Playing cards is a simple way to relax, socialize, and stay connected with friends and family. But if you have arthritis in your hands, wrists, or fingers, holding a hand of cards, shuffling, dealing, and picking cards up from the table can become surprisingly difficult.
The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to give up your favorite card games.
A few simple assistive devices for playing cards can take much of the work out of handling a deck. Card holders can reduce the need to grip several cards at once, automatic shufflers can eliminate repetitive hand movements, and oversized playing cards can make cards easier to see and handle.
The best solution depends on which part of playing cards causes you the most trouble.
Start With the Part of Playing Cards That Causes the Most Trouble
You don’t need to buy every card-playing accessory available.
Instead, think about the specific movement that causes pain, stiffness, fatigue, or frustration.
If holding several cards hurts: A playing card holder can support your hand so you don’t have to maintain a tight grip.
If shuffling is difficult: An automatic card shuffler can eliminate the repetitive bending and manipulation required to shuffle manually.
If cards are difficult to see: Jumbo or large-print playing cards can make numbers and suits easier to read.
If picking up cards from the table is difficult: A card tray or deck holder can keep the cards organized and easier to access.
If long games cause hand fatigue: A comfortable chair, properly positioned table, and regular breaks can make a bigger difference than another gadget.
If handling physical cards has become too difficult: Digital card games can provide another way to enjoy the same games without needing to shuffle, deal, or hold cards.
This approach helps you spend money on the tool that solves your actual problem rather than accumulating gadgets you may rarely use.
1. Playing Card Holders for Easier Grip
Holding five, seven, or more cards between your fingers can be surprisingly tiring when your hands are stiff or painful.
A playing card holder provides a stable place for your cards so you don’t have to keep gripping them throughout the game. Depending on the design, the holder can sit on the table or be held in your hand.
This can be particularly useful if your fingers become tired during longer games or if maintaining a pinch grip is uncomfortable.
Look for a holder that:
- Keeps cards securely in place without excessive pressure
- Is wide enough to accommodate your usual hand of cards
- Is easy to load and unload
- Can sit securely on the table
- Doesn’t require strong finger pressure to use
A simple card holder may be all you need if holding cards is your primary problem.
One option to consider: A multi-pack of spring-action playing card holders can give each player their own tray and works well for family or group games.
2. Automatic Card Shufflers for Easier Shuffling
Shuffling can be one of the most demanding parts of a card game for arthritic hands.
It requires repeated bending, gripping, separating, and manipulating cards. If those movements are painful, an automatic card shuffler can take most of the physical work out of the process.
You place the cards into the machine and let the motor do the shuffling.
An automatic shuffler can be especially useful for games that involve frequent reshuffling or when several people take turns dealing.
When choosing one, consider how many decks it can handle, whether it works with the type of cards you use, and how easy the controls are to operate.
One option to consider: The ARTISHION automatic card shuffler is designed to handle one or two decks and can be used for games such as poker, UNO, Phase 10, and Skip-Bo.
The important point isn’t the particular brand. It’s whether the shuffler eliminates a hand movement that causes you difficulty.
3. Jumbo and Large-Print Playing Cards
Sometimes the problem isn’t holding the cards. It’s seeing the numbers, suits, or symbols clearly.
Jumbo playing cards have larger faces and substantially larger print than standard playing cards. They can also be easier to separate and handle because of their larger size.
Large cards can be helpful if you have difficulty reading small numbers or if manipulating standard-sized cards requires too much finger precision.
Look for cards with:
- Large, easy-to-read numbers and suits
- A durable surface
- Good contrast
- A size you can comfortably handle
Keep in mind that bigger isn’t automatically better. Extremely large cards may actually be harder to shuffle or hold, so choose a size that improves readability without creating a new handling problem.
4. Card Deck Holders and Trays
A deck holder serves a different purpose from a hand-of-cards holder.
Instead of keeping your cards fanned out in your hand, a deck holder or card tray can provide a stable location for the deck on the table.
This can make drawing cards easier because you don’t have to repeatedly pick up and reposition the entire deck.
Some holders also rotate, which can make it easier to access the cards without reaching across the table.
A deck holder may be particularly useful if you have difficulty:
- Picking up a flat deck
- Keeping cards organized
- Reaching across the table
- Manipulating a deck with one hand
For some players, simply keeping the cards in a predictable position makes the entire game easier.
5. Make the Table Setup More Arthritis-Friendly
The equipment you use isn’t the only thing that matters.
Your playing environment can either make arthritis symptoms easier to manage or add unnecessary strain.
