Card games
Cards on the table! Whether for game night, to break up long car journeys or on holiday: Zoch card games always cut a fine figure and have boundless fun in store! Get to know our game hits and find out how your child can benefit from playing with card games by clicking here.
Card games
Beasty Bar - Down Under
601105209€14.99
Beasty Bar - Down Under brings the queue-jostling card game into an underwater setting where 2-4 players compete to move sea creatures toward Heaven's Gate. Each round turns on card placement and timing: cards join the back of the line, effects resolve, and once 5 animals are waiting, the 2 at the front slip into the bar while the last is thrown out. That structure keeps the table in motion and gives every play immediate consequences. This 4th Beasty Bar episode is a standalone card game and also connects with other Beasty Bar editions. The set contains 56 large playing cards, 2 overview sheets and a rules set, with 13 sea creatures introducing new interactions to the series. Designed for ages 8 and up, the family game has a playing time of about 20 minutes and supports German and English. Authors Stefan Kloß and Anna Oppolzer shape the tactical flow, while illustrations from Alexander Jung give each creature a distinct comic presence. Specific animal effects create the pressure in the queue. The manta uses a diversionary move, the eel slips into narrow gaps, and the swordfish fights for position, so turns hinge on reading the line and choosing the right moment. On a family table, during a game night, or mixed with other Beasty Bar decks for a broader card pool, Beasty Bar - Down Under keeps each session fast, interactive and full of shifting positions. Author: Anna Oppolzer and Stefan Kloß
Card games
Claro
601105171€8.99
CLARO keeps a card round moving with one crisp rule: the next card must show either a higher number or a star in the same colour as the last card played. That simple choice creates immediate pressure at the table, as 3-6 players watch the pile, weigh the cards in hand and try to stay in the round longer than everyone else. The set contains 55 game cards and 13 star tokens. Among the cards are numbers 1-50 plus 5 star jokers, which carry all star colours but no number and can only be played with star cards. Each player starts a round with 5 hand cards, while the remaining cards form a draw pile for later refills. A round ends when all but 1 player have passed, or when all remaining players have played their last card. The last player able to lay a valid card takes a star token, and 3 stars win the game. Josep M. Allué gives the rules a clean, competitive structure that rewards timing, hand management and close attention to both colour and value. With a playing time of about 15 minutes, CLARO suits a quick game between activities as well as several rounds in a row. The compact card format and easy turn sequence also make it a strong choice for travel, family tables and game nights where a fast rules explanation matters. Author: Joseph M. Allué
Card games
Das wurmt
601105201€8.99
Das Wurmt is a family card game for 2 to 5 players in which hidden card values make worms grow one turn at a time. The central decision is numerical and immediate: points are earned when a worm reaches a total length of 10, 11 or 12, while totals above 12 cost points, so each played card carries both opportunity and risk. The deck contains 110 playing cards, and the rules create a clear sequence of play. A worm card is placed head up onto a matching worm, then the previous head is revealed and the visible card values are added to determine the new total. If the result lands below 10, the worm stays in play; if it reaches the scoring range, the revealed card goes to the positive side of the score area; if it exceeds 12, that card moves to the negative side. Action cards add further control by removing a visible worm card, refilling a hand to 5 cards, bringing a new worm into play, or letting a player look under a worm head before committing a move. Robert Brouwer designed the game, and Doris Matthäus gives the cards a lively illustrated cast of worms, insects and garden details. About 20 minutes of play keeps rounds brisk, with enough turns for timing, memory and risk reading to matter. The bilingual DE/GB edition works well for family tables, game nights and travel-friendly sessions where a compact card format and fast scoring help the next round start quickly.
