Playing cards packed with strategy and repartee

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Iya Abdulkarim

Playing cards deal St. Paul Academy a perfect hand of fun, strategy, relaxation, and time away from the computer screen.

Iya Abdulkarim, Feature Editor
February 15, 2016

Whether assembly ended early or tutorial seems to be dragging on late, students roam the halls aimlessly during free time listening to music, refreshing notifications on their phones, or simply going to the library in search of something to keep them busy.

A deck of cards is capable of entertaining numerous people in myriad ways. It could be used to play a spirited round of Speed, a speculative hand of Go Fish, an endless deathmatch of War, a wily contest of cribbage, or a devious game of B.S., only a few out of the thousands of possible games. Types of card games vary in length, allowing the players to select a game appropriate for their time frame. Various magic tricks can be performed, or card houses built. Other types of cards, including Uno and Magic the Gathering are allowed as well. The cards themselves are small and lightweight, making them portable and convenient. Students are permitted to play card games in the cafeteria, the Huss Center, the Summit Center, the Davern reception area, (anywhere which isn’t the Library or a hallway, really) as long as it is not disruptive and does not involve gambling.

Time Required for Card Games

Speed: This game lives up to its name, and doesn’t require more than five minutes. 

Go Fish: Longer lasting, but quick and fun

B.S.: Depending on the number of players, this game is suitable for longer periods of time with many people. 

War: Between two people, this game can last a great deal of time depending on how many aces each player has, and the objective is to rid yourself of all your cards. More luck than strategy. 

Cribbage: Approximately forty-five action- and adding-packed minutes per round. Best taught by one person to another, rather than from an instruction manual.

Given these guidelines, SPA students should consider playing any of these games in their free time. If they don’t find the game suitable or enjoyable, another can be played.

The common misconception is that cards are not permitted in the school, and some students even believe them to be unlawful. The 2015-2016 Upper School Handbook says otherwise, in an unfortunately misleading way. On page nine, it states the following: “Gambling on school grounds is prohibited, as is card playing in the halls or in the library.”

This wording implies a connection between the two activities. The assumed correlation between gambling and cards has lead to a current cultural condemnation of most card games, which is a great loss to the strategizing and de-stressing community.  

Dean of Students Max Delgado explained the regulations in the Handbook, saying, “The primary intent here is about gambling and making sure that students aren’t engaging in activities that could lead to that.“

This school Handbook emphasizes the prohibition of any gambling, but card playing is permitted as long as it takes place where it will not “interrupt the regular flow of classes or cause people to not be able to concentrate,” according to Delgado.

Provided these simple requirements, a game of cards is perfectly acceptable and even encouraged.

Furthermore, card games provide an inclusive and social alternative to video games, which themselves could present a risk of online gambling. As true as it may seem, entertainment is not only found by hunching over a laptop; it could be a relaxed game of cards, where players can lean back, strategize, truly interact with their opponents, and enjoy themselves.

If St. Paul Academy and Summit School students can abide by the few restrictions, then they may play cards as much as they wish, and benefit from the activity.