Game Rules
Egyptian Rat ScrewSlap and Grab
An American reaction game. Flip cards, spot combinations – and grab the pile.
Players2 – 6
Duration8 – 15 Min
Deck52 Cards
LevelEasy
I · Game Idea
Faster than
everyone else
I
Egyptian Rat Screw (ERS) combines elements of War and Speed. Cards are revealed in turn – whoever spots certain combinations and is first to slap the pile wins all the cards.
Face cards force penalty cards, similar to Beggar My Neighbour. Additionally, there are slap rules for pairs, sandwiches, and more.
II · Preparation
Before the
game begins
II
1
Distribute cards
Distribute 52 cards evenly – hold them face down in front of you.
2
Set Slap Rules
Agree on which combinations allow a slap before the game.
3
Starting Player
Player to the left of the dealer starts.
III · Card Values
When to slap
the pile
the pile
III
PP
Double
Two of a kind
Two consecutive cards of the same rank: Slap!
SW
Sandwich
Same-X-Same
Two cards of the same rank with a different card in between: Slap!
A
Ace
Immediate
Ace revealed: immediate slap allowed.
K
Missed Slap
Penalty
Slapped incorrectly: 2 cards from your own pile into the center.
IV · Gameplay
Round by
Round
IV
1
Flip a card
In turn: place the top card on the center pile.
2
Face card
Ace=4, King=3, Queen=2, Jack=1 penalty cards for the next player.
3
Slap Combination
Slap rule met: whoever slaps first takes all cards.
4
Missed Slap
Slapped incorrectly: 2 of your own cards into the center.
5
Won
Whoever has all 52 cards wins. Whoever has no cards left is out – but can still slap.
V · Variations
Variations
V
ERS is particularly popular on American university campuses.
P
Pairs Only
Simplified: only double slaps allowed.
F
Full Rules
All slap rules active: Top-Bottom, Marriage, Divorce, and more.
∅
No Face Cards
No penalty cards from face cards – only slap rules count.
D
Two Decks
With two decks for more players and longer rounds.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the matching deck
ERS is tough on cards – grab sturdy decks that can withstand every slap.
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