Kemps is a fast and frantic card game played in teams of two. The goal is to collect four of a kind and secretly signal your partner before the opposing team catches on. It is loud, chaotic, and relies heavily on communication and misdirection. Here is how to play Kemps.
Materials You Need
- A standard 52-card deck
- Four or six players, divided into teams of two
- A table large enough for active play
Team Setup
Players form teams of two and sit across from their partner. Teams should agree on a single secret signal before the game begins. This signal can be a gesture, facial movement, or subtle action.
Signals must be silent and agreed upon in advance. Changing signals during the game is not allowed.
Basic Setup
Shuffle the deck and deal four cards face down to each player.
Place four cards face up in the center of the table. These center cards are shared by all players.
How the Game Works
Trading Cards
Players may trade cards with the center at any time. To trade, discard one card from your hand and replace it with one card from the center.
All trades happen simultaneously and continuously. There are no turns.
Refreshing the Center
If all players agree or if play stalls, one player calls for a refresh. The four center cards are discarded and replaced with four new cards from the deck.
Calling Kemps
When a player collects four cards of the same rank, they use the agreed-upon signal to alert their partner.
Once the partner sees the signal, they loudly call “Kemps.” If the call is correct, that team scores one point.
Countering a Call
If a player believes they have caught an opposing team signaling, they may call “Counter-Kemps.”
If the accusation is correct, the accusing team scores a point. If it is incorrect, the opposing team scores instead.
Winning the Game
Play continues until a team reaches the agreed-upon score, usually five points.
Important Rules to Remember
- All players trade cards at the same time.
- Only one signal per team is allowed.
- Signals must be silent.
- You may only call Kemps after your partner signals you.
- False Counter-Kemps calls give the point to the other team.
Tips for Playing Kemps
- Choose a signal that feels natural and easy to repeat.
- Avoid obvious gestures that draw attention.
- Watch other teams as closely as you watch your own hand.
- Refresh the center cards often to keep the game moving.
- Agree on a target score before starting.
Image Suggestions
- Four playing cards laid face up in the center of a table (alt text: “Center cards used for trading in the Kemps card game”)
- Two pairs of chairs facing each other across a table (alt text: “Seating arrangement for teams in a game of Kemps”)
- Close-up of four matching playing cards held in a fan (alt text: “Four of a kind needed to win in Kemps”)
- Discard pile of cards beside a deck (alt text: “Discard pile and deck used to refresh center cards in Kemps”)
- Subtle hand gesture near a stack of cards (alt text: “Subtle signaling gesture used between partners in Kemps”)
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