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Official Whot! Rules

Whot! is a popular card game with simple rules and strategic play. Here’s a basic rundown of the rules for Whot!:

Objective

The goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

Setup

  1. Deck: Whot! is played with a unique deck consisting of 52 cards in four suits (Hearts, Stars, Circles, and Squares) plus special Whot! cards.

  2. Deal: Shuffle the deck and deal 5 cards to each player (7 cards if there are only 2 players). Place the remaining deck face down to form the draw pile. Turn the top card of the draw pile face up to start the discard pile.

  • Numbers 1-14: Each suit has cards numbered from 1 to 14.

  • Whot! Cards: Special cards with unique abilities.

Special Cards

  1. Whot! (the "Whot" card): Can be played on any card and allows the player to choose the suit.

  2. Hold On: The next player must forfeit their turn.

  3. Switch: The direction of play is reversed.

  4. Change: Allows the player to choose a new suit for the next play.

  5. Pick Two: The next player must draw two cards from the draw pile.


Gameplay

  • Turn Order: Play proceeds clockwise.

  • Playing a Card: On your turn, you must play a card from your hand that matches the suit or number of the card on the discard pile. Alternatively, you can play a Whot! card, which allows you to choose the suit.

  • Drawing Cards: If you cannot play a card, draw one from the draw pile. If you draw a playable card, you may play it immediately; otherwise, your turn ends.

Winning the Game

  • The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game.

  • If the draw pile is exhausted and no player can play a card, the game ends. The player with the fewest cards left is the winner.

Notes/Variations

Calling Whot!: When you have only one card left, you must call "Whot!" If you forget to call it, you must draw two cards from the draw pile.

Whot! is a fun and fast-paced game that is easy to learn and enjoy.

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