Coast to Coast Travel

I love to see what other people are actually buying for themselves each week. What’s even better is when it comes with an honest and real review. I’m here to do just that. There’s something about Amazon hauls that always inspires my next checkout. So, here’s a little peek at what I purchased, along with my honest review!

I actually purchased this item a while ago, but it’s worth the review because it’s awesome! Five Crowns from PlayMonster is one of the all time best card games. We play this game on a nightly to weekly basis. It’s definitely a staple in our house. Let’s dive in to see why this card game will be your next favorite on game night!

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There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table with friends or family and pulling out a game that brings laughter, strategy, and just the right amount of competition. If you’re on the hunt for a new card game that’s easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and perfect for players of nearly any age, Five Crowns might just be the game you didn’t know you were missing.

I recently dove into this unique rummy-style card game after hearing about it from a few fellow game night enthusiasts. If you’re a card game veteran or someone just looking to spice up your game collection, let me break down everything you need to know about Five Crowns—and why I think it more than earns its five-star reputation.

What Is Five Crowns?

Five Crowns is a five-suited rummy-style card game. Unlike traditional card games, which stick to the standard four suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs, and spades), Five Crowns throws in a whimsical twist: it includes a fifth suit—stars. Yep, stars! This extra suit adds an entirely new dynamic that makes the game feel fresh and exciting.

The game consists of 116 cards: two decks, each with the five suits and cards ranging from 3 to King (no 2s or aces), plus six jokers. The game is played over 11 rounds, and in each round, the number of cards dealt corresponds to the round number (so in round three, everyone gets three cards). Each round also designates a “wild” card, based on the round number—e.g., 3s are wild in round three, 4s in round four, and so on.

Your goal is to create sets (three or more of the same number) and runs (three or more in a sequence, all in the same suit). Once someone “goes out” with no remaining cards, each player gets one final turn, then the round ends, and scores are tallied. The player with the lowest score after 11 rounds wins!

What Makes It Stand Out?

1. The Fifth Suit Factor

Adding a fifth suit might sound like a small change, but it completely changes how you play. It keeps even the most experienced card players on their toes. You’ve got more options for sets and runs—but also more to track in your head. It makes Five Crowns feel like a creative twist on classic rummy without losing the charm of traditional gameplay.

2. Progressive Play

I love that Five Crowns gradually builds intensity. Starting with just three cards and ending with thirteen, each round gets slightly more challenging. That slow progression keeps new players from feeling overwhelmed and gives the game a nice pacing arc—like a story unfolding. It also allows for some pretty fun comebacks in the later rounds!

3. Family-Friendly

Five Crowns is perfect for mixed-age groups. It’s recommended for ages 8 and up, but I’ve played it with younger kids (with a little guidance), and they pick it up fast. It’s also not so complicated that grandparents can’t join in. That makes it great for holidays, family game nights, or even school-age gatherings. Plus, it comes in a compact box—super easy to pack for travel.

4. Replayability

One of the biggest perks of Five Crowns is that no two games feel quite the same. The combination of wild cards, changing hand sizes, and the fifth suit mean you won’t get bored quickly. Even if you’re playing with the same group, there’s always room for different strategies.

What You Might Not Love

Let’s be real: no game is perfect for everyone. So here are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind.

• Longer Play Time: A full game of Five Crowns (11 rounds) can take 45 minutes to an hour. That’s not too long, but if you’re looking for a super quick game, this isn’t it. However, you can shorten the game by playing fewer rounds (try rounds 3–8, for example).
• Scoring Requires a Little Focus: You’ll want pen and paper or the score sheet included in the game to keep track of points. It’s not complicated, but it does require a bit of math each round. Nothing crazy—just a heads-up for those who don’t love scorekeeping.
• Better with 3+ Players: While it’s technically a 1–7 player game (yes, there’s even a solo version!), I’ve found it really shines with 3–5 players. With just two people, the rounds go faster, but there’s slightly less strategy involved.

Who Will Enjoy Five Crowns?

• Fans of Rummy or Phase 10: If you like card games with sets, runs, and wild cards, you’ll probably love Five Crowns.
• Families with Mixed Ages: Great for bonding across generations—without the complexity of something like chess or Monopoly.
• Casual Gamers: Not too competitive, easy to chat while playing, and doesn’t require constant focus.
• Travelers: Lightweight, no board, and minimal pieces make it a fun vacation game.

Five Crowns is AMAZING. It’s just the right mix of approachable and strategic, with charming artwork and a quirky twist (that fifth suit!) that sets it apart from other card games. It’s also the kind of game that grows with you—the more you play, the more strategies you discover.

Whether you’re hosting a game night, looking for a birthday gift, or just want something new to enjoy during quiet evenings, Five Crowns is absolutely worth adding to your collection.

Shop Five Crowns and Game Night Favorites

Ready to bring Five Crowns to your next game night? Here are some quick Amazon picks to get you started:

🃏 Five Crowns Card Game

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This is the original game with the full 5-suit deck. Portable, fun, and great for all ages.

📝 Official Five Crowns Score Pad Refills

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If you’re a frequent player, having extra score sheets is super convenient.

🎒 Travel Game Organizer Case (fits Five Crowns + more!)

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Perfect for keeping your favorite card games organized on the go.

🎲 Family Game Night Bundle – Top Rated Games

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Want more like Five Crowns? Check out this bundle with other crowd-pleasers like Quiddler and Karma.

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