, according to the stats by OnePoll.
A separate poll of 2,000 adults found that when they do this, the most popular moves are to bet on red, gravitate towards the hearts suit and opt for even numbers. The king is the favourite face card, with the jack being the least, while the lucky number seven was the most preferred digit, followed by five and 10.
Passing down a timeless tradition
Laura Pearson, a spokesperson from Lottoland.co.uk, which commissioned the research, said: "It's great to see card games still being so popular, especially as they are very nostalgic.
"So much fun can be had with a simple 52 pack deck, from classics like snap and rummy, to more casino style games like blackjack and poker.
"There is something for everyone, even if it can be a bit painful learning a new one for the first time."
Laura Pearson added: "It's great to see how certain games have been passed down generation, as they are timeless.
"But our research also found people are adding a fresh take onto the classics by putting on bets when playing with friends."
