Kemps Card Game Rules

Kemps is a classic card game usually played by four players — though any larger even number can play — with a standard deck of 52 cards. Players are divided into teams of two, partners sitting across from each other. It is a game of strategy, quick thinking, and silent communication, where the objective is to obtain four of a kind and have your partner call out "KEMPS" before your opponents catch on.

Game Overview

Kemps is a game of partnership, originating from an unknown period and country. It is a game of skill and strategy that requires concentration, quick thinking, and communication with your partner.

Objective

The primary objective of Kemps is to be the first team to lose five hands, spelling out the word K-E-M-P-S. Each hand's goal is to obtain four of a kind and for your partner to say "KEMPS", or to say "KEMPS" yourself when your partner has four of a kind, or to say "STOP KEMPS" when a player from another team has four of a kind, before their partner says "KEMPS".

Setup

Before starting the game, each two-player team should agree on a secret signal that they can use to communicate with each other during the game. The signal can be a body movement, a gesture, or a hand signal, but words are not allowed. After any hand, teams are allowed to agree on new signals if they suspect that the opponents might have guessed some of their existing signals.

The dealer is chosen either at random or someone may volunteer. The dealer deals four cards to every player. After everyone has looked at their cards, the dealer deals four more cards, one at a time, in a row face up in the middle.

How to Play

Players can pick up one (or more) of the face-up cards from the middle, add it (them) to their hand, and immediately discard a different card(s) face up in its place. Players do not take turns; they can replace cards as often as they want to, until no one wants any of the four face-up cards. If two players want the same face-up card, the first player to touch it gets it.

The dealer then sweeps these four cards away and deals out four new cards on the table. Play then continues as before. This process is repeated until the deck is gone or someone yells "KEMPS" or "STOP KEMPS".

Scoring and End of Game

As soon as "KEMPS" is said, the hand is over. The partner of the person who said "KEMPS" must reveal their cards. If they have four of a kind, the opposing team receives a letter starting with "K" — with more than four players, all of the opposing teams get a letter. If the partner does not have four of a kind, then the team that incorrectly called "KEMPS" receives a letter.

"STOP KEMPS" is said when a player suspects the opposing team of having four of a kind. If one of the opposing players does in fact have four of a kind, the team that was stopped receives the letter. If they do not, the team who called "STOP KEMPS" receives it instead.

The first team to lose five hands, thus getting five letters spelling the whole word K-E-M-P-S, loses the game. If a point is reached when no one wants any of the face-up cards, and the dealer has no more fresh cards to deal, the hand ends and no one gets a letter. This is called a "real deal".

Common Variations

Some people play that at the end of the deal, the play starts when the dealer says "GO". Some people only allow one card to be picked up at a time. The player must discard a card before picking up another.

A Bit of History

Kemps is a popular card game that has been played in various parts of the world. Its exact origin is unknown, but it has been enjoyed by card enthusiasts for many years.

Where to Get the Game

A standard deck of 52 cards is required to play Kemps. You can purchase a deck on Amazon at this link: 54-card deck on Amazon

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not using subtle signals: Make sure your signals are simple and not easy to guess by your opponents.
2. Being too obvious: Avoid being too obvious about which cards you are going for.
3. Neglecting observation: Pay close attention to your opponents' moves and cards.
4. Ignoring partner's signals: Be aware of your partner's signals and respond appropriately.
5. Misusing signals: Do not use your signals for anything other than communicating four of a kind.

FAQ

1. Can more than four players play Kemps? Yes, more than four players can play Kemps, but two decks may be used if there are more than eight players.

2. Can I use words as signals in Kemps? No, words are not allowed as signals in Kemps.

3. What happens if nobody wants the face-up cards and the deck has run out? The hand ends and nobody gets a letter. This is called a "real deal", and the dealer simply deals for the next hand.

4. Is it possible to cheat in Kemps? Yes, cheating by using signals with other meanings is known as "table talk" and is penalized by loss of the game if discovered.

5. Can I pick up more than one card at a time in Kemps? Yes, you can pick up more than one card at a time, but you must discard an equal number of different cards to reduce your hand back to four cards.

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