Family games
Geistesblitz 5 vor 12
601105054€19.99
Geistesblitz 5 vor 12 turns a table into a split-second race of eyes, hands and quick decisions. This reaction game for 2-8 players, ages 8 and up, uses 9 wooden figures and 63 cards to keep every reveal tense, funny and mentally busy as players scan colors, objects and mirror effects at once. The basic rule starts with a card turned so all players see it together. If an object appears in its original color, that matching figure must be grabbed with 1 hand. If no figure is shown in its original color, the correct choice is the figure that is neither pictured nor represented by its original color on the card. Geistesblitz 5 vor 12 then adds extra layers: when ghost and clock appear together, the shown time is called instead of grabbing. Advanced rules bring in mirrored figures, owl-triggered callouts and combinations where the reflected figure's color must be named. Author Jacques Zeimet and illustrator Gabriela Silveira shape these changing tasks into a game that rewards concentration, visual comparison and fast switching between actions. Rounds move quickly, making the game easy to bring to family game nights, mixed-age groups and lively gatherings with up to 8 players. The changing rule set keeps the same deck fresh across repeated sessions, whether the table sticks to the base game or adds the tougher variants for a sharper challenge.
Children’s games
Zicke Zacke - The card game
601105102€8.99
Zicke Zacke is a fast children's card game built around sharp observation, quick reactions and a lively farmyard hide-and-seek theme. For 2-5 players aged 4+, each round starts when a seek card is turned over in the middle of the table and everyone searches the visible hiding cards for the matching animal, then slaps the color card linked to that hiding place. The mechanism stays easy to follow while giving younger players plenty to do at once. The set uses 32 seek cards, 15 hiding cards, 6 slapping cards, 5 dung heap cards and 1 barn card, so the table shows several animal locations at the same time instead of a single central target. A correct slap wins the matching hiding card and adds it to the personal pile. A wrong slap costs 1 hiding card, which moves to the barn, so speed has to stay tied to careful looking. A special poop symbol sends the group back to the previously searched animal, but that animal may already have changed owner, which keeps memory active as well as reaction speed. Short rounds make Zicke Zacke easy to bring to the table at home, in kindergarten or while travelling. The advanced variant lets the winner swap slapping cards after a successful round, changing the color positions and making later searches more demanding.
Family games
All in All
601105162€8.99
The players explore space portals to find curious space relics and snatch them from their fellow players. If a mission fails, those who did not land in time go home empty-handed. Only those who venture far into the depths of the universe can bring lots of space junk to their own home planet and win. A truly galactic adventure! 3-6 players from 10 years up. Author: Thorsten Landsvogt
Children’s games
Auf der Hut
601105179€8.99
In the centre of the table are princess, pirate, jester, cook and other playing cards that want to be provided with the matching headdress. Concealed above them, hats are waiting to be uncovered and moved to the correct head. This is done secretly, so that the players have to follow the "invisible" headdresses attentively to notice when a matching head/hat combination has formed somewhere. Those who are not on their guard quickly get a bald head, which only disappears again under a wonder hat. "Auf der Hut" is a fun and accessible card game for children and families and lasts about 20 minutes. It was developed by Alexey Konnov, Alexey Paltsev and Anatoly Shklyarov and lovingly illustrated by Michele Cavaloti. Author: Alexey Konnov, Alexey Paltsev, Anatoly Shklyarov
Children’s games
Da ist der Wurm drin - Das Kartenspiel
601105181€8.99
Da ist der Wurm drin - Das Kartenspiel turns the worm race from the well-known game into a compact card format for 2-5 players aged 4+ and keeps the action focused on memory, timing and a growing line of colorful worm sections. Cards are played face down into the middle, where they seem to vanish underground, then revealed and attached to a personal worm, so every turn mixes hidden information with a visible race across the table. The set contains 55 cards and 5 worm heads, with 50 worm section cards used in changing counts depending on the number of players. In a 5-player game all 50 section cards are used, while 4 players use 45, 3 players use 35 and 2 players use 25. Each player starts with 3 cards in hand, and 6 cards lie face down in the centre as the shared area for play. After the draw pile runs out, each player takes 3 final turns, which gives the closing stretch a tighter, more tactical rhythm. The player who has added the longest worm after the 9th section wins. That structure makes the game easy to set up for a short round at the table, on a trip or during a visit, while still leaving room for watchful play and quick decisions. Carmen Kleinert created the game, and Heidemarie Rüttinger gave the worms and garden details their bright, playful look. The card game draws on Da ist der Wurm drin, the children's game awarded Kinderspiel des Jahres 2011, the German critics' prize for children's board games.
