How to Play Spit

Spit, also known as Speed, is a fast-paced and exhilarating card game that demands quick reflexes, sharp observation skills, and lightning-fast thinking. It’s a two-player game where the objective is to get rid of all your cards before your opponent does. Despite its simplicity, Spit can be incredibly addictive and offers endless hours of entertainment. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the rules, setup, and strategies to help you become a Spit master.

Rules of Spit

1. Setup: To play Spit, you’ll need a standard 52-card deck. Each player sits opposite each other with their own deck. The dealer shuffles their deck thoroughly and deals out five cards face down in a row in front of each player. These five piles are called the tableau.
2. Objective: The goal of Spit is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in your tableau. You do this by playing cards from your hand onto the spit piles in the center of the table.
3. Spit Piles: The center of the table starts with two spit piles, one between the two players and one in front of each player. These piles are initially empty.
4. Starting the Game: Once the setup is complete, both players say “Spit” and simultaneously flip over the top card from their tableau onto the center spit piles. This marks the beginning of the game.
5. Gameplay: From this point onwards, the game is played in real-time. Players can now begin playing cards from their tableau onto the spit piles in ascending or descending order, alternating between the two players. For example, if the top card on a spit pile is a 5, you can play either a 4 or a 6 on top of it.
6. Building Spit Piles: As the game progresses, players may run out of playable cards from their hand. In this case, they can flip over the top card from their remaining tableau pile and continue playing. If both players cannot play any more cards, they yell “Spit” again, and each player deals another card from their tableau to create new spit piles.
7. Winning: The first player to successfully get rid of all the cards in their tableau wins the game.

Strategies to Master Spit

1. Speed and Reflexes: Spit is a game that rewards quick thinking and fast reflexes. Always be on the lookout for opportunities to play cards onto the spit piles as soon as they become available.
2. Observation: Keep a close eye on both your own tableau and your opponent’s. Try to anticipate their moves and plan your own accordingly.
3. Blocking Opponent: If you notice that your opponent is close to getting rid of all their cards, try to block them by playing cards strategically onto the spit piles. This can disrupt their rhythm and buy you more time to empty your own tableau.
4. Don’t Hesitate to Spit: If you find yourself unable to play any cards from your hand, don’t hesitate to yell “Spit” and deal out more cards from your tableau. It’s better to reset the game and create new opportunities than to get stuck with no moves.
5. Practice Patience: While speed is crucial in Spit, patience is also key. Sometimes, it’s better to wait for the right moment to make your move rather than playing impulsively and getting stuck with no options.

Spit is a thrilling and fast-paced card game that tests your speed, reflexes, and strategic thinking. By mastering the rules and implementing the right strategies, you can outmaneuver your opponent and emerge victorious. So gather a friend, shuffle up a deck, and get ready to experience the adrenaline rush of Spit!