Kemps Card Game

• 🃏  How to Play Kemps
• 📏  Kemps Rules (and Tips)
• 🔀  Kemps Game Variations
• ❓  FAQs About the Kemps Card Game

Think you and your bestie have telepathy? Kemps is here to prove you right — or completely shatter your confidence. This fast-paced card game isn’t just about matching sets, it’s about mastering sneaky signals and trying not to scream “KEMPS!” at the wrong moment (which you definitely will).

Whether you’re the subtle eyebrow-raiser or the dramatic hair-flipper, this game turns a regular hangout into a spy movie with snacks. All you need is a partner, a standard deck of cards, and zero shame. Let the chaos begin.

👉 Try Higher or Lower next to keep the wild guesses and lucky streaks going.

How to Play Kemps

The Kemps card game is like telepathy on steroids. You and your partner try to pull off the perfect heist: collect four-of-a-kind and signal each other without saying a word—and without getting caught. It’s messy, sneaky, and seriously addictive.

This isn’t a game for the shy or the subtle. It’s for those who love chaos, deception, and the thrill of yelling “KEMPS!” at just the right moment.

1. Partner up and prep the deck

You need at least 4 players, split into pairs. Use a standard 52-card deck and remove jokers.

2. Deal and display

Each player gets 4 cards. Then, place 4 cards face-up in the center of the table. These form the “pool” everyone draws from.

3. Set your secret signals

Before the game starts, each team must come up with a non-verbal signal (e.g., scratching your chin, adjusting your hair). This will be how you let your partner know you’ve got four-of-a-kind.

4. Swap cards, fast and furious

Players can swap any of their cards with the ones in the middle—no turn-taking, it’s all simultaneous. Refill the pool immediately after cards are taken.

5. Call “KEMPS!” when ready

If your partner gives the signal and you think they’ve got four-of-a-kind, shout “KEMPS!”

If you’re right, your team wins the round. If you’re wrong, you earn a letter in the word “KEMPS.”

If an opponent catches your signal and calls “Stop Kemps!” before you do, they steal the round.

👉 If you’re looking for another party favorite with a twist, try the 3-13 card drinking game.

Kemps Game Rules (and Tips)

Kemps is as much about mind games as it is about cards. Winning isn’t just about getting four-of-a-kind—it’s about staying calm, selling lies, and spotting secrets.

1. Misdirection is everything

Throw fake signals around like candy. It keeps your opponents confused and paranoid.

2. Keep your signal simple

The best signals are ones you can do naturally—like tapping the table or cracking your knuckles. The weirder it is, the more obvious it gets.

3. Watch everyone, not just your partner

Sometimes it’s easier to catch another team than to win on your own. Be alert.

4. Control the pool

If you’re close to a four-of-a-kind, try to monopolize the center cards by grabbing and replacing rapidly.

5. Don’t rush the call

Timing is everything. If you call “KEMPS!” too early and you’re wrong, you get penalized. Trust your gut—but confirm first.

Kemps Game Variations

Once you’ve played a few rounds, the Kemps card game is ripe for chaos. Try these twists to keep it fresh, weird, and more hilarious.

1. Drinking Kemps

Wrong calls? Take a sip. Miss a signal? Bottoms up. “KEMPS!” becomes a lot harder (and funnier) after a couple drinks.

2. Wild card chaos

Designate one rank (e.g. Kings) as wild. Makes it easier to collect four-of-a-kind, but harder to keep track of what’s real.

3. No signal Kemps

No agreed signals. You just have to feel when your partner has it. It’s all vibes and gut instinct.

4. Reverse Kemps

Your partner has to call “KEMPS!” without any signal from you. Forces you to get in sync mentally instead of physically.

5. Theme Kemps

Add fun themes—like miming dance moves, facial expressions only, or even sound-based cues (if you’re rebels).

FAQs About the Kemps Card Game

1. How many players do you need to play Kemps?

You need at least four players, split into two teams. More players = more fun.

2. Can you change your signal mid-game?

Not really. You’re supposed to stick to the pre-agreed signal, but if no one notices… well.

3. What happens if two people shout “KEMPS!” at the same time?

Whoever called it first gets priority. You can replay the round if there’s serious confusion.

4. Can I bluff with a fake signal?

Absolutely. Bluffing is part of the game’s fun. Just don’t overdo it and get caught.

5. What do you do when the pool runs dry?

Just deal four new cards face-up into the center. The chaos continues.