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How to Play Spit

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

Spit (sometimes called Speed) is a fast-paced, two-player match game that is both intense and enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

    The Setup

  1. Step 1

    Sit at a table facing your opponent.

  2. Step 2

    Divide a standard 52-card deck evenly between both players (26 cards each).

  3. Step 3

    Avoid looking at your cards as you begin your setup.

  4. Step 4

    Set up five piles of cards face down in front of you. From left to right, your piles should be as follows: the first pile has one card, the second has two, the third has three, the fourth has four and the fifth has five.

  5. Step 5

    Turn over the top card in each pile.

  6. Step 6

    Hold the rest of your cards in your nondominant hand (probably your left hand if you are right-handed). These cards are your spit cards.

  7. Step 7

    Hold your spit cards throughout the game to ensure that you play with only one hand.

  8. The Game

  9. Step 1

    Start the game when both players are done setting up.

  10. Step 2

    Say "One, two, three, SPIT." At the same time, place the top cards from your in-hand spit cards between both of your setups, forming two "spit piles."

  11. Step 3

    Play cards either one higher or one lower than the top card on either spit pile. Use only exposed cards from your setup. For example, if one of the spit piles shows a ten, you may play either a nine or a jack. If a jack is played, the next card must be either a ten or a queen.

  12. Step 4

    Play cards as fast you can, placing them on either pile. The first person to put his or her card down prevails.

  13. Step 5

    Expose the next card in your setup after you use a card. Keep five cards exposed in front of you at all times.

  14. Step 6

    Count "One, two, three, SPIT" when neither player can play a card on either spit pile.

  15. Step 7

    Keep playing until one player has no cards left in his or her setup.

  16. Step 8

    Stop playing.

  17. Step 9

    Pick up the smaller spit pile and shuffle it into your spit cards if you were the first one done. The other player must pick up the larger pile.

  18. Step 10

    Shuffle your cards.

  19. Step 11

    Make your setup again.

  20. Step 12

    Continue playing until one player has too few cards to make a complete setup. This player should make as much of a setup as possible. He or she will have no spit cards, so there will be only one spit pile in the center.

  21. Step 13

    "Pick up" the nonexistent spit pile if you win the round with only one spit pile. If this means you have no cards at all, you win.

  22. Step 14

    Continue playing until someone wins.

Tips & Warnings
  • Speed is the key.
  • Keep five cards showing in your setup at all times.
  • Place cards using only one hand, and make sure your opponent is doing the same.
  • On an ace, play either a king or a two.
  • You may not count the number of cards in the spit piles after you win a round. Just guess and try to pick up the smaller one.

Comments  

tales88 said

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on 7/15/2007 two things: i play using the regular setup, but if you have two top cards that match, you can consolidate them and turn over another top card. AND you do not have to get rid of all you cards first to claim the smallest pile. You just have to keep an eye out to see who finishes first and once either player finishes, slap the deck of your choosing first to claim it. This might result in some stinging slaps to the top of your hand if you each go for the same pile, but it makes the game more exciting.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 8/8/2006 Instead of the regular setup, make five piles consisting of one card each. Hold your spit pile. When you play a card, immediately replace it. Keep playing until you have played through your spit pile.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 When you have only 1 or 2 cards left, to win the game, make fakes before you actually play the card, so your opponent will not know when to slap. When you finally do play the cards, you will probably win the slap easily, since the opponent will think you are making another fake. This has always worked well for me.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Look at your opponent's cards before you start. After you all say spit, lay down cards in an effort to get it out of reach of the opponent's cards. That way, he/she cannot put down any cards.

If you have a combo, put down the cards in a varying routine, so that your opponent gets confused about which card to put down.

Slap with a thrust, so that your arm is parallel to your hand. Do not just slap from up to down. It's like stabbing the pile of cards. It's a much faster slap.

Play with a sleeveless shirt.

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eHow Article: How to Play Spit

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