Deal me in! Card playing provides benefits in spades.

They’re portable, social (unless you’re playing Solitaire), and inexpensive (unless you’re gambling with money). And a standard deck of cards provides a seemingly endless number of games you can play.

Yet, historically, there have been at least two misconceptions about these versatile playing cards.

1. Something as innocent as a game of Rummy was once considered a menace to society.

   A study conducted to show that card playing was “proof of a moral debilitation of the structure of American society” backfired somewhat when its conclusion revealed, “The great majority of card players, in opposition to popular misconceptions, play cards because they have discovered it to be an enjoyable and relaxing way of being together with friends and families.”

   Indeed. Playing cards often becomes a treasured social ritual where family and friends can unwind and visit.

2. There was also a school of thought that playing cards was a simple pastime.

   It’s unclear what “simple” meant in this context. But if it was another word for “inconsequential,” the prevailing wisdom was wrong again.

   Many studies have shown playing cards has both psychological and sociological benefits. And this applies to people of all ages. Games such as Crazy Eights can teach vital social skills to people age 5 and up. And one study discovered people who play cards remain rationally sharp in older age.

A few more benefits of playing cards:

• When you learn new skills (in this case, through a new card game), the neurons in your brain are stimulated and create new neural pathways. Even playing old favorite games sharpens your cognitive abilities as you problem-solve and consider your next turn.
• Card games can help develop or fine-tune patience and discipline, and may help improve memory.
• Card-playing in person gives your eyes a break from the computer screen.
• A card game can help take your mind off your day-to-day worries, and might put you in the “flow state,” which is connected to heavy concentration, clear-headedness and happiness.

If it’s been a while since you and your posse played your favorite card game(s), check out this website that gives the rules on how to play many popular card games.

Or, we’ve gathered the rules for a few family-favorite card games here.