How to Play Exploding Kittens
Exploding Kittens is a fast, silly card game that’s easy to learn and great for laughs. If you like sneaky plays and sudden surprises, this guide on Playmore will get you playing quickly.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exploding Kittens | Take-that card game | 2–5 | Use the components included with the game |
What you are trying to do
Your job is simple: avoid being eliminated by an Exploding Kitten card. Play cards to mess with other players, protect yourself when needed, and be the last player left who hasn’t exploded.
What you need and how to set up
Use the deck and pieces that come in the box. Different editions and expansions change a few cards and counts, so check the official rules that came with your copy for exact setup numbers. In general:
- Shuffle the deck and deal each player a starting hand (follow the box instructions for how many cards).
- Place any special cards that the box tells you to set aside or add back into the deck exactly as the rulebook says.
- Put the remaining deck face down in the center. Have a discard pile ready.
How to play
- On your turn, you may play cards from your hand to use their effects. You can play none, one, or several cards, depending on what you want to do and what the rules for your edition allow.
- Most cards change player order, force other players to take actions, let you look at or shuffle the deck, or cancel someone else’s card. Use them to protect yourself or target opponents.
- When you finish playing cards, you must draw one card from the top of the deck. Drawing is the risky part: you might draw an Exploding Kitten.
- If you draw an Exploding Kitten and cannot avoid it, you are eliminated from the round. Some cards let you avoid an explosion or change where the kitten goes. Save those cards for when you really need them.
- If a card lets you change the draw order, skip a draw, or make someone else draw, use it before you draw to reduce your chance of exploding.
How a round or game ends
Keep playing until only one player remains who hasn’t been eliminated by an Exploding Kitten. That last player wins the game. If your copy includes alternative victory conditions or team variants, check the box rules for those specifics.
Beginner tips
- Save defensive cards for when you actually draw a kitten. They’re often the most valuable cards.
- Pay attention to the discard pile. It tells you what’s already been played and what might still be in the deck.
- Use peek or shuffle effects to reduce risk when the deck feels dangerous.
- Don’t show your hand unless a card forces you to. Secrecy keeps other players guessing.
- Target the person with the fewest cards if you want to pressure someone who can’t respond.
- Try small bluffs. Pretending you have a defensive card can change how others play around you.
FAQ
How many players can play?
The game supports 2–5 players in the standard edition. Some versions and expansions change player counts, so check your box or the included rules.
What happens if I draw an Exploding Kitten?
If you draw one and can’t use a card that prevents your elimination, you’re out of the round. Some cards let you defuse, avoid, or relocate the kitten—save those for emergencies.
Can I play cards after I draw?
Typically your turn ends after you draw, so play cards before you draw to reduce risk. Specific editions or house rules can change this, so check the rulebook that came with your game.
Groups should check the official Exploding Kittens rules included with your copy for exact card effects, counts, and any variant rules.