What Card Game Uses 2 Decks of Cards? A Gamers Guide to Five Favorites

As an avid gamer and creator of a popular YouTube channel and Instagram focused on card and board games, I‘m frequently asked what games call for playing with two decks shuffled together.

While countless card games can be enjoyed with just a single standard 52-card deck, some of the most strategic and entertaining games are played with two decks of cards. The second deck facilitates more players, longer hands due to more available cards, and extra gameplay possibilities compared to one-deck games.

In this article, I‘ll highlight five of my personal favorite card games that classically utilize two decks:

• Rummy – One of the most widely played card games in the world
• Canasta – A South American Rummy variant now enjoyed globally
• Double Deck Blackjack – A casino blackjack game with favorable odds
• Spades – The top partnership trick-taking game
• Samba – A fast-paced cousin game of Canasta

For each game on my list, I‘ll share a brief history, detailed rules and gameplay, strategy tips from my years of experience, and statistics on the game‘s current popularity. Whether you‘re looking to learn one of these strategic two-deck games or master your skills, read on for the ultimate guide!

A History of Rummy

Believed to have evolved from the Chinese tile game Mah-Jongg, Rummy emerged in the early 20th century, likely descending from the late 19th century Mexican game Conquian. Today it stands globally as one of the most widely played card games, with its various versions exceeding 500 million players.

Rummy Gameplay

Played by 2-6 players using two 52-card decks shuffled together, the objective of Rummy is to form melds of cards – sets of equal rank or runs of sequential cards in the same suit. By drawing and discarding, players work to assemble long melds while preventing opponents from getting rid of their unfavorable cards. Melds are laid down in front of players as combinations are formed.

Common Rummy variants using two decks include:

• Gin Rummy – First to 100+ points in melds wins
• Oklahoma Rummy – Deuces wild, unique scoring
• 500 Rum – Also called Pinochle Rummy, played to 500 points

Rummy Strategy Tips

As an experienced Rummy buff, these are my top tips for strategic success:

• Watch what opponents pick up – Track which pile/card they draw to deduce needed cards
• Conceal melds initially – Don‘t lay down melds right away
• Change tactics – Adjust offensive vs defensive play based on opponents‘ melds
• Gin often – Shoot for quick hands forcing opponents to take your deadwood

I also swear by using custom Rummy playing cards to add personality and card control to your game!

The Popularity of Rummy Today

While many card games have declined from their peak popularity in the 20th century, Rummy continues to be played widely today across the globe:

• 500 million+ players estimated across all Rummy versions
• One of the most played card games in India and parts of Southeast Asia
• #1 card game played online and in tournaments in North America per recent hobby rankings

So for players looking for a highly strategic two-deck card game with mass appeal, it‘s hard to beat the versatility and fun of Rummy!

Canasta – A Rummy Descendant Born in Uruguay

While its deeply strategic gameplay has origins in Rummy, the game of Canasta can specifically trace its roots to founder Segundo Santos in 1939 Montevideo, Uruguay. Santos and his friends were said to have exhausted traditional Rummy games and invented Canasta – Spanish for "basket" – using multiple card decks, melds and draws from a stockpile, and a 5,000 point target score.

Vibrant Canasta Gameplay

Played by 4 people in partnerships using two 52-card decks plus 4 jokers (108 cards total), the key melds in Canasta are sets of 7 or more cards of equal rank and sequences (runs) of suited cards. Partners work together to meld out all cards from their hand ("go out") before reaching 5,000 total points to win.

Some key Canasta gameplay rules:

• Partners sit opposite each other
• Start with 15 cards, draw one and discard one per turn
• Wild cards (jokers and 2‘s) help form/extend melds
• Bonus for red 3‘s completed before first meld laid down
• 7 cards laid down opens the meld area for partners
• Meld requirement increases as game progresses

Canasta is certainly more complex than other Rummy descendants like Gin Rummy, but I encourage all passionate card players to give it a try!

My Canasta Strategy Guide

Canasta has a reputation for being an old grandmother‘s game. But playing the game well requires razor sharp skills – quick math, card counting, and memorizing what cards opponents have melded or discarded.

Here are my key tips for competitive Canasta strategy:

• Aggressively draw cards you suspect your partner needs to aid forming melds
• Wait to lay down initial meld until all safe; watch what cards opponents discard
• Memorize opponent melds; reuse their wild cards (2‘s, jokers) when possible
• Save Aces, high cards to discard last – force opponents to take points
• Carefully manage the stockpile – beware when it nears running out!

Still Widely Popular Today

While Canasta peaked in the 1950s, it remains one of the most popular and social two-deck card games today:

• Also very popular among Jewish communities for multi-generational play
• Tournaments held globally, ex. the World Canasta Olympics

So for those looking for a highly strategic partnership game with staying power, be sure to deal in to Canasta night!

Double Deck Blackjack – A Player-Friendly Twist

As a gaming enthusiast, I love seeking out unique, player-friendly variations of casino games. One such twist I recommend is Double Deck Blackjack.

