The goal is to grab a spoon on the table. The twist is nobody can grab a spoon until at least one player gets 4 of a kind. Also, there is always one less spoon than there are players. The game ends when two players compete for the last spoon.

You need a full deck of cards, preferably with both jokers. Jokers are wild cards, without them the game is possible but takes longer. The next item you need are spoons (pens, coins, or any similar trinket). You need one fewer spoon than there are players. In other words, you need 6 spoons if there are 7 players, 5 spoons if there are 6 players, etc.

Arrange the spoons in a circle toward the middle of the table. At least one spoon should be within reach of each player. Next deal out 4 cards to each player. The dealer keeps the rest of the cards near them.

Once the cards are dealt and the spoons laid out the game begins. The dealer draws one card from the deck and decides whether they want to keep it or not. Then they pass one card to the player on their left. The dealer continues drawing and passing one card at a time to their left. The next player picks up the card and discards one card to the player on their left. Nobody is allowed to have more than 5 cards in their hand at any time. Cards can pile up depending on how fast or slow players pass them.

Play continues around the table in this fashion until one player gets 4 of a kind. Once a player gets 4 of a kind they are allowed to pick up a spoon. Once one player picks up a spoon the other players are allowed to pick up the remaining spoons.

The player to the dealer’s right should avoid mixing their discard pile and the deck the dealer is drawing from. In theory someone should get 4 of a kind before the dealer runs out of cards.

Players are not required to lay down or announce their 4 of a kind until after all the spoons are picked up. They can continue to pick up and pass cards if they wish. Once all the spoons are picked up the round is over and the player without a spoon is eliminated.

After a player is eliminated, one spoon is removed. The remaining spoons are laid out on the table. Deal moves to the player on the left. The next dealer shuffle’s the cards and deals out 4 cards to each player.

Once the cards are dealt and everyone’s ready the dealer begins the round by drawing a card from the deck. Once the dealer starts drawing they don’t stop drawing and passing until all the spoons are picked up. Again, a spoon can’t be picked up until one player gets 4 of a kind (not 4 of the same suit). When all the spoons are picked up the round is over and another player is eliminated.

Each round eliminates one player and one spoon is removed. The final round involves two players and one spoon. The player who grabs the final spoon wins the game.

Keep an eye on the spoons. Players aren’t required to announce their 4 or a kind or stop passing cards once the get 4 of a kind. Some players are very sneaky about grabbing a spoon and letting the round go on.

The idea is to process cards as fast as you can but there isn’t a rule against going slowly. The game is definitely a lot more lively when everyone is passing cards as fast as they can.

There’s also no rule against a bluff or fake grab to distract players. A player is required to show their 4 of a kind at the end of the round so don’t go overboard.

Eliminated players can watch or help players pass cards if there’s a large gap between players.

Spoons can be absolute chaos at times but also terribly fun. The game is simple enough for anyone to learn. It’s definitely a winner and any party. If you enjoy games like Pit or Slap Jack then you should give Spoons a try!

How to Play Spoons Card Game
brought to you by: David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.