Board Game Rules in Plain Words

Board games, card games, and recess games — the rules rewritten so anyone can read them. One list, A to Z, plain words. Where the rule books disagree, the page prints both versions and says where each one comes from.

• BlackjackCard game Beat the dealer's hand — get closer to 21 without going over. 1–7 players against the dealer · Standard 52-card deck
• Capture the FlagRecess game Sneak across the field, steal the other team's flag, and carry it home. Two teams · Page written for kids
• ChessBoard game Trap the other king so it cannot escape. The oldest argument-settler on this list. 2 players · Ages 6+ (no age on the official laws; most sets say 6+)
• ClueBoard game Work out who did it, in which room, and with what weapon. 3–6 players · Ages 8+
• Crazy EightsCard game Match the top card by number or suit — and eights can be anything. 2–7 players · Ages 6+
• Four SquareRecess game Hit the ball into other squares and climb your way to the King square. 4 players plus a waiting line · Page written for kids
• FreeCell SolitaireCard game Every card starts face up. Park cards in the free cells and build the suits home. 1 player · Standard 52-card deck
• Gin RummyCard game Meld sets and runs, knock with low deadwood, and be first to 100. 2 players · Ages 8+
• Go FishCard game Ask for cards, make books of four, and try not to go fishing too often. 2–6 players · Ages 4+ · Page written for kids
• HeartsCard game Win tricks if you like — just dodge the hearts and the Queen of Spades. 4 players (3–6 with changes) · Ages 8+
• Hide and SeekRecess game One seeker counts. Everyone else hides. Last one found wins the round. 3 or more players · Page written for kids
• KickballRecess game Kick the rolled ball, run the bases, and beat the throw. Two teams · Page written for kids
• Klondike SolitaireCard game The classic solitaire: build the seven columns down, and the four suits up. 1 player · Standard 52-card deck
• MonopolyBoard game Buy streets, charge rent, and be the last player with money left. 2–6 players · Ages 8+
• Old MaidCard game Pass the cards, drop your pairs — and do not get stuck with the Queen. 3 or more players · Page written for kids
• RiskBoard game Move armies on a world map and take over every territory. 2–6 players · Ages 10+
• RummyCard game Draw, meld sets and runs, and be the first to empty your hand. 2–6 players · Ages 8+
• ScrabbleBoard game Build words from letter tiles, crossword style, and score the most points. 2–4 players · Ages 8+
• SpadesCard game Bid your tricks with a partner — spades are always trump. 4 players, two teams · Ages 10+
• TagRecess game You're It. Run, dodge, and tag someone else — with butterfly-wing touches. 3 or more players · Page written for kids
• Texas Hold'emCard game Two cards of your own, five shared in the middle — best five-card hand wins. 2–10 players · Standard 52-card deck
• UnoCard game Match the color or the number — and shout "Uno!" with one card left. 2–10 players · Ages 7+
• WarCard game Flip a card. Higher card wins both. A tie means WAR. 2 players (3–4 can play) · Page written for kids