Alright, fellow word sleuths and puzzle enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving headfirst into a classic example of a “what is it?” type of
crossword clue
that often appears in daily grids: “Simple card game (4)“.
At first glance, this
crossword clue
might seem straightforward, and in many ways, it is. But the beauty, and sometimes the challenge, of solving
crossword clues
lies in that deceptively simple phrasing. You’ve got a definition – “Simple card game” – and a very specific enumeration – “(4)”. This tells us exactly what we’re looking for: a four-letter word that perfectly fits the description of a basic card game.
When I encounter a
crossword clue
like this, my brain immediately goes into brainstorming mode. “Card game” is a broad category, so the “simple” qualifier is absolutely key. What comes to mind when you think of a simple card game? Is it a game often played by children? A foundational game that most people learn early on? Or perhaps a game with very few rules, making it easy to pick up in minutes? All of these angles are valid ways to approach this particular
crossword clue
.
My next step, and perhaps the most crucial one for any
crossword clue
with an enumeration, is to start filtering by letter count. Four letters. This immediately narrows down the vast universe of card games. We can discard complex multi-round games, those with long, hyphenated names, and anything that doesn’t neatly fit into a compact, four-letter structure. This is where the true power of an enumerative
crossword clue
shines, guiding your thoughts down a very specific path.
Consider the common card games you know. How many of them are genuinely simple? And how many of those simple ones have exactly four letters? This iterative process of definition matching and length checking is the bread and butter of solving many a
crossword clue
. It’s about systematically eliminating possibilities until the perfect fit emerges.
Sometimes, when tackling a
crossword clue
like “Simple card game (4)“, it helps to think about popular culture or common knowledge. Is there a four-letter card game that’s almost universally recognized for its simplicity? One that might be played just for fun, or to pass a few minutes without needing a deep strategic understanding? These contextual cues can often nudge you towards the correct answer when the direct definition isn’t quite clicking.
The elegance of this specific
crossword clue
is that the answer is likely one that many of us have played at some point. It’s not an obscure, regional variation, but rather a game that has a wide reach precisely because of its simplicity. The clue isn’t trying to trick you with a rare variant or an archaic term; it’s looking for a widely understood concept.
So, when you see a
crossword clue
asking for “Simple card game (4),” take a moment. Brainstorm those easy-to-learn games. Then, apply that four-letter filter. You’ll find that the answer, like many well-crafted
crossword clues
, is staring you right in the face, once you’ve properly sifted through the possibilities. It’s a wonderful example of how precise language and a clear length indicator can lead you to that satisfying “aha!” moment. Keep pondering, and you’ll undoubtedly hit the jackpot on this one!
Available Answers:
SNAP.
Last seen on the crossword puzzle: Metro Quick Crossword Clues Monday, 11 August 2025