With pickleball growing so rapidly, a whole new marketing world has opened up around it featuring fashion, food, and now games. We recently featured a video game called Pickleball Smash, and hot on its heels comes a card game called Pickleball Slam!
However, it’s not the first pickleball-related card game to hit the toy store shelves, and here we look at Pickleball Slam and two of its predecessors. Each card game has its own unique twist on the sport.
Pickleball Slam
Pickleball Slam is not yet available but is a more strategic card game designed to be a more challenging and rewarding experience for experienced pickleball players. The game is a little “out there” and played with a custom deck of cards that features different pickleball shots, strategies, and characters.
Win by playing cards that match the shots and strategies used in real pickleball games. And just like in real pickleball, the last shot wins each round!
Pickleball enthusiast Marcella Meyer has designed an exciting family card game that cleverly incorporates the sport’s strategies and terminology. The game features an action-packed experience with a diverse cast of characters, including a ballerina, a superhero, several chefs, and a knight in shining armor.
No pickleball experience is required, but if you are new to the game or already a player, you will appreciate the slang and the court strategy.
You can pre-order Pickleball Slam for $22.50. It is for 2-6 players and is suitable for ages 12 and above.
Pickleball Smash
Pickleball Smash is a trick-taking card game designed to be a fun and challenging way to learn the basics of pickleball. Not to be confused with the video game of the same name, the game is played with a standard deck of cards plus a few special Pickleball Smash cards. The goal of the game is to be the first player to collect 11 points by playing tricks of three of the same point cards.
Take care and use your skill to avoid being caught in the kitchen or making an illegal serve, as these actions carry a nasty penalty!
Gameplay is quick and exciting, with each game usually lasting about 15 minutes. You can play with 2-4 players, and the game is suitable for ages 8 and above.
It retails for $19.99 and can be shipped free to purchasers in the U.S.
Go to pickleballsmash.net for further information about this game.
The Pickleball Card Game
The Pickleball Card Game is a simple, easy-to-learn card game, perfect for beginners. It is played with a standard deck of cards, and the goal is to be the first player to score 11 points by playing cards that match the different pickleball shots.
On the game website, co-creator Cindy reveals how partner Dennis used his favorite baseball hat and pickleball shoes as models for the characters’ accessories and a jar of Gherkin pickles for the shape of the bodies!
They bought every color pickleball to help them with color selections, and as their surname started with a Z, they used that as an insignia on the paddles!
“Our dream is that others enjoy playing our game as much as we enjoyed creating it!”
Dennis and Cindy, The Pickleball Card Game
The game is suitable for ages 13 and above and requires 2-4 players. It is available from etsy.com and costs $24.99.
Go to their website for more information about the game. You can watch a tutorial here.
Other Games
Other pickleball games are also available: Try the Pickler Card Game and Erne, The twisted pickleball card game!
PICKLER is the ultimate card game based on the sport of Pickleball. Easy to learn and Fun to play, Great for the entire family. You’re going to love to say the words… “SIDE OUT!”
— Emotional Intelligence (@RiteAcademy) January 27, 2023
Pickler is the NEW card game with fun, colorful P…https://t.co/061E3VLyA0 https://t.co/j4OTEHSjgp