Using just two 52-card decks shuffled together rather than the six or more decks found in standard Blackjack, Double Deck Blackjack offers marginally better odds and a different feel that many seasoned players prefer.

Familiar But More Intimate Gameplay

Gameplay will feel familiar to those who know basic Blackjack: players attempt build a hand value as close to 21 as possible to beat the dealer, enjoying options like hitting, standing, doubling down, and splitting.

But with only 104 cards in play, Double Deck enables greater card counting opportunities for sharp players. And fewer decks makes for a more intimate game with players‘ decisions potentially swinging odds more drastically.

Tipping the Odds In Your Favor

Though small, the odds advantage Double Deck Blackjack gives players makes it worth seeking out:

• +0.17% edge for basic strategy players per leading gaming portal Wizard of Odds
• Half decks mean greater impact of player hitting/standing choices
• More manageable card counting compared to standard shoe games

Use these advantages combined with classic Blackjack strategy like standing on 17 vs dealer showing 2-6 to shift win percentage in your favor!

Growing Availability

While popularity doesn‘t come close to high profile poker or slot machines, Double Deck Blackjack retains a passionate niche following within the casino gaming scene.

• Offered at nearly all major Las Vegas hotels like Bellagio, Venetian, MGM Grand
• Also appears in casinos across the Midwest and Atlantic City
• Has grown from about 100 Vegas tables in early 2000‘s to over 250 tables today

So next time you hit the tables, be sure to seek out Double Deck Blackjack for a classic game with an advantageous twist!

Spades – The Greatest Trick-Taking Card Game

As a lifelong card game enthusiast, I consider Spades one of the greats when it comes to trick-taking games. Beloved for its teamwork and bidding mechanics blended with traditional trick-taking, Spades first took the US by storm in the 1930‘s and remains popular today.

Captivating Gameplay Built On Partnership

Played by 4 players paired into partnerships, two 52-card decks are always used to ensure enough cards for the demanding mechanics. After partners agree on contract bids (# of tricks to take), gameplay flows:

• 13 cards dealt to each player
• Lead suit must be followed if possible
• Highest card of lead suit takes the trick
• Spades always trump if played
• Partners combine tricks won/lost to fulfill bids

Mastering communication between partners on valuable hand signals and cues is a key Spades strategy skill.

Spades Strategy Guide: How My Team Wins

Here are my top Spades strategy tips for dominating your next game night:

• Count cards & spades – Track spades played and cards out
• Watch opponents‘ plays – Note what cards & suits they lack
• Signal partner on lead suits, strength, weaknesses
• Cover partner‘s weak suits and fill their voids
• Bid conservatively – Don‘t sacrifice making contract

And don‘t forget to keep the atmosphere fun! Celebrate pulled bids and spectacular hands.

Still One of the Most Played Games Today

While its popularity has dropped from peak levels in prior decades, Spades still reigns as one of the cards games played today:

• 13+ million estimated monthly players online
• Both young and older crowds listing it among their favorite social games

So if you haven‘t already gathered three friends to relish the tricks and teamwork of Spades, it‘s time to dive right in!

Samba – A Faster Cousin To Classic Canasta

If you enjoy Canasta but want punchier gameplay, I recommend trying its cousin game Samba. Blending Canasta‘s meld focus with new elements like sequences melds and three-deck play, Samba makes for a more dynamic game night addition.

Gameplay Marrying Canasta and Rummy

Samba adopts Canasta‘s melds foundation but introduces Rummy‘s runs for a more complex, skill-testing game:

• 162 cards: 3 decks (156 cards) + 6 jokers
• Still 4 players in partnerships like Canasta
• Can form meld sets or suited sequence runs of 3+ cards
• First to 10,000 points wins

With runs adding more meld creativity, Samba keeps players actively churning combinations rather than getting stuck with less flexible hands.

My Key Strategies For Samba Success

For those making the jump from Canasta to zippier Samba play, adapting strategies is critical:

• Actively draw/discard to build sequences along with sets
• Make mental notes when cards played to craft sneaky late sequence melds
• Withhold some jokers at first rather than using all to meld immediately
• Pay attention to how close partners are to initial meld; feed them key cards

And if you have the skills, bluff once in awhile about what melds you can legally play!

A Popular Reinvention Abroad

While Samba isn‘t played at scale like flagship games Poker or Blackjack, its challenging format has won passionate fans across South America and parts of Europe:

• Popular in Brazil as an evolution of beloved Canasta
• Ranked among top 5 card games in recent years in Poland and Czechia
• Argentina, Peru also report surging interest and tournaments

For those like me always seeking new spins combining their favorite games into fresh hybrid formats, Samba beautifully merges Canasta and Rummy into an invigorating multi-deck adventure.

I hope this guide has showcased why Rummy, Canasta, Double Deck Blackjack, Spades and Samba have stood the test of time utilizing two decks of cards. Their strategic formats, opportunities for partnership play, and blend of both chance and skill offer endless entertainment potential.

Now that you know the rich history, rules and strategy behind these favorites, gather some card-loving friends, whip out a few crisp decks, and shuffle up!

Let me know in the comments your favorite game moments from these classics or what two-deck game I should cover next!