Spoons is a fun, easy-to-learn card game for two or more players.

Don’t be the player without a spoon at the end of the round!

Find the video tutorial and written explanation for how to play the card game spoons below.

Spoons Tutorial

Needed

Two or more players; 52 card deck; one less spoon than the number of players

Deal

Players are dealt four cards, one card at a time. The remaining deck is placed to the right of the dealer’s cards. The spoons are placed in between all players.

Objective

The object of the game is to not be the only player without a spoon when the round ends. Players can grab a spoon when they either have a 4-of-a-kind in their hand or once the first spoon has been taken.

Game Play

The game begins with the dealer looking at the top card of the deck and either switching it with one of the cards in their hand or passing it face down on the table their left. Once a card is passed left, the next player can pick up the card and either switch a card or passes it. At the same time, the dealer is looking at the next top card from the deck.

Players pass cards as fast as they want, which will cause some backup of cards for some players. Players are only allowed to look at one card at a time. There will also be a discard pile formed to the right of the deck.

Once a player has 4-of-a-kind in their hand, they can grab a spoon. This can be done in any way, slow and sneaky or quick and loud. Another player that notices a spoon has been taken can grab a spoon as well. One player will be left without a spoon at the end of the round.

Scoring

The player without a spoon is given a letter. Once a player gets six letters that spell out spoons, they are out of the game. A game can be played with a longer or shorter word to change the length of the game. When a player is eliminated, remove one of the spoons from the middle. The last player left in the game wins.

Rules

  • If the deck runs out without a player having a 4-of-a-kind, the discard pile is shuffled by the dealer, and cards continue to be played.

  • If a player mistakenly grabs a spoon without a player having a 4-of-a-kind, the player loses the round and is given a letter.