Looking for a card game that combines teamwork, strategy, and a dash of secret signals? Meet Kemps card game. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a casual gamer, Kemps brings a refreshing twist to game night. Ready to decode signals, outsmart opponents, and claim victory? Let’s dive into the rules, strategies, and tips that’ll make you a Kemps master!
Table of Contents
What is Kemps Card Game?
Kemps is a team-based card game where the goal is to collect a set of four matching cards and use a secret signal to alert your partner. Think of it as a mix of poker, charades, and good old-fashioned mischief. The game is wildly popular at parties and family gatherings due to its simple setup and emphasis on teamwork and creativity.
How to Play Kemps Card Game
Game Setup
- Players: Kemps requires at least 4 players divided into pairs.
- Materials: A standard deck of 52 cards (remove Jokers).
- Seating: Players sit in alternating pairs (e.g., A1, B1, A2, B2).
- Signals: Teams agree on a single secret, visual signal to communicate “I have four-of-a-kind.” No verbal cues are allowed. Decoy signals to confuse opponents are permitted in some variations.
- Scoresheet: write KEMPS on the scoresheet as penalty, the first team to spell K-E-M-P-S loses the game.
- Dealer: A random player becomes the dealer, who shuffles and deals cards.
Objective of the Game
The main goal is to silently signal your partner that you have a four-of-a-kind. If your partner notices, they shout “Kemps!” to win the round. Be careful, though—if opponents catch your signal, they can shout “Stop Kemps!” to steal the win.
Gameplay
- Dealing Cards:
- Each player receives 4 cards face-down.
- Four cards are dealt face-up in the center.
- Card Swapping:
- Players simultaneously swap cards from their hand with those in the center.
- There are no turns; it’s a free-for-all. The first player to touch a card claims it.
- Declaring Victory:
- When a player achieves four-of-a-kind, they signal their partner, who must call “Kemps!” to score.
- If an opponent believes a player has four-of-a-kind, they can stop the game by calling “Stop Kemps!”
- Scoring:
- Correct Kemps Call: The team scores a point or avoids a penalty.
- Incorrect Kemps Call: The calling team receives a penalty letter (starting with “K”).
- Stop Kemps: If the caller is correct about an opponent’s four-of-a-kind, the opposing team gets a penalty. Otherwise, the calling team is penalized.
- Ending the Round:
- The dealer refreshes the center cards when all players agree they are unplayable.
- The game continues until the deck is exhausted, or a team loses by spelling “KEMPS.”
Kemps Card Game Signs
1. Creating Non-Verbal Signals
Choose something subtle that’s easy for your partner to recognize but hard for others to decode. Popular kemps signals:
- The Eyebrow Raise: A quick arch of your brow. Bonus: Works great for poker-faced players!
- The Double Scratch: Scratch your nose or head twice. Simple but effective.
- The Table Tap: Lightly tap the table with your fingers—just don’t overdo it!
- The Sip Signal: Take a small sip of your drink when you’ve got four-of-a-kind.
- The Yawn Move: Fake a yawn to throw off opponents while signaling your partner.
- The Glass Push: Adjust your glasses or pretend to fix an imaginary pair.
- The Shoulder Shrug: A casual shrug that screams, “I’m chill… and I’ve got this!”
- The Chin Rub: Stroke your chin like you’re deep in thought.
- The Cough Code: One soft cough means three-of-a-kind, two coughs mean four-of-a-kind.
- The Wink and Nod Combo: A wink followed by a subtle nod. Perfect for dramatic flair!
2. Decoding Opponents’ Signals
- Pay close attention to repetitive gestures or unusual behavior.
- If you notice suspicious actions, be ready to call “Stop-Kemps” to stop their victory.
Strategies to Win Kemps
1. Teamwork and Communication
- Practice your signals before the game to ensure smooth communication.
- Establish a backup signal in case your original one is discovered.
2. Bluffing and Misdirection
- Use fake signals to throw opponents off track.
- Act suspiciously even when you don’t have a four-of-a-kind to confuse others.
3. Adapting to Opponents
- Observe how your opponents interact to predict their moves.
- Switch up your signals periodically to stay unpredictable.
Kemps Drinking Game: The Ultimate Team Challenge
Take the fast-paced, team-focused excitement of Kemps and turn it into the ultimate party drinking game! Perfect for groups who love competition and camaraderie with a side of wild drinking rules.
