Ever found yourself exchanging glances with your teammate, trying to silently convey a game plan? Kemps takes that unspoken connection to a whole new level. It’s a card game where secret signals reign supreme, and figuring out how to communicate without uttering a word is half the fun. This fast-paced, partnership game is all about making eye contact count – ideally when you’ve got four-of-a-kind in your hand!
We’ll guide you from absolute beginner to cunning strategist, providing clear explanations of the rules, exploring exciting variations you won’t find elsewhere, and sharing insider tips to outsmart your opponents. Get ready to unlock a world of silent communication, hilarious bluffs, and unforgettable game nights with Kemps!
I. Understanding the Basics
In Kemps, your goal is to collect four cards of the same rank and silently signal your partner. You need at least four players (two teams of two) to play, but the game supports up to six players (three teams of two).
All you need is a standard deck of 52 cards. To keep track of points, use a pen and paper.
Throughout this guide, you’ll encounter terms like:
- Kemps: The word you shout to claim victory.
- Cut: A challenge against another player.
- Signal: Your non-verbal way of communicating with your partner.
Now, let’s learn how to play!
II. How to Play Kemps Card Game
First, grab a partner. You’ll need to be on the same wavelength for Kemps, a card game where silent signals are key. Sit across from each other to easily catch those subtle cues.
Before dealing cards, establish your secret code. Think winks, eyebrow raises, or even a well-timed nose scratch. Variety is crucial; switch up your signals to keep opponents guessing.
The player drawing the highest card becomes the dealer. They deal four cards face down to each player and four face up in the center. Kemps is a free-for-all: players simultaneously swap cards from their hand with those in the center, aiming to collect four-of-a-kind.
Once you have four-of-a-kind, signal your partner. If they call “Kemps!” and you’re right, you score a point. A wrong call might lose a point, depending on your chosen scoring rules.
Speaking of scoring, here are two common variations:
- Strict Mode: Correct “Kemps!” = 1 point, Incorrect “Kemps!” = -1 point. Successful challenge (“Cut”) on an opponent = 1 point, unsuccessful challenge = -1 point.
- Casual Mode: Correct “Kemps!” = 1 point. Incorrect calls and challenges have no penalty.
Discuss with your group and choose your preferred scoring. The first team to reach a predetermined number of points (usually four) wins!
III. Kemps Variations & House Rules
Ready to break free from the ordinary? While standard Kemps is a blast, sometimes you want to add your own spice to the mix. That’s where variations and house rules come in—think of them as the sriracha sauce and extra cheese of the card game world.
Carré-Coupé: Kemps with a French Accent
If standard Kemps is a bit like a polite game of charades, its French cousin, Carré-Coupé, is a full-blown mime performance with actual stakes. This version throws in a few curveballs: different names for calls, extra ways to score, and even the option to play with a pot of chips, just to raise the stakes. For example, shouting “Carré” is the equivalent of “Kemps!”, while “Coupé” translates to “Cut!”. But there’s more! You can even pull off power moves like “Carré-Coupé” if both you AND an opponent have four-of-a-kind simultaneously. Imagine the gasps around the table!
Craving Kemps, But Short on Time? Cash In With “Cash!”
Imagine Kemps with a shot of espresso – that’s “Cash” in a nutshell. The rules are similar, but the pace is relentless. Players snatch cards with a frenzy, all while trying to telepathically scream “Cash!” instead of “Kemps!” But here’s the kicker: even if your partner messes up the signal, you can yell “Counter Cash!” to steal a chance at victory. This variation is perfect for players who like their games fast, furious, and full of second-guessing.
Unleash Your Inner Codebreakers with “Peanut Butter & Jelly”
Forget subtle winks and eyebrow raises – in this version, it’s all about establishing a lexicon of ludicrous codewords. Instead of discreetly scratching your nose, you might bellow, “Pass the jelly!” when you’re one card away from victory. The catch? Your opponents can listen in, attempting to decipher your secret language like eavesdropping spies. It’s a recipe for laughter, miscommunication, and some seriously creative code-cracking.
Homebrewed Kemps: Craft Your Own Rules!
Don’t just stop at the variations above – let your inner game designer run wild! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- The “Time Warp” Rule: Before each round, one player secretly sets a timer for a random duration. The moment it goes off, everyone yells “Kemps!” regardless of their hand. Chaos, naturally, ensues.
- The “Swapsies” Rule: At any point during the game, a player can call “Swapsies!” forcing everyone to exchange hands with another player. Perfect for shaking things up when someone gets a little too smug about their card-counting skills.
