Last Updated on February 26, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team
Don’t Get Stabbed! is a fast-paced and unpredictable card game where players try to avoid being the one who draws the “stab” card. This page provides a clear breakdown of the rules, guiding you through the card drawing, hand management, and the suspenseful moments of hoping you don’t get stabbed. With its simple mechanics and quick rounds, Don’t Get Stabbed! offers an engaging experience for those who enjoy a game of chance and a bit of suspense. Get ready to draw, strategize, and try to avoid the fatal card.
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Objective
The goal of the game is to be the last player standing without getting stabbed. Players must avoid making mistakes and manage their cards carefully to avoid elimination.
Setup
- Shuffle the Deck: Shuffle the deck of cards thoroughly.
- Deal Cards: Deal an equal number of cards to each player. The exact number can vary depending on the number of players.
- Prepare Tokens: Place the stab tokens in a common area where all players can see them.
Components
- Deck of Cards: Includes action cards, stab cards, and other special cards.
- Stab Tokens: Represent potential eliminations.
- Score Pad: Optional, for tracking points or rounds.
Gameplay
- Starting the Game: Determine who goes first, either randomly or based on a chosen method.
- Drawing Cards:
- On their turn, a player draws a card from the deck.
- Each card will either have an action, a stab effect, or a special effect.
- Action Cards:
- Follow the instructions on the action cards. These may require players to perform specific actions, make decisions, or pass their turn.
- Stab Cards:
- If a player draws a stab card, they must take a stab token.
- The player’s goal is to avoid accumulating too many stab tokens, as having too many will result in elimination.
- Special Cards:
- Some cards may offer special abilities or actions that can influence the game, such as swapping cards with other players or protecting against stab cards.
Rules
- Avoid Stab Cards: Players should be cautious about drawing stab cards, as they lead to penalties or elimination.
- Follow Actions: When drawing an action card, follow the instructions carefully to avoid penalties.
- Manage Tokens: Each stab token represents a risk. Accumulating too many can lead to elimination or loss.
Winning the Game
- The game continues until only one player remains who has not been eliminated by accumulating too many stab tokens.
- The last player standing wins the game.
Notes/Variations
- Team Play: Form teams and work together to avoid getting stabbed and to strategize actions.
- Timed Rounds: Introduce a timer for each turn to increase the game’s pace and challenge.
- Advanced Rules: Incorporate additional rules or effects for more complex gameplay.
Don’t Get Stabbed! is a party game where you get to kill your family and friends! … for pretend of course. It’s inspired by horror movies of the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, but is light-hearted enough for everyone to enjoy. The ultimate Halloween game!

