Whether it’s a backyard feast or a community celebration, these Croatian favourites and new crowd-pleasers bring guaranteed fun for all ages.
1. Briškula
What it is: A traditional Croatian card game of bluffing and bold strategy, played with a 40-card deck.
Players: 2 – 4
How to Play:
- Each player is dealt 3 cards. One card is flipped to determine the trump suit (Briškula).
- Players take turns playing 1 card each. The highest card of the lead suit (or trump suit) wins the hand.
- The winner collects cards and draws new ones until the deck is empty.
- Card values (Ace = 11, 3 = 10, etc.) are tallied. Highest total wins!
2. Sedmice (Sevens)
Players: 2 – 4
Deck: 32 cards (remove 2s – 6s)
Goal: Win tricks and collect the most point cards (Aces, 10s, Kings)
How to play:
- Each player starts with 4 cards.
- Players take turns playing cards that match the value of the first card played.
- 7s are wild and can keep the trick going.
- If no one can match or play a 7, the trick ends. The last matching card or 7 wins the trick.
- Draw back up to 4 cards after each round.
Scoring:
- Aces = 11 pts, 10s = 10 pts, Kings = 4 pts
- +1 point for the last trick
- Max total points = 65
3. Boćanje (Croatian Bocce)
What it is: Croatia’s answer to lawn bowls. Precise and relaxed – but competitive once uncles get involved.
Players: 2 – 8
How to Play:
- A small ball (pallino) is thrown first.
- Teams take turns tossing larger balls (boće) trying to land closest to the pallino. Players can knock opponents’ balls out of position.
- Closest ball(s) score points. Play continues until one team hits the score goal (typically 13 or 15).
4. Pictionary… With Croatian Words
What it is: The classic drawing game – with a Croatian twist.
Players: 4+ (teams of 2+)
How to Play:
- Write Croatian-themed words (e.g. ćevapi, Domovina, pljeskavica) on slips of paper.
- One player draws the word while their teammate guesses no speaking or letters!
- Set a timer (30 – 60 seconds).
- The team with the most correct guesses wins!
5. Name That Tune
What it is: A music guessing game featuring Croatian artists, folk bangers, or wedding faves.
Players: 3+
How to Play:
- Play 5 – 10 seconds of a song.
- Players shout out the artist or song name. The first correct answer scores a point.
- Use a pre-made playlist or random shuffle.
- Bonus round: guess the year or region!
6. Rakija Roulette
What it is: A hilarious (and slightly dangerous) shot game – Croatian-style.
Players: Adults only
How to Play:
- Line up identical shot glasses – some filled with rakija, others with water or juice.
- Mix them up.
- Each player picks one at random and drinks together.
- Repeat rounds until someone begs for mercy. Always play responsibly!
