Classic Card Games, Understanding Back Pain, and How Annuities Can Transform Retirement Income

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Card games have remained popular for generations because they’re portable, social, and endlessly replayable. For many people, these games are tied to family gatherings, long evenings, and friendly competition. Here are 5 classic card games that are still worth knowing how to play — not just for tradition, but because they encourage connection, strategy, and conversation.

Typically played by two people, Gin Rummy rewards careful attention and planning rather than speed. Players track discarded cards and decide when to knock or go for “gin.” Many couples enjoy it as a regular evening ritual because it’s quiet, focused, and doesn’t require a group.

Here are the basics:  Gin Rummy is played by two people using a standard deck of cards. Each player is dealt 10 cards and takes turns drawing one card (from the deck or discard pile) and discarding one. The goal is to form sets (three or four of a kind) and runs (three or more cards in sequence of the same suit). When a player has very few unmatched cards left, they can “knock” to end the round. The player with the lowest remaining unmatched points wins the hand.

Contract Bridge is best known for its partnerships and bidding system. While it takes time to learn, it’s mentally stimulating and deeply social. Many bridge clubs and community centers host weekly games, making it ideal for those who enjoy structured play and long-term learning. 

Here are the basics:  Bridge is played by four people in two partnerships. Each player is dealt 13 cards. The game begins with a bidding phase, where partners communicate how many tricks they think they can win and which suit (if any) will be trump. Once bidding ends, players take turns playing one card per trick, following suit when possible. The partnership that meets its bid scores points. Bridge emphasizes memory, teamwork, and long-term strategy.

Popular in many parts of the United States and Canada, Euchre is fast-paced but not complicated. Games are short, which makes it perfect for rotating players or casual gatherings. Its trick-taking style keeps everyone engaged without long downtime.

Here are the basics:  Euchre is usually played by four people in two teams, using a smaller deck (typically 24 cards, using only nines through aces). Each player receives five cards. One suit is chosen as trump, which outranks all others. Players take turns playing cards to win tricks, and the team that wins at least three of the five tricks in a round scores points. Games are quick and lively, making Euchre ideal for casual group play.

Canasta combines teamwork and strategy, usually played with four people in partnerships. Building melds and managing wild cards keeps the game dynamic. Many adults appreciate Canasta because it balances memory with cooperation rather than competition alone.

Here are the basics:  Canasta is commonly played by four players in two partnerships, using two decks of cards including jokers. Players draw cards, form melds (groups of cards with the same rank), and aim to build a Canasta — a meld of seven cards. Strategy involves deciding when to play cards, when to hold them, and how to block opponents. The round ends when a player goes out, and scores are tallied.

While not a group game, Solitaire deserves mention for its accessibility and calming rhythm. Whether played with physical cards or digitally, it offers quiet mental engagement and a sense of completion — especially helpful during solitary moments.

Here are the basics:  Solitaire is a single-player game using one deck of cards. Cards are laid out in columns, and the goal is to move all cards into four foundation piles, organized by suit from Ace through King. Players uncover hidden cards by moving cards according to color and rank rules. Solitaire is calm, flexible, and can be played at your own pace.

Card games don’t require special equipment or long preparation — just a deck to shuffle, a table to play on, and time together.

“The Bus Stop on Pine Street”
From the life overview of Samuel D., 87, Spokane, WA. Shared with permission.

During my first year living alone, I took the city bus everywhere, mostly because I hadn’t yet convinced myself I deserved a car again. The stop on Pine Street sat beside a low brick building that once housed a tailor, its windows permanently fogged. In winter, the bench was always cold, leaving a dull reminder of itself even through a thick coat, and the air smelled faintly of exhaust and damp wool. I arrived early every morning, not out of eagerness, but because waiting felt easier than rushing.

Most days, the same handful of people gathered there. A woman with bright red gloves who never missed her bus. A man who read the paper aloud under his breath. No one talked much, but we recognized one another, sharing small nods, bridges built across our own routines. On especially cold mornings, someone would complain about the weather, and that was usually enough to warm the space between us.

One morning, the bus ran late, so late that impatience gave way to resignation. Someone joked that we might grow old together right there on Pine Street. We laughed, a little louder than necessary, stamping our feet against the cold. When the bus finally arrived, it felt almost like a letdown.

I rode that route for years. It gave my days a rhythm and my solitude a shape. Sometimes, that was enough to keep me moving forward.

***

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Restaurant apps can make ordering food easier, faster, and sometimes cheaper—once you know what to look for. Whether you’re ordering pickup or delivery, these tools are designed to save time and reduce phone calls, especially when menus are long or restaurants are busy.

If you’re newer to smartphones or apps, start with one app and one restaurant you already like.

Most national chains and many local restaurants let you order directly through their own websites—no app required. Just open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, or Edge), type in the restaurant’s name, and look for an “Order Online” button.

If you prefer an all-in-one option, these popular apps work similarly:

Once installed, you’ll:

Tip: Look for pickup instead of delivery to avoid extra fees.

Most apps allow you to save your favorite orders, so next time it’s just a few taps.

Nearly all restaurant apps support:

If something looks confusing, use the “Back” button—nothing is final until you tap “Place Order.”

If you’re comfortable using apps, here’s how to get more out of them:

Many restaurants now use Toast TakeOut for direct online ordering, which avoids third-party fees.

Restaurant apps don’t replace human service—they simply give you control, clarity, and convenience. Once you find one system you like, it gets easier every time.

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