Family games
Geistesblitz Happy Birthday
601105226€5.99
Geistesblitz Happy Birthday brings 2 fast reaction classics together in one travel-ready card game set. The 55 playing cards and 1 cake piece open up Geistesblitz, Geistesblitz 2.0 and a combined Super-Blitz style mix, where quick recognition and instant decisions drive every round. With 2-8 players, 20-30 minutes of play time and an 8+ age recommendation, the game drops easily into family evenings, holiday packing and spontaneous rounds between other activities. A new birthday rule built around the cake changes the flow at key moments and adds another layer of visual pressure to the familiar object hunt. The set was created by Jacques Zeimet and illustrated by Gabriela Silveira, whose bold motifs keep bottles, books, ghosts, mice, chairs and cake symbols clear at a glance when hands move fast. Rules for 2 game variants are included, and the card pool can be used separately or combined depending on the group and the pace on the table. The compact format suits café tables, train journeys and game shelves where space matters, while the short rules explanation helps a round start quickly. Original wooden figures from Geistesblitz can also be added to make the action even wilder and extend the birthday session into a fuller table game.
Children’s games
Geistesblitz Junior
601105119€13.99
Geistesblitz Junior turns quick observation into a lively card game for ages 4+ with 2-6 players and a playing time of 15 minutes. In the middle of the table stand 4 wood figures - piglet, frog, ghost and chick - while the 55-card deck shows changing combinations in different colours, creating fast decisions the moment a card is revealed. The core rule is easy to grasp: players look for the characters shown in their original colours and grab those figures as quickly as possible. A single card can have 1, 2 or 3 correct solutions, so rounds shift between simple recognition and split-second comparison. The game grows with the group through advanced rules for ages 6 years and up. Among the 55 cards are 7 black ghost cards; when one appears, nobody may grab any figure at all. Correct grabs earn reward cards, while wrong grabs can leave a turn empty, and the advanced version also introduces penalty cards that go back into the deck. That structure makes Geistesblitz Junior easy to bring to the table for a short afternoon round, a family game session or repeated plays with mixed experience levels. The wooden figures are easy to spot and handle in the centre of the table, and the expandable rules let early rounds stay accessible before the black ghost rule adds a sharper test of concentration. Game design by Jacques Zeimet and illustrations by Gabriela Silveira complete the set. Author: Jacques Zeimet
Card games
Gigi Gacker
601105178€8.99
Gigi Gacker is a card game for 2-5 players in which young chickens compete for the best worms across 9 rounds of simultaneous choices. Each round reveals a fresh row from the draw pile, and the value played decides which position in that row goes into hand first, turning every reveal into a quick contest of timing, nerve and reading the menu on the table. The set combines 36 worm cards with values from 1 to 8, 25 pullet cards in 5 colors with values from 3 to 7, 9 mother-hen cards and 1 tractor card. The goal is to finish with the highest total value of worm cards in hand, while pullets, mother hens and cards in the personal discard pile do not count. Ties are not left hanging either: if players match on worm value, the win goes to the one with fewer hand cards. In the 2-player game, a Robo-chicken joins the action with unused pullet cards, removes the cards it wins from play, and takes the tractor card every third round. With a recommended age of 8+ and a play time of about 30 minutes, Gigi Gacker suits family tables, after-school rounds and travel-friendly game nights. Languages DE/GB support mixed-language households, and the compact card-based format keeps setup light while still leaving room for sharp tactical swings until the ninth round. Author: Robert Brouwer
Family games
Mana Mana
601105163€13.99
Those who form suits of up to 6 cards are rewarded with valuable MANA pieces. If you only keep an eye on your own display, you won‘t get far because you may only add cards of already played suits to OTHERS! So if you help your fellow players in a particularly lucrative way, you do yourself some good. Whoever „selflessly“ like that lets himself be showered with MANA and rows of cards which have helped the most to his fellow players ... and wins. For 3-4 players, 8+ years.
