Here are some great games that use nothing more than cards to make an interesting and fun experience!
In Love Letter, players are trying to either be the last person standing in a round, or hold the highest numbered card when the deck runs out. Each card has a different ability when played. On your turn, you draw a card, and then play one of the two cards you have in your hand at that time. With a deck of just 18 cards, the decisions this game creates are incredible!
***There are many different versions of this game, but they are all the same great game, just with different artwork and perhaps one or two small rule tweaks.
In Fluxx, the goal of the game is to...satisfy the goal of the game! The rules in Fluxx are constantly changing, and so is the goal that lets you win. On the first turn of the game, you draw a card and then play a card. Each turn after that, you must check to see if any new rules have been played. The first player to have their Keepers (cards you play in front of you and keep) align with the current goal, wins!
***There are many different versions of this game, but they are all the same great game, just with different artwork and perhaps one or two small rule tweaks.
In Monopoly Deal, players are trying to collect cards to form 3 complete sets of same colored properties. On your turn, you draw 2 cards, and then play up to 3 cards, which have various effects. This game has all the fun of Monopoly the board game, but only takes 15 minutes, and has no board for people to flip in anger! ;)