Happy Salmon

• 🎮  How to Play Happy Salmon
• 📏  Happy Salmon Rules
• 🔀  Happy Salmon Variations
• ❓  FAQs about Happy Salmon

You know that moment when everyone at the party is two drinks in and craving something dumb, loud, and hilarious? That’s where the Happy Salmon game flops in — literally. It’s a fast-paced, scream-in-each-other’s-faces kind of card game where matching gestures is the goal, but embarrassing yourself is inevitable.

So if you’ve ever wanted to slap your friends (with consent), yell “HIGH FIVE” at top volume, or just look like a salmon happy to be alive — this is your game.

👉 Check out our top card drinking games of all time.

How to Play Happy Salmon

You’ll need 3–6 players, a Happy Salmon deck (or your own DIY version), and a group of people who don’t mind chaos. The goal? Be the first to ditch all your cards by loudly matching actions with another player.

1. Start with equal decks

Each player gets a stack of 12 action cards (High Five, Pound It, Switcheroo, and Happy Salmon). Keep your pile facedown.

2. Yell your action

Flip the top card, yell what it says (“HIGH FIVE!”, “SWITCHEROO!”, etc.), and look for someone doing the same.

3. Match and do the move

Found your match? Perform the action together. Then both players toss that card aside and move to the next one.

4. Can’t find a match? Skip it

If no one’s matching your card after a few seconds, put it at the bottom of your deck and try the next.

5. First to empty their deck wins

Once someone burns through their whole deck, they scream “DONE!” and claim sweet, sweaty victory.

Happy Salmon Rules

You can play it quiet and slow… but why would you? This is a game where shouting is encouraged, slapping is legal, and strategy is mostly survival.

1. Stand in a loose circle

You’ll need room to move, twist, slap, and switch places. Avoid tight spaces unless you like bumping into furniture.

2. Get loud, fast

It’s easier to match when you’re screaming your action. Volume = visibility.

3. Don’t waste time on duds

No match? Move on. Speed is everything in this game.

4. Laugh through the chaos

It’s not about playing perfectly—it’s about flopping around like a salmon happy to be at the party.

5. Use both hands

One to flip cards, one to gesture. Coordination matters when everyone’s flailing.

Happy Salmon Variations

Want to keep things spicy? Switch up the way you play.

1. Silent Salmon

No yelling allowed. You have to find your match with just gestures and eye contact. Prepare for chaos.

2. Reverse Salmon

Start with all cards faceup and pick any action to complete. More freedom = more confusion.

3. Tag Team Salmon

Pair up. One teammate yells and performs, the other flips cards. Coordination is key.

4. Drunk Salmon

Every time you get a match wrong, you take a sip. Proceed with caution (and water).

5. Hardcore Mode

All players must be in constant motion—hopping, spinning, dancing. It’s part cardio, part comedy.

👉 Love wild, unpredictable rules? You might also enjoy a round of Crazy Eights, chaos in card game form.

FAQs about Happy Salmon {faqs}

1. Can you play Happy Salmon with 2 players?

Yes, but it’s way better with 4–6. With two, it turns into a memory/coordination game instead of chaos.

2. What ages is Happy Salmon for?

Technically for kids 6+, but honestly it’s a perfect adult party game too. Just adjust the yelling volume.

3. Can I make a DIY Happy Salmon set?

Yep! Just create equal stacks with the four main actions. Use colored paper or index cards, and you’re good to go.

4. Is there a digital version of the game?

Not yet, and that’s probably for the best. The joy is in the IRL shouting and slapping.