Spit Card Game Rules

How to Play Spit

The Spit card game (also known as Speed in some regions) is a thrilling two-player game built on reflexes, quick thinking, and fast hands. Players race to get rid of all their cards by placing them onto shared central piles in ascending or descending order as quickly as possible.

If you enjoy fast, competitive gameplay, the Spit card game rules make for one of the most energetic classic card games ever created.

Preparations

Players: 2
Deck: One standard 52-card deck (no Jokers)

Objective:
Be the first to get rid of all your cards before your opponent does.

Setup:

1. Shuffle the deck and deal 26 cards to each player.
2. Each player builds five piles in front of them:
   • Pile 1: 1 card face up
   • Pile 2: 2 cards (top card face up)
   • Pile 3: 3 cards (top card face up)
   • Pile 4: 4 cards (top card face up)
   • Pile 5: 5 cards (top card face up)
3. The remaining cards form each player’s Spit pile (their draw stack).
4. Leave a space in the middle for two Spit piles where both players will play simultaneously.

Spit Rules and Gameplay

The Spit rules focus on speed and accuracy rather than turn order. Players play at the same time.

1. Starting the Round:

   • Both players say “Spit!” and each flips the top card from their Spit pile into the center.
   • These become the two active Spit piles.

2. Playing Cards:

   • Players race to place cards from their layout piles onto either of the central piles.
   • Cards must be one rank higher or lower than the top card on either Spit pile (suit doesn’t matter).
   • Example: if the pile shows a 6, you can play either a 5 or 7.

3. Maintaining Five Piles:

   • When a pile in front of you becomes empty, fill it immediately with the top card from your Spit pile (if available).

4. No Available Moves:

   • If neither player can move, both shout “Spit!” again and add another card from their Spit pile to the center piles.

5. Fastest Wins:

   • Players move as quickly as possible. There are no turns - speed and awareness win the game.

Ending a Round

• The round ends when one player has emptied all their piles (layout and Spit pile).
• Each player then chooses one of the central Spit piles:
  • The winner takes the smaller pile (to reduce their remaining cards).
  • The opponent takes the other pile.
• Both players reshuffle their collected cards and set up again for the next round.

Winning the Game

• The game continues until one player completely runs out of cards.
• That player is declared the overall winner.

Tips and Strategies for the Spit Card Game

• Focus on both piles: Keep scanning both central piles for available moves.
• Use both hands: Playing with two hands increases your speed and control.
• Keep piles spread out: Avoid stacking too closely so you can move faster.
• Stay calm: A cool head helps prevent mistakes during intense rounds.
• Practice pattern recognition: Quickly recognizing ascending and descending sequences is key.

Overview of the Spit Card Game Rules

• 2 players, 1 standard deck
• Build five layout piles and one Spit pile per player
• Play cards simultaneously in ascending or descending order
• Always keep five layout piles active
• When stuck, shout “Spit!” to refresh piles
• First player to run out of cards wins

Final Thoughts on How to Play Spit

The Spit card game is all about reflexes and focus. With simple Spit rules and lightning-fast gameplay, it’s perfect for quick duels between friends or siblings.

Once you master how to play Spit, every round becomes a test of speed and precision. It’s easy to learn, endlessly replayable, and one of the most exciting head-to-head card games ever made.