HEIST

Free Card Games to Play With Friends Online (No Download)

Getting everyone to install the same app is the hardest part of playing cards with friends online. Every game here runs in a browser, so you can send a link and be playing in a minute.

1. Heist

Full disclosure: Heist is our game, so take this pick with that in mind.

Heist is a card game for 3 to 6 players that runs in your browser on a phone or computer. Everyone joins crews to pull jobs and split the score, and anyone can double-cross the table when the moment is right. You can play friends with a table code, quick-match strangers, or practice against bots. It's free, and your first hand is coached, so nobody has to read a rulebook first.

Heist is a good fit when you have 3 to 6 people and want something with more talking than a classic trick-taking game. If your friends aren't online yet, bots fill the empty seats.

Play Heist freeNo download. Your first hand is coached.

2. Board Game Arena

Not one game but hundreds. Board Game Arena hosts licensed versions of many card and board games, and you can play a large part of the catalog free in a browser. It's the best place to look if your group already has a favorite tabletop game.

3. Codenames

A team word game for 4 or more players. A spymaster gives one-word clues to get their team to guess the right words. The publisher's free browser version at codenames.game gives everyone a link to the same board.

4. Classic card games

Hearts, Spades, Euchre, Rummy and Crazy Eights all have free browser versions on many card game sites. Pick a site with private rooms so you can play with your own friends instead of strangers.

5. Solitaire, between games

Waiting for friends to show up? We also run a free Klondike solitaire with undo and hints. No sign-up needed.

Tips for a smooth game night

Play Heist freeNo download. Your first hand is coached.