How to play spit

There’s a certain thrill that comes with fast-paced card games, especially when you’re gathering with friends or family for game night. If you’ve ever been in a competitive environment where everyone is eager to test their reflexes and decision-making skills, you might have overheard someone ask, “How do you play Spit?” This lively card game, often played with two players, combines speed, strategy, and a bit of luck, making it an exciting choice for those looking to liven up their gatherings. If the curiosity is piqued and you’re ready to join in on the fun, read on to learn how to navigate the rules and enjoy this classic game.

To play Spit, start with a standard deck of cards that is shuffled and dealt into two equal stacks. Each player takes their stack, flips the top card face up, and simultaneously tries to play cards to two central piles based on the cards they flip. Players can only play cards that are one rank higher or lower than the top card on the piles. When a player cannot make a move, they can “spit” by simultaneously slapping the central piles to start new piles with their next top cards. The objective is to deplete your stack of cards first, while staying quick on your feet!

To elaborate, Spit, also known as Speed, is best played with two players, though variations can accommodate more. Begin by separating a standard deck of cards into two equal piles, each containing 26 cards. Each player takes their pile, keeping the cards face down. After both players are ready, they simultaneously turn over the top card of their stack and place it face up in the center, creating two “spit piles.”

The gameplay revolves around rapidly playing cards onto these piles. A player can place a card on either pile if it is either one rank higher or lower than the cards currently on the top of those piles. For instance, if a player has a 5 on top of one of the spit piles, they can play a 4 or a 6 from their hand. There are no turns in Spit; both players play as quickly as possible, which adds to the game’s excitement.

When neither player can make a move, they will simultaneously “spit” or slap their hand over the spit piles, prompting both players to flip the next card from their stack to create new spit piles. The game continues until one player successfully empties their stack of cards, thereby winning the game. As you progress, you’ll find strategies to outplay your opponent–keep your eyes sharp and fingers quick, and you’ll become a Spit pro in no time!