1. The “KEMPS Slam” Round
After each round, the losing team drinks one sip for every letter of “KEMPS” they’ve accumulated. Spelling the full word? Finish your drinks or take on a dare chosen by the winning team.
2. KEMPS Countdown
When your team loses a round, the winning team chooses one player on the losing side to take a penalty drink. The twist? The sips depend on how many letters of “KEMPS” the losing team has spelled (e.g., “K” = 1 sip, “KEM” = 3 sips).
3. The Last-Card Gamble
When your team wins a round, your opponents assign you drinks equal to the rank of your four-of-a-kind. For example, if you win with four Kings, your team splits 13 sips.
4. Four-of-a-Kind Frenzy
Winning with a specific suit brings unique penalties for the losers:
- Hearts: Everyone else drinks to “spread the love.”
- Diamonds: Opponents toast “to riches” and drink.
- Spades: Losers finish their drinks for “burial rights.”
- Clubs: Both teams toast together and take a celebratory sip!
5. Wild Card Drinking Rule
Before the game starts, draw a random card and assign it a punishment (e.g., “Whoever holds the Ace of Spades at the end of the round takes two sips”). The wild card rule stays active for the entire game, keeping everyone on edge.
Themed Kemps Card Game: Add a Creative Twist
If you’re looking to make Kemps even more fun and memorable, adding a theme is the perfect way to spice things up. Whether it’s for a holiday gathering, a birthday party, or just a casual game night with friends, Themed Kemps injects creativity and laughter into every round.
How to Set Up Themed Kemps
- Choose Your Theme: Pick a theme that matches the occasion or mood of your group. It could be anything from holidays to pop culture to inside jokes.
- Customize Signals: Create signals that align with your theme. These can be physical gestures, sounds, or even props that fit the vibe.
- Set the Mood: Decorate your space or dress up to match the theme. Playing with a themed deck of cards (e.g., Halloween or Christmas designs) adds an extra layer of immersion.
- Add Matching Penalties or Rewards: Incorporate theme-specific challenges for incorrect calls or winning rounds. For example, in a pirate theme, losers could “walk the plank” (perform a funny task).
Creative Themed Kemps Ideas
1. Holiday Kemps
Bring festive cheer to your game night with holiday-themed signals and penalties:
- Signals: Pretend to hang an ornament (Christmas), do a spooky hand wave (Halloween), or point to an invisible firework (New Year’s).
- Penalties: Losers sing a Christmas carol or howl like a werewolf.
- Alcoholic: Spiked Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Christmas), Witch’s Brew Sangria (Halloween), or Sparkling Champagne Cocktails (New Year’s).
- Non-Alcoholic: Gingerbread Hot Cocoa, Pumpkin Spice Mocktail, or Sparkling Apple Cider Punch.
2. Pop Culture Kemps
Channel your favorite movies, shows, or music:
- Signals: Strike a superhero pose, mimic a famous dance move, or hum a recognizable tune.
- Penalties: Losers recite a line from the theme or impersonate a character.
- Alcoholic: Marvel Margarita (red and blue layers), Central Perk Coffee Martini (Friends), or a Wizard’s Butterbeer (Harry Potter).
- Non-Alcoholic: Strawberry Lemonade “Lightsaber” Punch, Themed Milkshakes (like a “Ross’s Rumble” chocolate shake), or a Sparkling Butterbeer Mocktail.
3. Pirate Kemps
Ahoy, matey! Turn your table into a pirate of Caribbean adventure:
- Signals: Adjust an imaginary eyepatch, mimic raising a flag, or mouth the words “Arr!”
- Penalties: Losers down a “grog” (a drink) or speak in pirate lingo for a round.
- Alcoholic: Rum Runner Punch, Pirate’s Treasure Daiquiri (golden-colored rum drink), or Coconut Spiced Rum Tiki Cocktail.
- Non-Alcoholic: Virgin Piña Colada, Sea Breeze Mocktail (cranberry and grapefruit juice), or a Blue Ocean Soda with gummy sharks.
4. Emoji Kemps
Turn your favorite texting symbols into game-worthy gestures:
- Signals: Make a heart shape with your hands, do a peace sign, or mimic a facepalm.
- Penalties: Losers must act out a random emoji chosen by the winners.
- Alcoholic: Emoji-Themed Jello Shots (use molds or colored layers to match emojis), or a Facepalm Lemon Drop Martini.
- Non-Alcoholic: Rainbow Fruit Juice Punch or Emoji Smoothies with cute faces drawn on clear cups.
