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Official Snap Rules

Snap is a simple yet exciting card game that relies on quick reflexes and a bit of luck. Here's how to play:

Objective

To be the first player to spot matching cards and call "Snap!" to win the pile.

Setup

  • Shuffle the Deck: Shuffle the deck thoroughly.

  • Deal the Cards: Deal the entire deck of cards evenly among the players. Each player should have their own stack of cards, face down.

Gameplay

  1. Starting the Game:

    • The player to the dealer's left starts by flipping the top card of their stack and placing it face up in the center of the playing area to form the central pile.

  2. Turns:

    • Play continues clockwise. Each player, on their turn, flips the top card from their stack and places it face up on the central pile.

  3. Snap:

    • If two consecutive cards in the central pile are of the same rank (e.g., two 7s, two Queens), any player can call "Snap!" and place their hand on top of the central pile to claim all the cards in the pile.

    • The player who calls "Snap" first and places their hand on the pile wins the cards.

  4. Winning the Pile:

    • The player who wins the snap collects the entire pile of cards and adds them to the bottom of their own stack.

  5. Continue Playing:

    • The game continues with players taking turns to flip cards and calling "Snap" when necessary.

  6. Empty Stack:

    • If a player runs out of cards, they are out of the game but can still call "Snap" if they notice a snap opportunity. They must not interfere otherwise.

Winning the Game

  • The game continues until one player has collected all the cards or until the game is stopped by mutual agreement.

Notes/Variations

  1. Double Snap:

    • If two piles with the same rank are formed simultaneously (e.g., two piles each with Kings), players can call "Snap" on either pile, but not both.

  2. False Snap:

    • If a player calls "Snap" when no two cards are of the same rank, that player must give one card from their stack to the center pile as a penalty.

  3. Snap Groups:

    • Some variations include rules for snap groups (e.g., four cards of the same rank appearing consecutively).

Strategy Tips:

  • Stay Alert: Pay close attention to the central pile and watch for matching ranks.

  • React Quickly: Be ready to call "Snap" as soon as you spot a match.

  • Keep Your Hand Ready: Have your hand positioned near the central pile for a quick snap.

Snap is a classic game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its simplicity and fast-paced nature make it a popular choice for casual gatherings.

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