Card games
Wie die Wombats
601105169€16.99
Wie die Wombats is a fast cooperative family game for 1-6 players aged 8 and up, built around quick estimating, comparing and teamwork. Across 5 rounds, wombat cards are laid out in a grid where the number of wombats must increase from left to right and from bottom to top, creating a lively table scene full of close calls and rapid discussion. The hourglass keeps every round moving, so exact counting gives way to sharp visual judgment. Players may place, remove or exchange only 1 card at a time, which makes coordination just as important as spotting where more or fewer wombats appear. After each layout, the display is checked for errors, with plus points for a correct solution and deductions for wrongly placed cards. The time taken also affects the score, so the group balances speed with accuracy throughout all 5 rounds. The set contains 65 wombat cards, 40 task cards, 2 arrow cards, 1 hourglass, 1 score board and 1 wombat figure. Game design comes from Thomas Schneider-Axmann, with illustrations by Dennis Lohausen. On family game nights, mixed-age groups can gather around the score board, compare crowded card scenes and settle on the next move before the sand runs out. Solo sessions and full tables use the same core challenge, making each round a compact exercise in estimating quantities under pressure. Author: Thomas Schneider-Axmann
Family games
Sushi Go
601105074soon available again
Sushi Go! turns card drafting into a fast race for the most rewarding sushi menu. In each round, 3-5 players receive a hand of cards, choose 1 at the same time, reveal it, and pass the rest along like a conveyor belt. That simple sequence keeps the table moving while every pick matters, because the strongest score comes from combining the right dishes rather than collecting the most cards. Different card types score in different ways, which gives each hand a fresh puzzle. Tempura and sashimi depend on matching sets, nigiri can gain extra value with wasabi, and dessert cards can change the balance across the game. The age recommendation is 8+, making the rules accessible while still leaving room for careful timing and table awareness. Phil Walker-Harding designed the game around quick decisions and visible card play, so players can track which combinations are still open and which dishes are already disappearing into other menus. The compact card format suits a game night, a short break, or a travel bag with equal ease. A full session plays through 3 rounds, making Sushi Go! easy to bring back to the table for a rematch as soon as the last scores are counted. The humorous sushi artwork and bright card faces keep the action easy to read while the passing hands create a lively rhythm from the first selection to the final reveal.
Family games
Kings & Creatures
601105160available in stores
There are plenty of shells and sand in the ankle-deep sand trenches. Those who collect enough of them in competition with their fellow players can build a total of four sand castles. These differ in size, value and required building material. In the end, the best castles are those that escape the approaching tide by a hair's breadth. And that can end incredibly close ... Author: Nicko Böhnke
Fighting boredom with card games
Card games – along with board games and dice games – are among the most popular and widespread games of all. The reasons for this are obvious: the compact games take up hardly any space, offer a variety of game options and promise massive fun round after round. At Zoch, you will find a wide range of popular card games for children that are just waiting for you to try them out.
What is a card game?
The name “card game” actually says quite precisely what such a game is about. It refers to products based on playing cards, the majority of which do not have a board or other components that require a more complex structure.
Card games – fun for rainy days at home and on the road
Packed quickly, stowed away to save space and always with you: card games perfect for on the go. They take up hardly any space in the bag, can be played without lengthy set-up and thus allow maximum flexibility. They are therefore ideal as fun companions on excursions, longer journeys and on holiday.
How do you benefit from playing card games?
These are the concrete benefits that card games bring to children, and occasionally to adults:
Language & mathematics
Many games of this kind work with linguistic elements and numbers in one form or another. Playing these games helps your child to develop their language skills as well as their understanding of numbers and arithmetic.
Winning & losing
Is your child angry when he or she loses, proud of a victory, or excitedly waiting for the next move? These are all opportunities for them to deal with their emotions in a playful way. But adults can also benefit from play in this respect and learn to become fair winners or good losers.
Concentration development
Card games encourage you and your child to stay focused and to react quickly at the right moment. In this way, you train your ability to concentrate and your reaction speed.
Rules
Like almost all games, card games for children also involve certain rules. This is a great way for your child to get used to understanding and following rules.
From what age are card games suitable for children?
Basically, there are card games for almost every age. It depends very much on the content of the individual game, for which age group it is suitable.
Kids from the age of three can be introduced to playing with short games that promote perception and work with clear motifs and colours instead of numbers. In this context, they train their fine motor skills, where they can be supported by a cardholder if necessary.
