What is Spit?

Spitting also known by its shortened names Slam or Speed is among the fastest games ever played with cards. And easily requires thinking on your feet, sharp reflexes, and a little strategy. Typically, it is played by two players, though it can be adapted to more depending upon the number of players that have an idea of the game. The game is characterized by speed; thus, players are supposed to arrange their cards and play them as fast as they can while trying to outstrip the opponent. Thus, it makes for a very exciting and entertaining game, good for all ages.

Game Objective

The primary aim of the game Spit is to empty your deck before doing so to your opponent. The game is about laying down cards on the playtable in a specific sequence; the first person to empty his hand wins the round.

Game Setup

Materials Needed:

• A pack of standard 52 cards with no Jokers.
• A playtable.

Players:

• Ideally suited for two players. It can be played more players though.

Getting Ready the Deck:

1. Shuffle the pack completely.
2. Each player has 26 cards to put face down in his personal pile.
3. Each player creates his “Spit” pile which consists of five cards from his pile. These are faced up in a row so that the top card of each pile can be seen.
4. The leftover cards will go to make the draw pile for each player, placed face down.

Gameplay Mechanics

How to Begin the Game:

1. Both players say “Spit” at the same time to start.
2. Players will simultaneously flip over the top card of their own Spit pile and place that card in the middle of the table to create the two primary play piles-one for each player.

Playing Cards:

Cards can be played from either play pile to either play pile in sequential or reverse order, without regard to the suit of the card. For example,

1. A 5 may be played on either a 4 or a 6.
2. An Ace can be moved on a 2 or as a low card before a 2.

Shooting for Cards:

• From the above, for instance, when the cards in the player’s Spit piles have depleted, one would draw from a personal pile as fast as possible to continue playing
• A play turn that results in moving a card to one of the central piles gives it an opportunity to flip the subsequent card in the same player’s Spit pile and start shooting fast again

Ending a Round:

• The game is over if one of the players has played all the cards in his hand. That player wins the round.
• The loser has to gather the cards remaining for forming a new pile in anticipation of the next round.

Strategy Tips

1. Speed Kills: Reaction time wins the game. Practice to get speed and increase your chances.
2. Watch Your Opponent’s Hand: Pay attention to what your opponent is playing so that you can anticipate what he will be doing next.
3. Card Management: Keep track of how many you have in reserve and how you can best use them.

Variations of Spit

While the basic Spit is already exciting, there are different variations with cool twists to the game:

• Multi-Player Spit: One way to modify the rule to use more than two players is to make more than two piles for playing. This can be quite exciting and chaotic.
• Timed rounds: Everyone sets a timer for each round to add an extra challenge. In case no one wins in the set time, players can reshuffle and begin another round.
• Parchment Decks: One can use themed decks or with unique card designs to change the look of the game and make it more visually appealing.

Conclusion

Speed, strategy, and a dash of luck-all with a simplicity that makes it easy to learn but fast enough for those who play it. Whether you are playing with friends, family, or to entertain in some game night gathering, Spit spells the difference between fun and excitement for all who play. Get your cards ready, find a partner, and let’s begin to “spit” our way towards great victory.