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:
- Shuffle the deck thoroughly.
- Deal seven cards to each player, face down.
- Place the remaining cards in a pile in the center of the table to form the draw pile.
Gameplay:
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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.
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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.
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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!"
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Playing the Card: Once a player calls "Speed," they place their matching card on top of the card on the table, face up.
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Take the Pile: If a player matches a card from the draw pile, they take the entire pile and add it to their own.
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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.
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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.
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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.
