Card Game You'd Be Surprised to See Played for Money: Go Fish

Go Fish — the quintessential children's matching game.

Why it's surprising for money play:

• Zero skill ceiling: Pure luck after initial memory of asked ranks. No strategy, bluffing, or probability management.
• No betting structure: No antes, raises, pot odds, or decision points.
• Childish theme: "Do you have any threes?" lacks gambling gravitas.
• Trivial stakes: Usually played for matchsticks, candy, or pride—not currency.

Honorable mentions for "surprising money games":

• War — Pure luck, no decisions.
• Old Maid — Avoid-the-loser mechanic, no skill.
• Crazy Eights / UNO — Light strategy, but high variance; more party than gambling.
• Snap — Reflex game, not strategy.

Real money card games involve imperfect information, probability assessment, bankroll management, and psychological reads: Poker (Texas Hold'em, Omaha), Bridge (duplicate), Blackjack, Baccarat, Three-Card Brag, Mus, Truco.