To imagine an Italian summer is to imagine crashing coastlines, glassware dripping with condensation, post-gelato sticky fingers, ambling strolls through dusky streets. The iconography is unparalleled, as is the spirit of company shared during this time. There seems to be an inherent ease, laziness, tranquility to this time of year–and nothing kills time like a table game!

Cards are so much a part of life in Italy that it feels hard to imagine what people would do with their time without these games (work maybe, but that feels like a downgrade option).

Whether in Italy or not, pour yourself some house wine, set up a table in the sun, and have a go at one of these absolute classics. Beginners are welcome, they’ll teach you the tricks (the legal ones).

SCOPA

The most iconic Italian card game of all, however, might just be Scopa. Those who grew up playing Scopa (namely, all Italians) will tell you that it’s an easy game. But hours of watching non-Italian friends crumble in frustration have taught that it is in fact a little complicated… So don’t feel bad if your first time playing Scopa has you a little bewildered.

BRISCOLA

The history of Briscola traces its origins back to the 16th century, making it one of the country’s most enduring and beloved traditional games, after Scopa of course. The name “briscola” is derived from the Italian word brìscula, which means “trump” or “trump card”. The game’s charm lies in its simplicity, making it accessible to people of all ages, and a much gentler intro to Italian card games than Scopa.