Dobble Rules

How to Play Dobble

The Dobble card game (also known as Spot It! in some regions) is a quick-reaction game where players race to spot the identical symbol between two cards. Every card has exactly one matching symbol with every other card, making it a fast, fun challenge for all ages.

This guide explains the official Dobble game rules and introduces the most popular mini-games included in the deck.

Preparations

Players: 2–8
Age: 6+
Playtime: 10–20 minutes

Components:

• 55 circular Dobble cards
• Each card features 8 unique symbols, chosen from a pool of over 50 designs

Objective:
Identify the matching symbol faster than your opponents to win cards, score points, or finish first—depending on the mini-game being played.

Key Concept:

• Each pair of cards has exactly one symbol in common.
• Symbols may appear at different sizes, colors, or orientations, but they are always identical in shape.

Setup

1. Shuffle the Dobble deck thoroughly.
2. Depending on the chosen mini-game:
   • Deal a set number of cards to each player, OR
   • Place one card face up in the center with the rest as a draw pile.
3. Make sure the play area is clear and visible to all players.
4. Decide which mini-game variation to play (there are 5 included in the official rules).

Gameplay — Dobble Card Game Rules

While Dobble includes several different mini-games, the core mechanic always remains the same:

1. Two cards are revealed.
2. All players look for the single identical symbol between them.
3. The first player to shout the symbol’s name and point at it wins that round’s challenge.
4. Depending on the mini-game:
   • The winner may discard a card, gain a card, or add to their score.

Important Notes:

• You cannot point without saying the symbol’s name. Both must be clear.
• If two players call at the same time, the group decides who identified it first.
• Cards are always compared one at a time—never multiple.

Dobble Mini-Games

This game has a lot of different versions and game rules. Here is a few:

1. The Tower

• Each player gets one card face down.
• The rest of the deck is placed face up in the center pile.
• On “Go,” everyone flips their card.
• Players race to find the matching symbol between their card and the center card.
• If correct, they place their card on the pile and draw a new one.
• The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.

2. The Well

• Place one card face up in the center.
• Deal the rest evenly among all players as face-down piles.
• Each player flips the top card of their pile.
• The goal is to match the symbol between your card and the center card.
• If correct, place your card on the center pile and flip a new one.
• The first player to play all their cards wins.

3. Hot Potato

• Deal one card face down to each player.
• On “Go,” flip your cards.
• Quickly find a match with another player’s card and shout it out.
• If correct, place your card on top of theirs.
• Players stuck holding the last cards lose the round.

4. The Poisoned Gift

• Deal one card face down to each player.
• Place one card face up in the middle.
• Players must try to spot the match between the center card and another player’s card.
• If correct, you give that card to the chosen player.
• The goal is to get rid of all your cards first.

5. Triplet

• Place one card face down in front of each player.
• Put the rest of the deck in the center.
• Reveal the top card from the deck.
• Players race to spot the matching symbol between their own card and the center card.
• If correct, they take the center card into their scoring pile.
• The player with the most cards at the end wins.

Common House Rules (Unofficial but Popular)

Families often add their own twists to Dobble game rules:

• Silent Mode: Instead of shouting the match, players must only point.
• Penalty for Mistakes: Calling the wrong symbol means skipping your next turn.
• Speed Rounds: Use a timer (e.g., 30 seconds) to play mini-games in short bursts.

These variations keep the Dobble card game fresh and unpredictable.

Strategies and Tips — How to Play Dobble

• Scan quickly, not deeply: Look across the whole card instead of focusing on one spot.
• Remember common icons: Symbols like hearts, lightning bolts, or snowmen appear often.
• Stay calm under pressure: Rushing too fast can make you miss obvious matches.
• Practice spotting variations: Symbols may be rotated or resized, so train your eye.

Overview of the Dobble Card Game Rules

• 2–8 players, 55 cards total
• Every pair of cards has exactly one symbol in common
• Core mechanic: spot the match faster than your opponents
• Different mini-games: The Tower, The Well, Hot Potato, The Poisoned Gift, Triplet
• Win conditions vary by mini-game (get rid of cards, collect cards, or avoid last place)
• Fast, portable, and perfect for parties or family game nights

Final Thoughts on How to Play Dobble

The Dobble card game is fast, portable, and endlessly replayable. With simple Dobble rules and multiple mini-game variations, it’s perfect for kids, families, or quick party sessions.

Games can be played in just minutes, but the excitement of racing to spot symbols keeps everyone engaged. Once you understand how to play Dobble, you’ll see why it’s one of the most popular modern card games worldwide.