A few months ago, I was searching for a new family game night favorite—something that wasn’t just for kids or just for adults, but a perfect mix of both. That’s when I stumbled across the PlayMonster Five Crowns card game, and after one round, we were hooked.
This isn’t your typical rummy game. Five Crowns adds a clever twist with five suits instead of four, rotating wild cards each round, and a progressive format that gets more exciting with each hand. Whether you’re a seasoned card player or just looking for something casual and fun, this game finds a way to draw everyone in.
Easy to Learn, Hard to Put Down
The game starts simple—just three cards in the first round—but each round, you’re dealt one more card. By the final round, you’re working with thirteen cards. Every hand brings new surprises thanks to the changing wild cards and jokers that can turn your strategy upside down.
It’s that perfect mix of strategy and luck. Some rounds you feel totally in control, while others are a scramble to go out before someone else does. But that’s part of what makes it so fun—and why the game isn’t over until the kings go wild!
My kids (ages 9 and 12) picked it up quickly, and we’ve played it with grandparents, friends, and neighbors. It’s designed for ages 8 and up, but adults love it just as much as the kids. It plays well with 2 to 7 people, so it’s flexible whether we’re playing as a family or having friends over.
Our Game Night MVP
Now, Five Crowns is the first game we pull out on weekends. The exclusive tin makes it easy to store and feels a bit more special than a typical card box. We’ve even taken it on trips—it’s the perfect travel game for hotel rooms or rainy cabin days.
We also love that it’s fast-paced but still thoughtful. A full game takes about 30–45 minutes, and no two games ever feel the same. It’s no surprise that Five Crowns has won multiple awards—it’s honestly one of the best card games I’ve ever played.
If you’re looking for a rummy-style card game with a unique twist that works for all ages, I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s clever, fun, endlessly replayable, and brings just the right amount of friendly competition to the table.
