Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Whot! is an exciting card game where players race to get rid of all their cards by matching either the number or suit of the previous play. Originating in 1935 England and later popularized in Nigeria, Whot! combines strategy, timing, and the use of wild Whot! cards to create a fast-paced, engaging experience. Whether you’re playing the British or Nigerian version, this guide will walk you through the rules, scoring, and tips to enjoy the game to its fullest.

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

How to Play Whot!

Q: How many players can play Whot!?

Whot! can be played by two or more players. The game works well with small or large groups, though larger groups may take longer per round.

Q: What happens when the draw pile runs out?

Shuffle all cards from the play pile except the top card to form a new draw pile, and continue play.

Q: How is the winner decided?

In the standard scoring game, the winner is the last player remaining before reaching 100 penalty points. In a quick, single-deal version, the winner is simply the first to discard all their cards.

Q: Are there different versions of Whot!?

Yes. The British version and the Nigerian version have slightly different rules, especially in deck composition and scoring. Many packs also vary in the number of Whot! cards included.

Players and Cards

Whot! can be played by two or more players. The game uses a special deck of cards with five unequal suits, plus wild “Whot” cards.

Suits and Card Composition

Circles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Triangles: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Crosses: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14
Squares: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14
Stars: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8
Whot!: Four or five cards, typically numbered 20

Notes:

Early packs contained five Whot! cards, making a 54-card deck. British packs reduced this to four cards around 1990 (53-card deck).
Star cards count double when scoring. Most packs display two numbers on star cards: the large number is for gameplay, and the smaller number indicates points for scoring purposes.

Setup and Deal

Play proceeds clockwise, and the dealer role passes to the left after each hand.
To select the first dealer, each player cuts the shuffled deck. The lowest card wins, with Whot! cards counting as 20.
The dealer shuffles the deck, and the player to the dealer’s right cuts.
Each player is dealt 6 cards, one at a time. The remaining cards form a face-down draw pile.

Gameplay

The player to the dealer’s left starts by playing any card face-up to begin the play pile.
On subsequent turns, players may play one card from their hand if it matches:
1. The suit of the previous card
2. The number of the previous card
3. A Whot! card

Using a Whot! Card

When playing a Whot! card, the player chooses a suit.
The next player must play either a card of the named suit or another Whot! card.

Drawing Cards

If a player cannot or chooses not to play, they draw one card from the draw pile.
After drawing, the turn ends; no card may be played immediately.
If the draw pile is depleted, all but the top card of the play pile are reshuffled to form a new draw pile.

Note: The small numbers on star cards and the “20” on Whot! cards are ignored during gameplay; they are only used in scoring.

Scoring

A round ends when a player discards all their cards.
Remaining players receive penalty points based on cards left in their hands:
- Circles, Squares, Crosses, Triangles = face value
- Stars = double value (printed as a small number)
- Whot! = 20 points
Players reaching 100 or more penalty points are eliminated.
The last remaining player is declared the winner.

Variations

Quick Game: Play without scoring. One deal is played, and the first player to discard all cards wins.

Whot! FAQ

How many players can play Whot!?

Whot! can be played by two or more players. The game works well with small or large groups, though larger groups may take longer per round.

What are Whot! cards and how do they work?

Whot! cards are wild cards that can be played at any time. When you play one, you choose a suit for the next player to follow.

What does the “star” card do?

Star cards count double for scoring purposes. During play, they follow the normal rules like any other suit card. The small number printed on the card indicates the point value used at the end of the round.

Can I play if I don’t have a matching card?

No. If you cannot match the suit or number of the previous card and don’t have a Whot! card, you must draw one card from the draw pile. You cannot play after drawing on the same turn.

What happens when the draw pile runs out?

Shuffle all cards from the play pile except the top card to form a new draw pile, and continue play.

How is the winner decided?

In the standard scoring game, the winner is the last player remaining before reaching 100 penalty points. In a quick, single-deal version, the winner is simply the first to discard all their cards.

Are there different versions of Whot!?

Yes. The British version and the Nigerian version have slightly different rules, especially in deck composition and scoring. Many packs also vary in the number of Whot! cards included.

Final Thoughts

Whot! is a simple yet strategic card game that has stood the test of time, from 1930s England to modern-day Nigeria. Its mix of matching numbers and suits, along with the wild Whot! cards, creates opportunities for clever plays and exciting reversals. Whether playing a full scoring game or a quick round, Whot! offers fast-paced fun for players of all ages and experience levels. By understanding the basic rules, scoring, and strategic use of Whot! and star cards, you can enjoy this classic card game with family and friends anytime.