How to play Crazy Eights: rules and strategy

Crazy Eights is quick and simple, and a little strategy goes a long way. Here’s how to get rid of your cards before everyone else.

The rules

Each player gets 7 cards (5 each with three or four players). Match the top card of the discard pile by suit or by number. Eights are wild: play one on anything and name the next suit. If you can’t play, draw a card; if it fits you can play it, otherwise pass. First to empty their hand wins.

Save your eights

An eight gets you out of any jam. Hold on to it until you have no other play, or until it wins the game.

Steer towards your long suit

When you play an eight, name the suit you hold most of. You’ll be able to keep playing while others draw.

Switch suits by number

Playing a 5 of spades on a 5 of hearts changes the suit without spending an eight. Use it to move away from a suit you’re short in.

Watch who’s nearly out

When an opponent has one or two cards left, think about what they need. If they just drew instead of playing a heart, they probably don’t have one, so steer the game to hearts.