- The “Blind Trust” Rule: For one glorious round, partners close their eyes while playing, relying solely on their pre-game signals. This tests communication and trust…and possibly leads to accidentally discarding a winning hand.
IV. Strategies & Tips for Winning Kemps
In Kemps, victory favors the vigilant. You can’t just focus on your hand like a greedy dragon hoarding treasure; you need to keep an eye on the battlefield. Pay attention to what cards your opponents are snapping up (or pointedly ignoring). Are they building a collection of Queens? Better watch out!
Become a Master of Disguise: The best Kemps signals are like ninjas: silent, deadly, and expertly camouflaged. Weave those meaningful twitches into a tapestry of everyday behavior. Scratching your nose? Could be a four-of-a-kind OR just an itchy proboscis. Adjusting your glasses? Perhaps a strategic signal, or maybe you just want to see your cards better. The more you blend the real with the strategic, the more you’ll keep your opponents guessing.
Become a Card Whisperer: Kemps is a game of limited information, but those discarded cards? They’re whispering secrets! Don’t just chuck ’em; file away what’s been played. See three Kings hit the discard pile? Odds of your opponent holding the fourth just plummeted – might be time for a bold “Cut!
Speak the Unspoken Language: Think your pre-game signals are enough? Think again! Seasoned Kemps players are masters of the micro-tell. Is your partner agonizing over a card swap? Maybe their four-of-a-kind hopes hinge on that center pile. Did they let out a theatrical groan when someone snagged the Queen of Hearts? That’s valuable intel! Pay attention to these subtle cues, and you’ll be surprised how quickly you develop your own unspoken vocabulary.
And then there’s the “Cut” – your chance to play Kemps-detective and publicly call out an opponent you suspect of harboring four-of-a-kind. It’s a risky move. Get it right, and you bask in the glory of a bonus point. But get it wrong, and you hand a point to your opponents. Ouch! The key is to balance calculated risk with gut instinct. Is your opponent suddenly more attentive? Are they stifling a smirk? Time to channel your inner Sherlock and decide if a “Cut” is in order!
The Early Bird “Cut”: If you suspect an opponent is close early on, a well-timed “Cut” (even if it’s a guess) can disrupt their momentum
The Fake-Out: Intentionally signal for a card you don’t have to throw off your opponents. High risk, high reward!
The Signal Switch: Don’t wait until your opponents have cracked your code. Switch up your signals mid-game, even if it means a round or two of confusion with your partner.
V. Why Kemps is Awesome
Kemps is one of those rare gems that’s as entertaining for teenagers as it is for seasoned card sharks. Its simple rules are deceptively deep, making it perfect for family gatherings or game nights with friends. Unlike those epic board game sagas that take an entire evening (and possibly a PhD in strategy) to play, a round of Kemps is over in a flash…leaving you plenty of time for rematches.
But don’t mistake “quick” for “simplistic.” Kemps might seem chaotic at first, but beneath the surface lies a game of surprising strategic depth. You’ll need to master the art of split-second decision-making, hone your poker face, and cultivate an almost psychic connection with your partner. Speaking of partners, if you’re looking for a game that strengthens bonds and hones your non-verbal communication skills, Kemps is it! Successfully navigating those silent exchanges – a knowing glance here, a discreet cough there – creates a sense of shared victory (or defeat) that’s uniquely satisfying.
Next time you’re hosting a party, ditch the awkward small talk and break out a deck of cards. Kemps is a guaranteed icebreaker—and you might just discover hidden talents for telepathic communication in the process.
VI. FAQs
Q: Can I use verbal signals in Kemps?
Technically? That’s cheating…unless you’re playing “Peanut Butter & Jelly”! In that version, it’s all about coming up with your own silly code words. But for standard Kemps, embrace the challenge of silent communication. Think of it as a mental workout for you and your partner.
Q: What if two players reach for the same card at the same time?
Channel your inner cheetah! In the fast-paced world of Kemps, it’s a race to the card. Whoever touches it first gets the spoils. Just try not to knock over the coffee table in the process.
Q: Can we change our signals during the game?
Absolutely! Think of it like changing your wifi password—it’s good practice to keep your opponents guessing. Just make sure you and your partner are on the same page. A quick, discreet exchange under the table (no Morse code, please!) should do the trick.
Q: I think my opponent is faking their signals to confuse me!
Welcome to the wonderful world of Kemps mind games! Part of the fun is trying to outwit your opponents, and that includes throwing them off your scent. If you suspect foul play (or just some clever bluffing), trust your instincts. Sometimes the most strategic move is a well-timed “Cut,” even if you’re not entirely certain they have the goods.
