top of page

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, see our disclosures here.

Official Kemps Rules

Kemps is a fast-paced, team-based card game where communication and strategy are key. The goal is to collect four of a kind and signal your partner without the opposing team catching on.

Objective

The objective of Kemps is to collect four of a kind and then signal your partner to call "Kemps" or for your partner to recognize your signal and call "Kemps" on your behalf.

Setup

  • Players: Kemps is best played with 4, 6, or 8 players in teams of 2. Each team sits opposite each other.

  • Deck: Use one deck for up to 4 players and two decks for more than 4 players.

  • Dealing:Shuffle the deck and deal 4 cards to each player.
    Place the remaining cards in the center of the table to form the draw pile.

Gameplay

  1. Choosing a Signal:

    • Before the game starts, each team secretly agrees on a non-verbal signal (e.g., a scratch of the nose, a specific word, a wink) to indicate they have four of a kind.

  2. Starting the Round:

    • The dealer lays out four cards face-up in the center of the table.

    • Players can pick up and exchange cards from the center to try and form four of a kind. There is no turn order; it's a free-for-all.

  3. Exchanging Cards:

    • Players can only have 4 cards in their hand at any time. To take a card from the center, they must replace it with one from their hand.

    • Once players have exchanged the cards they want, they signal the dealer to refresh the center cards.

    • The dealer then clears the four face-up cards and deals four new cards from the draw pile to the center.

  4. Calling "Kemps":

    • When a player gets four of a kind, they use their secret signal to alert their partner.

    • The partner must then call out "Kemps!" to win the round.

    • If an opponent spots the signal and calls out "Kemps!" first, they win the round instead.

  5. Calling "Counter-Kemps":

    • If a player believes an opponent has four of a kind but hasn’t signaled yet, they can call "Counter-Kemps!".

    • If correct, their team wins the round. If incorrect, the opposing team wins.

Scoring

  • Teams score one point for each successful "Kemps" call or correct "Counter-Kemps".

  • The game can be played to a predetermined number of points, such as 5 or 10.

  • The first team to reach the predetermined number of points wins the game.

Strategy

  • Secret Signals: Be creative with your signals to avoid detection by opponents.

  • Bluffing: Occasionally fake a signal to confuse your opponents.

  • Attention to Opponents: Keep an eye on your opponents' behavior to catch their signals.

  • Multiple Sets: Play with multiple sets of four of a kind to increase the difficulty.

  • Penalty Points: Deduct points for incorrect "Kemps" or "Counter-Kemps" calls.

Kemps is a fun and engaging game that challenges players' ability to work together and outsmart their opponents.

Browse Related Games!

bottom of page