Try to position the table and chairs so you aren’t constantly reaching forward or leaning over the playing surface. A supportive chair can also make a noticeable difference during a game that lasts an hour or more.
A smooth tabletop can make cards easier to slide rather than requiring you to repeatedly pinch and lift them.
If possible, keep frequently used items within easy reach. You can also designate one area of the table for the deck, discard pile, drinks, and other game supplies so you don’t have to repeatedly reach across the table.
The goal is to reduce unnecessary movements rather than trying to make every part of the game more complicated.
6. Choose Games That Match Your Abilities
Not every card game places the same demands on your hands.
If shuffling, dealing, or repeatedly picking up cards is difficult, you may find simpler games more comfortable.
Games such as Go Fish, Crazy Eights, and Rummy can be adapted to reduce some of the physical demands of play. For example, you can use a card holder, have another player handle the deck, or modify the rules to reduce unnecessary handling.
You don’t have to stop playing a favorite game simply because your hands have changed. Sometimes changing how you play is enough.
For games that require frequent shuffling or dealing, an automatic shuffler can make the experience considerably easier.
7. Give Your Hands a Break During Longer Games
Even with adaptive equipment, your hands may become tired during a long card game.
Don’t wait until your hands are extremely uncomfortable before taking a break.
Set your cards down in a holder when possible, relax your hands, and change positions occasionally. If you notice that a particular movement repeatedly causes discomfort, look for a way to eliminate or reduce that movement rather than simply pushing through it.
You can also rotate responsibilities. For example, another player can shuffle or deal while you concentrate on playing.
A few small changes can help you spend more time enjoying the game and less time thinking about your hands.
8. What About Arthritis Gloves?
Some people choose to wear compression or arthritis gloves while playing cards because they like the warmth, light compression, or additional support.
However, gloves aren’t essential assistive equipment for playing cards, and they won’t solve every hand problem.
If you already use arthritis gloves comfortably, they may be worth trying during a game. Make sure they don’t make your hands feel too restricted or make it harder to handle your cards.
If holding cards is the main problem, a card holder is likely to address the problem more directly.
9. Consider Digital Card Games
If handling physical cards has become too difficult, digital versions of familiar games offer another option.
You can play many traditional card games on a phone, tablet, or computer without physically shuffling, dealing, or holding cards.
Digital games may be particularly useful when:
- Shuffling and dealing are too painful
- Holding cards is difficult
- You want to play alone
- You want to play with friends or family online
- Larger digital text or display settings are easier to see
This doesn’t have to replace physical card games. It can simply give you another way to enjoy the hobby on days when your hands need a break.
Which Assistive Device Should You Buy First?
You probably don’t need several different card-playing gadgets.
Start with the task that causes you the most difficulty.
If holding cards is painful: Start with a playing card holder.
If shuffling is difficult: Consider an automatic card shuffler.
If reading cards is difficult: Try jumbo or large-print playing cards.
If picking up the deck is difficult: Consider a deck holder or card tray.
If long games make your hands tired: Improve your seating and table setup and take regular breaks.
If physical cards are becoming impractical: Consider digital versions of your favorite games.
This problem-first approach can save money and make it easier to determine which adaptations actually help.
A Simple Arthritis-Friendly Card Game Setup
You don’t need an elaborate setup to make card games more comfortable.
Start with a comfortable chair and a table that allows you to keep your arms in a relaxed position. Place the deck and discard pile where they’re easy to reach. Use a card holder if maintaining a grip is tiring, and consider larger cards if reading standard print is difficult.
If shuffling is painful, let another player handle it or use an automatic shuffler.
Most importantly, don’t feel that you have to play exactly the way you always have. The goal is to make the game work for your hands—not force your hands to work around the game.
Final Thoughts: Keep Playing, Just Play Differently
Arthritis doesn’t have to mean giving up the card games you enjoy.
The right assistive device can remove a surprisingly difficult part of the game. A card holder can reduce gripping, an automatic shuffler can eliminate repetitive hand movements, and jumbo cards can make reading easier. Even a better chair or a more convenient table setup can make a difference during a long game.
Start with the problem that’s bothering you most.
You may find that one inexpensive adjustment is enough to make card games comfortable again—and that’s ultimately more useful than buying a collection of specialized gadgets.
Related Reading
- Arthritis-Friendly Hobbies: Enjoy Activities Without the Strain
- Staying Social with Arthritis: Dating, Travel & Social Life Tips
- How to Choose Arthritis Assistive Devices: A Practical Buyer’s Guide