Children of pre-school age are easily inspired by knowledge games. Matched to the ability to concentrate, the games should not exceed a duration of about 30 minutes, whereby the focus can be on counting and arithmetic, reaction speed and language skills for maximum promotional effect.
For new primary school children, you can use quiz games that focus on logical thinking. Card games for children aged 6 and up include strategy games that promote dexterity and social skills – for example, through elements that have to be worked on in a team.
From the age of nine, children can usually cope with longer, much more complex games and can follow them with concentration over several rounds of play. The rules can now be more demanding, while the game content can cover a wide range of areas – from skill and reaction to strategy and logic to knowledge and social components.
A checklist for buying card games
You want to buy a card game, but don't know which product to choose? Our buying tips will help you:
Level of difficulty
Games that are too easy quickly become boring, and games that are too difficult inevitably lead to frustration. Therefore, you should definitely select a game whose requirements correspond to your child's developmental level.
Variety
Card games can often be played in different variations. This offers the advantage that there is a lot of variety and the games remain interesting for a long time.
Simple rules
Furthermore, it is advantageous if a game functions according to a clear, understandable set of rules – so no one gets confused. In principle, the older the child, the more complex the rules can be.
Material
When it comes to the material of a card game, you should focus on high quality. Make sure that the product of your choice is made of materials that are not harmful to health, and choose a game with a pleasant feel. In addition, you can attach importance to environmentally friendly production – as is the case with Zoch.
Accessories
Find out if there are any accessories for the game of your choice. If so, you should check whether they are included in the scope of delivery or can be purchased separately.
Card games from Zoch: find your perfect game
Here we would like to introduce you to some varied card games from our original range:
Da ist der Wurm drin – Das Kartenspiel
Da ist der Wurm drin (literal translation: There is a worm in it – the card came) inspires with lovely illustrations and a game principle that captivates kids in no time. The aim of the game is to secure the longest worms for yourself and to tempt your fellow players to collect small, less valuable worms. Here, memorisation, a clever strategy and attentive observation decide on victory or defeat.
Kings & creatures
Kings & Creatures takes children aged ten and over, but also adults, into the magical world of mythical creatures. The popular card game demands maximum concentration and rewards the player who manages the balancing act between strategic waiting and courageous striking. Who will succeed in securing the most powerful creatures?
Conclusion: card games: learning through play
Do you let your cards show, or do you have an ace up your sleeve at the decisive moment? The card games from Zoch promise fun of a particularly exciting kind and accompany you flexibly on trips, journeys, and holidays. Thanks to the excellent product quality, the environmentally friendly production and the considerable selection, you are guaranteed to find a card game for children that will bring you countless fun hours of play as a family.
Are you wondering what other games Zoch has in store? Then you are cordially invited to visit our homepage. Numerous product categories await you there, including dice games, skill games and board games – ready for the ultimate gaming experience?
FAQ – Everything you should know about card games
What card games are there?
There is a huge variety of card games, so there really is something for everyone. The games differ significantly in terms of game content, age recommendation, number of players, game duration and difficulty level, and focus on strategy, teamwork, numeracy or reaction speed, among other things.
Which competences can be strengthened by playing cards?
Card games for children support your child in the following development areas, among others:
- Ability to concentrate and attention span
- Fine motor skills and dexterity
- Ability to work in a team and social competence
- logical thinking
- Language competence
- Numeracy
- Emotion processing
- Understanding the rules
- Reaction speed
Which card games are available from Zoch for children from 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 years?
Age: 4
Game options: Da ist der Wurm drin (literal translation: There is Worm in it)
Age: 5
Game options: Auf der Hut (literal translation: On guard!)
Age: 6
Game options: Geistesblitz Junior (literal translation: Brainwave junior)
Age: 8
Game options: Claro, Heckmeck am Karteneck (literal translation: Disorder at the card corner), Geistesblitz 5 vor 12 (literal translation: Brainwave 5 to 12), Mana Mana, Sushi Go!, Wie die Wombats (literal translation: Like the wombats)
Age: 10
Game options: All in All, Kings & Creatures
How many people are the Zoch card games suitable for?
This differs from game to game. For example, some card games are suitable for two players, others can be played with five or more players.