Kemps
A team signal game where partners try to spot four of a kind without being caught.
Setup
Play in teams of two. Deal 4 cards each and place 4 face-up cards in the center.
How to Play
- Players swap hand cards with center cards in real time.
- When you have four of a kind, signal your partner.
- Your partner calls Kemps to score.
- Opponents may call Counter-Kemps if they spot the signal.
How to Win
First team to the agreed score wins.
Use boring signals. Dramatic signals get caught.
Is Kemps Right for You?
Kemps is the lively partnership game for two or more pairs, where you secretly signal your partner once you collect four of a kind and then race to call Kemps before opponents catch you. Reach for it at a loud, social gathering where bluffing, eye contact and laughter matter more than precision.
Maybe skip it if: Anyone who dislikes table chaos or cannot keep a straight face under pressure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Calling Kemps yourself when your partner does not actually have four of a kind, which loses your team the round.
- Using an obvious, repeated signal that opponents quickly learn to read and counter-call.
Strategy Tips
- Agree on a subtle signal in advance, like touching your nose, and disguise it among natural movements.
- Watch opponents as closely as your own cards; catching their signal and calling first wins the point.
Popular Variations
Anti-Kemps / Cancel
An opponent who spots the signal calls Cut or Stop to award the point to their own side instead.
Secret signal swap
Partners agree on a fresh non-verbal signal before each game so opponents cannot reuse what they learned.
Our Take
We think Kemps is one of the best party card games for a rowdy group, since the secret-signal tension turns every hand into a hilarious staring contest. It is pure social fun rather than deep strategy, and it shines with energetic players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you win at Kemps?
Collect four of a kind, secretly signal your partner, and have your partner call Kemps before any opponent calls and exposes you; correct calls score and wrong calls penalize.
How many players do you need for Kemps?
Kemps is played in partnerships, so a minimum of four players in two pairs, and it scales well to more pairs at a larger table.