Rat Race
A fast shedding game where players race to play cards in ascending runs.
Setup
Deal all cards. Players keep hands hidden.
How to Play
- Start with aces or the lowest available card by house rule.
- Players play the next rank in sequence when able.
- If you cannot play, pass.
- Multiple suit rows may be active.
How to Win
First player to empty their hand wins.
Best as a light filler when everyone wants quick turns.
Is Rat Race Right for You?
Rat Race is a fast-flipping pile game in the slap-and-snatch family, where players race to grab the central pile when matching cards appear. It suits a lively group that enjoys reflex games like Egyptian Rat Screw and Slapjack.
Maybe skip it if: Because rules vary widely by region and household, it can cause arguments unless everyone agrees on the slap and win conditions first; reflex-averse players will not enjoy it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Starting before agreeing on exactly which patterns trigger a grab, since Rat Race rules differ a lot between groups.
- Slapping a non-matching pile, which under most house rules costs you cards into the pile as a penalty.
Strategy Tips
- Confirm the trigger conditions and penalties up front so disputes do not derail the game.
- Keep your slapping hand poised and watch the top two cards constantly, because winning slaps is the only way to recover when your hand thins out.
Popular Variations
Egyptian Rat Screw
Many players treat Rat Race as a regional name for Egyptian Rat Screw and use its doubles, sandwiches, and face-card payment rules.
Our Take
We see Rat Race as a regional cousin of Egyptian Rat Screw rather than a distinct game, so we recommend nailing down the house rules before the first flip. Played that way it is a perfectly good reflex game, but its fuzzy identity means we usually just call it ERS and move on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Rat Race?
Typically two to six, like other central-pile slapping games; more players make for a larger, faster pile.
Is Rat Race the same as Egyptian Rat Screw?
Often, yes. Many groups use the names interchangeably, though some play a simpler match-and-grab version, so confirm the rules locally.