There are a few different ways that you can play baseball using playing cards as substitutes for balls, strikes, outs, and other aspects of the game. Some of the more common card baseball games include 52-card baseball and 3-13 baseball.
In 52-card baseball, the full 52-card deck is used to represent all aspects of a baseball game. Suits represent different positions on the field with clubs being pitchers and catchers, hearts being infielders, diamonds being outfielders, and spades being base runners. Card values take on the following meanings:
Aces = Balls
Number cards 2-10 = Strikes/outs depending on the count
Jacks = Walks
Queens = Hits
Kings = Home runs
To start an inning, cards are dealt face down one at a time to represent pitches. An ace is a ball, number cards advance the count as strikes until three strikes are reached which results in an out. A jack walks the batter, a queen is a single, king is a home run. The suit determines which position records the out, hit, etc. This continues until three outs are made to end the half inning. Then teams switch sides.
Scoring works by tracking runs around the bases. A queen scores from first and second. A king automatically scores any preceding base runners. The team with the most runs after nine innings wins. There are no extra innings so games can end in ties. Variations include changing scoring values of certain cards or allowing steals/advances on certain cards.
In 3-13 baseball, only number cards from 3 through 13 are used in the deck along with two jokers. This simplified version removes aces, face cards, and kings/queens from the typical at bat results. Card values directly correlate to counting pitches:
3’s and 4’s = Balls
5’s and 6’s = Strikes
7’s = Singles
8’s = Doubles
9’s = Triples
10’s = Walks
11’s = Hit By Pitch
12’s = Strikeouts
13’s = Home Runs
Jokers are wild cards that can be used as any other card’s value. At bats continue by dealing a new card on each pitch until three outs or four runs are scored per half inning. Scoring is the same as 52-card baseball by running bases according to hit results. First team to a set run total or number of innings wins.
These are two of the more popular ways to play baseball using a standard card deck. The games emulate the basic flow and scoring of a real baseball game but use cards instead of balls/strikes/hits for variety and indoor playability. Other variants exist as well that tweak the card meanings and rules. The key aspects are using cards to simulate pitches, counts, and results to replay the sport in a portable tabletop version. With some imagination, playing cards can keep the baseball action going anytime and anywhere!
The thrill of baseball comes alive through simple card games that transport the action from the ballpark to a living room or anywhere a deck of cards may go. Classic card games like 52-card baseball and 3-13 baseball offer new strategies and outcomes each time yet maintain the traditional structure and objectives of America’s pastime. Playing cards remove the reliance on specific equipment, large space needs, and weather limitations – allowing the national sport to be experienced freely through this alternative portable option. Whether wanting a quick pickup game or full nine inning simulation, card baseball seamlessly brings the enthusiasm of baseball to any circumstance!