5. Sports Kemps
Perfect for game day or a sports-themed party:
- Signals: Pretend to shoot a basketball, swing a bat, or give a referee “time-out” gesture.
- Penalties: Losers do a mock victory lap or cheer for the winning team.
- Alcoholic: Halftime Huddle Beer Cocktails, MVP Margarita (classic lime with sports-themed garnishes), or Victory Vodka Lemonade.
- Non-Alcoholic: Sports Drink Spritzers, Lemon-Lime Soda Mocktails, or Energy Drink Slushies.
Always Drink Responsibly
Themed Kemps is all about fun and creativity, but remember to enjoy your drinks responsibly. Keep water on hand, ensure everyone is comfortable with the pace, and always have non-alcoholic options available. Cheers to a safe and exciting game night!
Kemps Card Game vs. Bullshit Card Game
Both Kemps and Bullshit (also known as Cheat) are bluffing card games that thrive in social settings, but they have distinct styles and strategies.
Gameplay Focus:
- Kemps relies on teamwork and secret signals to collect four-of-a-kind and call “Kemps.”
- Bullshit focuses on bluffing as players take turns claiming cards in a sequence, with others calling “Bullshit” if they suspect a lie.
Team vs. Individual Play:
- Kemps is a team-based game where communication with your partner is critical.
- Bullshit is an individual game where every player competes against each other.
Objective:
- In Kemps, the goal is to gather four cards of the same rank.
- In Bullshit, the aim is to get rid of all your cards while deceiving opponents.
Key Skill:
- Kemps emphasizes non-verbal communication and observation.
- Bullshit relies on bluffing and the ability to detect lies.
Pace of Play:
- Kemps is fast-paced and chaotic, with players racing to swap cards.
- Bullshit has a more deliberate pace, as players take turns and react to accusations.
FAQs About Kemps Card Game
1. What are other names for Kemps Card Game?
Kemps is also known by names like Canes, Kent, Cash, and Carré-Coupé (in France). The variations in name often reflect regional adaptations or house rules.
Can Kemps be played with more than four players?
Yes! While Kemps is traditionally played with four players (two teams of two), it can accommodate up to 12 players divided into teams of two. The more players, the more chaotic and fun it becomes!
Do you always need a partner to play Kemps?
Yes, Kemps is a team-based game where players rely on a partner to communicate signals and call “Kemps.” However, if you’re short on players, you can tweak the rules to make it an individual game.
What’s the best way to create secret signals in Kemps?
Choose subtle, natural gestures that won’t draw attention, such as scratching your nose, tapping your fingers, or adjusting your glasses. The key is to practice with your partner beforehand to ensure clarity.
Can you change your signals during the game?
No, many players switch signals mid-game to avoid being detected by opponents. This adds an extra layer of strategy and keeps the game unpredictable.
What happens if someone falsely calls “Kemps”?
If a player calls “Kemps” but their partner doesn’t have four-of-a-kind, their team typically receives a penalty, like earning a letter in “KEMPS” or losing points.
What are some common mistakes in Kemps?
Mistakes include using obvious signals, rushing to call “Kemps” without confirmation, and failing to observe opponents’ signals. Avoid these pitfalls to improve your chances of winning.
How can I make Kemps more fun?
Try themed variations, like Holiday Kemps or Pirate Kemps, add penalties for incorrect calls, or turn it into a drinking game with creative rules and challenges.
Is Kemps a bluffing game?
While Kemps isn’t primarily a bluffing game like Bullshit, bluffing can play a role in confusing opponents by using decoy signals or faking intent.
Can I play Kemps without cards?
While the game is traditionally played with a standard 52-card deck, you can adapt the mechanics to other objects, like collecting matching tokens or items. However, the original card-based version is the most popular.
What are some good strategies for winning Kemps?
1. Master subtle signals.
2. Watch for opponents’ gestures.
3. Coordinate well with your partner.
4. Adapt your strategy if opponents catch on to your signals.
What’s the origin of Kemps?
Kemps is believed to have evolved from the French card game Carré-Coupé and has since become a favorite in social settings worldwide.
How long does it take to play Kemps?
A round of Kemps can last anywhere from 5 to 10 minutes, depending on the speed of play. Full games are typically played until one team spells “KEMPS,” which can take 20-30 minutes.
Is Kemps family-friendly?
Yes! Kemps is a fantastic game for families, easily adaptable for a non-alcoholic themed card game or a more spirited adult game night. It’s simple to learn, highly interactive, and perfect for players of all ages.