Best Card Games to Play With Friends: Pokemon, Magic, One Piece, and Riftbound for Your Next Game Night

January 05, 2026
TCG Shops

Nothing brings people together like a great tabletop night, and trading card games are one of the easiest ways to turn any hangout into a memorable competition. If you are searching for the best card games to play with friends, you are likely looking for three things: fast setup, exciting choices every turn, and a game that feels fun whether you are new or experienced. The good news is that modern TCGs deliver all of that, plus the thrill of collecting and upgrading your deck over time.

In this guide, we will explore what makes a card game perfect for group play, then highlight four standout options you can stock up on for your next game night. If you want to grab boosters, starter decks, and accessories, you can find TCG favorites available at tcgshops.com. You can also subscribe to the newsletter there to stay updated on restocks and new releases.

What makes the best card games to play with friends?

Not every card game fits every friend group. When you are choosing a TCG to bring to the table, a few qualities tend to matter most:

Easy entry, deep strategy. The best games teach quickly, but still reward smart play and deckbuilding.
Multiple ways to play. Having casual formats, competitive formats, and multiplayer options keeps game night fresh.
Strong community and steady releases. Ongoing sets and active communities make it easier to find opponents and keep collecting exciting.
Replayability. Different decks, different matchups, and evolving strategies mean no two sessions feel the same.

Pokemon Trading Card Game: the classic friend group favorite

The Pokemon TCG remains a top pick for friends because it is approachable, quick to learn, and packed with nostalgic appeal. If your group includes both new and experienced players, Pokemon is especially strong because starter products make it easy to jump in, while advanced deckbuilding offers plenty of depth.

Key features that make Pokemon great for friend play:

Simple win condition. Take Prize cards by knocking out your opponent's Pokemon, which makes the flow intuitive for beginners.
Iconic characters and collecting. Pulling your favorite Pokemon adds an extra layer of excitement to every pack opening.
Great for quick matches. Games often fit neatly into a game night schedule.

If you are building a collection or looking for decks to start with, keep an eye on tcgshops.com for Pokemon products that suit casual play and long-term collecting goals.

Magic: The Gathering: endless variety for competitive and casual nights

When players talk about the best card games to play with friends, Magic: The Gathering is almost always in the conversation. Magic shines because it supports an incredible range of playstyles, from relaxed kitchen-table games to deep strategic duels, and even big multiplayer sessions.

Main details that make Magic a go-to choice:

Multiple formats. Commander for multiplayer, Standard for keeping up with current sets, Draft for event-style pack play, and more.
High strategic ceiling. Every deck feels like its own puzzle, and learning matchups can be very rewarding.
Perfect for groups. Commander in particular is a social format where politics, big plays, and table talk create memorable stories.

If your friend group enjoys experimenting, trading cards, and trying new strategies each week, Magic is a strong centerpiece game night option. Check tcgshops.com for Magic boosters, decks, and essentials to get started or level up.

One Piece Card Game: fast, interactive, and full of hype

The One Piece Card Game has quickly become a favorite for players who want energetic turns and constant interaction. It is easy to get excited about because matches can swing dramatically, and deck themes tied to characters and crews make it fun to explore new builds with friends.

Why it works well with friends:

Action-forward gameplay. The pace stays engaging, with meaningful decisions and big moments.
Character-driven deckbuilding. Building around leaders and themes makes it easy to find a playstyle you love.
Great for friendly rivalries. The learning curve is manageable, but there is plenty of room for growth.

If your group loves anime-inspired themes and competitive, high-energy matches, One Piece is an excellent pick. Watch tcgshops.com for One Piece products, including boosters and starter options when available.

Riftbound: a fresh option for groups who love discovering new goals

If your friends enjoy being early adopters and exploring new strategies before everything is solved, Riftbound is the kind of game that can make your weekly meetup feel new again. Newer TCGs often shine in friend groups because everyone learns together, trades discoveries, and helps shape the local play environment.

What to look forward to with Riftbound-style play nights:

Fresh deckbuilding choices. New card pools invite experimentation and creativity.
Shared discovery. Learning together keeps the vibe collaborative, even in competitive matches.
Collecting from the start. Being there early can make building a collection especially satisfying.

For players who want something different from the usual staples, Riftbound can be a great addition to your rotation. Subscribe to the tcgshops.com newsletter to find out when Riftbound products are available for purchase.

How to choose the right game for your next friend night

Still deciding? Here is a simple way to match the game to your group:

If you want beginner-friendly and collectible fun, choose Pokemon.
If you want deep strategy and multiplayer options, choose Magic: The Gathering.
If you want fast-paced, character-driven competition, choose One Piece.
If you want to explore something new together, try Riftbound.

No matter which you pick, the best card games to play with friends are the ones that keep everyone talking, laughing, and planning the next rematch.

Conclusion

A great TCG night is about more than winning, it is about shared moments, big top-decks, and the excitement of improving your deck over time. Whether your crew leans toward Pokemon, Magic, One Piece, or the fresh feel of Riftbound, you can build a game night routine that your friends will look forward to every week. Visit tcgshops.com to check availability, and subscribe to the newsletter so you never miss the next drop for your favorite card game.