How To Play: King

Overview

If you’ve ever lost a game of King because Aunt Linda snuck in a penalty and grinned like a cat, this guide is for you. I’ve played King with friends who are both friendly and sneaky, and I’ve learned a thing or two. Here, you’ll find a quick outline of the rules and the best tips and tricks for winning (or at least not losing terribly).

What’s in the box

• 1 deck of 36 cards
• 6 player aid cards
• 1 score pad
• 6 pencils
• 1 rulebook

How To Play King: Rules Summary

Setup

1. Shuffle a standard deck of 52 cards. Remove jokers. Next, give each player the same number of cards. King works best with 4 to 6 people.

2. Hand out score sheets and something to write with. You’ll need these for tracking those lovely penalty points, trust me.

3. Choose a starting dealer. The dealer changes every round, so don’t get too comfy.

Gameplay

1. There are 6 rounds, each with different “contracts” or tricks to avoid. For example, one round might punish you for winning hearts, the next for taking tricks, and so on.

2. Starting with the player left of the dealer, play follows clockwise. In every turn, each player puts down one card. You must follow suit if possible. If not, play any card.

3. At the end of a trick, whoever put down the highest card of the leading suit collects the trick. In King, you often want to avoid collecting tricks. This might feel odd at first, but you’ll get used to it fast or pay dearly in points.

Winning

1. After all contracts finish, add up the penalty points. Each type of trick or card you “won” during certain contracts has a different negative value.

2. At the end, the player with the lowest score wins. So, winning is all about losing—penalty points, that is.

Special Rules & Conditions

1. Some rounds add wild twists, like “No Tricks” or “No Last Two.” Always read each contract before play—your future self will thank you.

2. Ties? If two people have the same low score, share the glory, or have a bonus round to decide. Argue about it just like my group does every time.

3. The dealer rotates each round. Make sure everyone gets a turn to grumble about their luck.

And that’s how to play King! Stick to the contracts, track your points, and try not to look too smug when you lose all the rounds on purpose.

Best King Strategies

Dominate King with Simple Card Counting Tricks

Why Card Counting Matters

You can’t win King by just guessing. Card counting lets you predict what’s out there. This means you play with your head, not just luck.

How To Start Card Counting

1. Focus on one suit at first, like hearts.
2. Remember the cards you and others play.
3. Update your mental list every round.

How To Play king and Outsmart Friends

While others hope for the best, you track suits and plan your next move. Suddenly, you’re not just playing, you’re winning.

Mastering the Art of Penalty Management in King

Stay Alert to Avoid Traps

I always keep my eyes open for sneaky tricks from my friends. If you slip, you pay in penalties. Next time, look for these clues before your move.

1. Watch for players setting up penalty rounds.
2. Avoid cards that fit your opponent’s evil plans.
3. React fast if you sense a setup.

Use Safe Cards Whenever Possible

Safe cards save my butt more times than I can count. When you hold low penalty cards, play them fast. Here’s what works best for me:

1. Lead with low-value cards.
2. Play suits that aren’t dangerous.
3. Dump risky cards when it’s safe.

Team Up (Temporarily)

I sometimes work with a friend to dodge the big penalties. But, I only trust them for one round. Keep these ideas in mind:

1. Signal your plan with subtle moves.
2. Break off the alliance as soon as you’re safe.

Mastering the Art of Reading Opponents in King

Watch Their Patterns

First, pay attention to how your friends play early rounds. If they always get rid of high cards right away, they likely fear penalties.

1. Notice repeated moves.
2. Compare their plays each round.

Spot Bluffs

Next, watch for hesitation. Someone taking too long often signals big risk or a sneaky play.

1. Time their actions.
2. Study their facial expressions (if playing in person).

React Accordingly

Finally, change your own style when you see patterns. For example, if a player targets you, team up with others for a round.

1. Switch tactics mid-game.
2. Work with others to shift the balance.

Become the King of King!

Well folks, that’s about all the wisdom I squeezed out of my last King game night. I still see those penalty points in my dreams. Remember, keep your eyes on the cards, guess what your sneaky friends will do, and don’t forget to have a laugh when you get totally wrecked by a brutal penalty round. If you want to truly master How To Play king, practice is the only answer—unless you can bribe fate (which, trust me, I tried and failed). So, grab your deck and see who really deserves the crown!

Want to know what we think of King? Read our detailed review of King here