Steps to a Seamless Virtual Card Night with Friends

Keeping up with friends when you are all scattered across different time zones is tough. Virtual card nights, however, are a game-changer. I have hosted dozens of these, and once you get the hang of it, they are almost as fun as the real deal.

You do not need to worry about cleaning your house or having enough chairs. Just grab your laptop, maybe a beverage, and you are set.

1. Figure Out the Time Zone Tangle

This is probably the most annoying part, but it is crucial. Someone is always getting stuck with a 6 AM game time or missing dinner with their family.

I usually start by throwing everyone into a group chat and asking where they are located. Then I use a world clock website to find a sweet spot that does not completely inconvenience anyone. When deciding, be sure to consider practical factors. Is Sarah still at work? Will Mike’s kids be noisy in the background?

Creating a simple poll with 3-4 time options works really well. Let people vote, and go with whatever gets the most thumbs up. Sure, someone might have to stay up a bit late or wake up early, but at least it is democratic.

The time you spend figuring this out upfront will save you from the “Oh crap, I forgot about the time difference” texts later.

2. Pick Your Platform (And Have a Backup Plan)

There are tons of options out there–Tabletopia, Board Game Arena, or even just basic card apps on your phone. The key is finding something that does not require a computer science degree to figure out.

I learned this the hard way when I picked a super fancy platform that looked amazing, but took everyone 20 minutes just to create an account, which was not fun.

Stick with something simple that works on phones and computers. Board Game Arena is pretty solid for most classic games. If you feel competitive, consider a specialized platform to play poker with the group. 

Just make sure everyone can actually access whatever you choose. And seriously, have a backup ready. Nothing kills the mood like spending half an hour troubleshooting while everyone sits there waiting.

3. Do a Tech Check

This step sounds boring, but it will save your sanity. Ask everyone to test their setup a day or two before the game. I am talking internet speed, camera, microphone–the works.

You do not want to be the person whose video keeps freezing every five minutes. It is annoying for everyone.

Here is what I tell my friends to check:

• Internet connection (run a speed test)
• Charge your device (or sit near a charger)
• Test your camera and mic
• Close other apps that might slow things down
  

I usually send a quick checklist in our group chat. Sounds nerdy, but it works. The goal is to spend your time playing cards, not fixing technical problems.

4. Set the Vibe and Get Your Rules Straight

This is where virtual card nights can actually be better than in-person ones. Everyone gets to be in their own space with their favorite snacks and drinks. There is no fighting over the good chair or dealing with someone’s terrible music choices.

I like to suggest a loose theme sometimes–like “wear your ugliest shirt” or “tropical drinks only.” It is silly, but it gets people in the mood.

The rules thing is huge, though. Before you start playing, make sure everyone is on the same page. Spend five minutes going over the rules, whether you are playing traditional poker, Crazy Eights, or crypto poker. Reviewing the rules prevents those awkward “wait, I thought we were playing this way” moments that can totally derail the fun.

5. Do Not Forget to Actually Talk to Each Other

People often get so focused on the game that they forget to just hang out and chat.

Build in some breaks. Let people grab another drink, stretch, or just catch up on life. These little pauses are actually some of the best parts of the night. It is when you hear about someone’s new job or their latest dating disaster.

The game is fun, but the real point is spending time with your friends, right? Making these virtual events a regular feature can be crucial for maintaining friendships across long distances.

Final Note

Virtual card nights are not perfect. You cannot steal someone’s chips or do dramatic card reveals the same way. But they are pretty great for what they are, especially when it is your only option to hang out with friends who live far away.

The secret is keeping it simple and not overthinking it. Beyond the social aspect, there is evidence that shows connecting with friends both online and offline can boost cognitive skills like attention and memory, and improve emotional well-being. 

Once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself looking forward to these virtual game nights as much as the real thing. And you can play in your pajamas–that is a win in my book.