How to Play Crazy Eights: Rules, Tips and Strategies

Looking for a card game that’s easy to learn, fun for all ages and full of surprises? Crazy Eights has been a family favourite for generations, bringing laughter, strategy and just the right amount of friendly competition to game night. This classic game is as simple as matching numbers and suits—until someone throws down an eight and shakes things up.

Ahead, experts break down the rules of Crazy Eights, share winning strategies, and explain why this fast-paced card game is more than just a way to pass the time—it’s a tool for learning, bonding, and making memories.

What is Crazy Eights?

Maria McLane from The United States Playing Card Company says Crazy Eights is a fun card game for all ages that requires only a standard 52-card deck.

"The objective is to be the first player to discard all your cards left by matching either the suit or the number of the card in the discard pile," McLane says. "One of the most exciting aspects of the game is that certain cards when played, can reverse the direction of play or force the next player to draw two cards."

How to Play Crazy Eights

To play Crazy Eights correctly, follow these rules from McLane:

Deal and setup

• Deal five cards to each player. These are your playable cards.
• Place the remaining cards face-down in the center as the draw pile.
• Flip the top draw pile card to start a discard pile.

Gameplay

• Play starts to the dealer's left and proceeds clockwise.
• Each player may play cards from their hand to the discard pile.
• The played card must match the top card of the discard pile in either suit or rank.

Drawing cards

• If unable to play, the player draws from the center draw pile.
• Players continue drawing until a play is possible or the draw pile is exhausted.

Reshuffling

• If the draw pile is exhausted, reshuffle all cards from the discard pile except the top one to form a new draw pile.

Winning

• The first player who discards all their cards wins the game.
• Players can declare the winner as the first person to reach 50 points across multiple rounds.

Significance of the eight card

• Eights are wild and can be played at any time on any card.
• When a player plays an eight, they choose the next suit.
• Eights are worth 50 points at the end of a round, making them valuable to play but costly to hold.

Tips for playing Crazy Eights

For the best gameplay, follow these tips from McLane.

Save your eights for the right moment

• Keep your eights until the draw pile is running low.
• They’re more powerful when other players have fewer options.

Match numbers before changing suits

• Try to play a card with the same number as the top card in the pile.
• Only use an eight to change suits if it helps you.

Play cards you have more of first

• If you have a few of the same number, play those first.
• Example: If you have three sixes and one five, play a six.

Get rid of big-point cards early

• High-numbered cards (like kings and queens) are worth more points if you're stuck with them.
• Play them early so they don’t count against you later.

Don’t hold onto eights too long

• Eights are wild, but if you keep them too long, they’ll add points against you.
• Use them before the game ends!

Other Strategies to Win Crazy Eights

Be observant

Parenting expert Stephanie Edenburg recommends paying attention to patterns in suits, numbers and other players' moves. "This teaches kids to think ahead while having fun," she says.

Make it exciting

Toy and play expert Charlene DeLoach suggests adding excitement to Crazy Eights by introducing a time limit. "Players get just eight seconds per turn, creating a thrilling sense of urgency in the game," she explains.

Adjust by age

Crazy Eights easily adapts to players of all ages and skill levels. To make it easier for younger players, DeLoach suggests dealing fewer cards.

Benefits of playing Crazy Eights

Learning opportunities

Edenburg notes that the game teaches children about turn-taking, number recognition and teamwork. Psychologist Zita Chriszto says the game boosts thinking, memory and problem-solving skills.

Brings families together

Psychologist Caitlin Slavens calls Crazy Eights a tool for family bonding. "This classic card game is more than just entertainment—it's a powerful tool for bringing families closer. Slavens says the game helps families connect face-to-face without devices.

Experts:

• Maria McLane is an innovation expert at The United States Playing Card Company.
• Caitlin Slavens is a registered psychologist.
• Zita Chriszto is a licensed psychologist.
• Stephanie Edenburg is a parenting expert and founder of Bizzie Mommy.
• Charlene DeLoach is a toy and play expert and the founder of Total Toy Creative.