How To Play Speed

How to Play Speed: A Comprehensive Guide to the Exciting Card Game

Speed, also known as Spit or Slam, is a fast-paced and thrilling card game that tests players’ reflexes and strategic thinking. Originating in the early 1900s, it has become a popular pastime for people of all ages and skill levels. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the rules and gameplay of Speed, ensuring that you can confidently join in on the fun.

Materials:

• Standard deck of 52 playing cards

Number of Players:

• 2-8 players

Objective:

• To be the first player to get rid of all of their cards.

Setup:

1. Shuffle the deck thoroughly.
2. Deal seven cards to each player, face down.
3. Place the remaining cards in a pile in the center of the table to form the draw pile.

Gameplay:

1. Start: The player to the left of the dealer starts the game by flipping over the top card from their pile onto the table, face up.

2. Matching: Players then simultaneously try to match the suit or number of the top card on the table with a card from their own piles.

3. Speed: Players must act quickly as the game is timed. The first player to find a match slaps the table with their hand and says, "Speed!"

4. Playing the Card: Once a player calls "Speed," they place their matching card on top of the card on the table, face up.

5. Take the Pile: If a player matches a card from the draw pile, they take the entire pile and add it to their own.

6. Draw Cards: If a player doesn’t have a matching card, they must draw a card from the draw pile and add it to the bottom of their pile.

7. Empty Pile: Once a player gets rid of all seven cards in their pile, they shout, "Speed Out!" and they are out of the game.

8. Continue Playing: The game continues until only one player remains with cards.

Winning:

• The game is won by the player who gets rid of all their cards first.

Special Rules:

• Aces High: Aces are the highest-ranking cards.
• Two of Spades: If a player plays the Two of Spades, the next player must pick up the entire pile on the table.
• Jokers: Jokers can be used as any card.

Variations:

• Spit: In this variation, players can only slap if they have the exact same card as the one on the table.
• Slapjack: This variant includes the Joker as a special "Slapjack" card that allows players to take the entire pile.
• Double Speed: Players can call "Double Speed" and double the speed of the game for a short time.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on the top cards of the draw and discard piles.
• Pay attention to the cards that have been played to anticipate potential matches.
• Don’t hesitate to draw cards if you don’t have a match.
• Practice regularly to improve your reflexes.
• Don’t be afraid to take risks and go for the big piles.

FAQ:

Q: Can players stack cards on top of each other?
A: No, only one card can be on the table at a time.

Q: What happens if multiple players call "Speed" at the same time?
A: The player who slaps the table first takes the pile.

Q: Can players draw cards from any pile?
A: Yes, players can draw cards from either the draw pile or the discard pile.

Q: What happens if the draw pile runs out?
A: The discard pile is shuffled and used as the new draw pile.

Q: Is it possible to tie in Speed?
A: No, only one player can win by getting rid of all their cards first.

Conclusion:

Speed is an exhilarating card game that offers a blend of speed, strategy, and entertainment. With its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, it is an enjoyable experience for all levels of players. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly game or a competitive challenge, Speed is sure to deliver hours of fun and excitement.