Last Updated on August 25, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Spite and Malice is a competitive, fast-paced card game for two players (more decks are added for more players), where the goal is to be the first to play all the cards in your “payoff pile.” The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, and each player starts with a personal payoff pile, which they aim to empty by playing cards in sequential order (Ace to King) onto central discard piles. Here’s a breakdown of the rules:

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How to Play Spite and Malice

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What You Need to Play Spite and Malice

• Two standard 52-card decks (shuffle them together into one combined deck)
• Two players (though variations for more players exist)
• A flat playing surface with space for:
  • Stockpiles (one per player)
  • Building piles in the center
  • Personal discard piles (up to four per player)
  • A central draw pile

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Setup

1. Shuffle both decks together thoroughly.
2. Deal 20 cards face-down to each player to form their stockpile. Flip the top card of each stockpile face-up.
3. Place the remaining cards face-down in the center as the draw pile.
4. Leave space in the middle for up to four building piles where sequences will be built from Ace up to Queen.
5. Each player should reserve space for four personal discard piles beside their stockpile.
6. Kings are wild and can represent any card value in a sequence.

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Gameplay

1. Determine the starting player: Flip the top card of each player’s stockpile—whoever has the higher card goes first.
2. Draw a hand: On your first turn, draw five cards from the draw pile.
3. Play cards to the building piles:
   • Building piles start with an Ace and continue in order up to Queen (suits don’t matter).
   • Kings can be placed anywhere as wild cards.
   • You can play cards from your hand, the top of your stockpile, or the top card of your discard piles.
4. Discard at the end of your turn: Place one card into any of your personal discard piles. Only the top card of each discard pile can be played later.
5. On each new turn, draw enough cards to refill your hand to five cards.
6. If you play all five cards from your hand in one turn, draw a fresh set of five cards immediately and continue playing until you can’t move.

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Special Rules for Spite and Malice

• Only four building piles can be active at once.
• When a building pile reaches a Queen, it’s completed and removed. Shuffle it back into the draw pile.
• If your stockpile card can be played, you must play it before ending your turn.
• Wild Kings can be strategically used to either finish a pile or bridge gaps in sequences.

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Winning the Game

The first player to play every card from their stockpile wins the game.

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Strategy Tips

• Manage your discard piles carefully—arrange them so you can chain multiple plays in a single turn.
• Watch your opponent—hold back cards they need if it can block their progress.
• Use Kings wisely—placing them too early might help your opponent more than you.
• Play aggressively when you’re close to winning, but defensively when you’re behind.

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Spite and Malice FAQ

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Why Play Spite and Malice?

Spite and Malice blends speed, strategy, and just the right amount of luck, making it a perfect two-player rivalry game. Once you know the rules, you’ll find yourself scheming moves ahead, sabotaging your opponent, and racing to victory.

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Video Tutorial