Answered by Shaykh Amjad Rasheed
Is it haram to play cards? Please explain why
The rule that is distinguishes permissible playing (from the impermissible) is: that which is based on and begun on conjecture and guessing is haram, however if after it is begun, the game depends on thought and reflection such as backgammon and all that is a part of it like the dice used in it (backgammon), all of it is haram.
As for that which is not based on conjecture and guessing, it is not haram such as chess.
So the questioner should look at the basis and starting point of playing cards.
If it is based on conjecture and guessing, it is haram, if not, then it isn’t. Some of the most venerable scholars such as the authors of the book, al-Fiqh al Minhaji `ala madhhab al-imam al-Shafi’I’, have stated the unlawfulness of playing cards, because its basis is what I just mentioned, conjecture and guessing, and Allah knows best.