Exploding Kittens Rules

Exploding Kittens: A Fun and Strategic Card Game

Exploding Kittens is a popular card game that combines elements of strategy, luck, and a touch of humor. Originating from a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2015, this game has quickly become a fan favorite and a must-have for game nights. The game can be played with 2 to 5 players and requires the Exploding Kittens deck (available on Amazon) and optional expansion packs.

Objective

The main objective of Exploding Kittens is to avoid drawing an exploding kitten card, while simultaneously trying to defuse other players' kittens or force them to draw one themselves. The first player to successfully navigate through the deck without drawing an exploding kitten card wins the game.

Setup

To set up the game, shuffle the entire Exploding Kittens deck (including all action cards) and deal each player 5 cards face down. Place the remaining cards in a draw pile, with the top card flipped face-up next to the draw pile to start a discard pile. The rest of the exploding kitten cards are not used during setup but serve as a reminder of how many more explosions remain in the deck.

How to Play

1. On their turn, each player does the following:
   • Draw one card from the draw pile and add it to their hand.
   • If they have drawn an exploding kitten card, the game immediately ends, and that player loses. If there are no defuse cards in their hand, everyone else wins except for the player who drew the exploding kitten.
   • Play one action card from their hand (if they choose to do so). Action cards can be used at any time during a turn, even before or after drawing a new card. Some action cards allow players to skip their turn, force other players to draw multiple cards, look at other players' hands, or defuse an exploding kitten in another player's hand.
   • If a player has no more actions to play and no exploding kitten cards in their hand, they pass their turn to the next player.
2. A concrete example: Player A draws a card that says "Skip a turn." They choose not to use it and draw another card, revealing an action card that lets them look at another player's hand (Player B). After looking at Player B's hand, Player A sees they have an exploding kitten card. Player A can now choose to defuse Player B's kitten with their own defuse card or force Player B to draw extra cards using a different action card.

Scoring and End of Game

The game continues until all but one player have drawn an exploding kitten card, with that last player being the winner. In case multiple players are left at the end, they can play a one-off "Apocalypse" card (included in the original deck) to determine the winner. The Apocalypse card causes every player who is not the winner to draw three exploding kitten cards simultaneously, ensuring a clear victor.

Common Variants

There are several expansion packs available for Exploding Kittens, adding new action cards and gameplay mechanics. Some popular ones include "Imperial Cat-o-Pult," which introduces catapult cards that allow players to launch attacks on each other, and "Kitten Siege," featuring a new game mode called "Battle Royale."

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not reading action card instructions carefully: It's essential to understand the various action cards and their effects before playing them, as some cards can have unexpected consequences.
2. Hoarding defuse cards: While having defuse cards is crucial for winning the game, holding onto too many of them can give other players the opportunity to draw exploding kittens without any way to stop them.
3. Ignoring the number of explosions remaining in the deck: Keeping track of the number of exploding kitten cards left in the deck can help players determine when it's safer to play certain action cards or defuse another player's kitten.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I play Exploding Kittens with more than 5 players? A: Yes, you can add additional players by increasing the number of cards dealt at the start of the game and adjusting the number of cards drawn each turn accordingly. However, the recommended player count is between 2 and 5.
2. Q: Can I play Exploding Kittens with fewer than 2 players? A: The game is designed for at least two players, so it's not recommended to play with less than that number.
3. Q: Are there any age restrictions for playing Exploding Kittens? A: The game is rated for ages 7 and up, but the theme and some action cards may not be suitable for younger children. The "Kitten Games" edition is designed specifically for ages 4 and up and includes simpler rules and fewer potentially inappropriate cards.