Exploding Kittens has exploded onto tables everywhere, mixing quirky art with quick, heart-pounding gameplay. Created by Shane Small and The Oatmeal, this game dishes out suspense, laughs, and the perfect amount of chaos.
It’s a competitive yet accessible card game that anyone (ages 7 and up) can jump into, whether it’s family game night or a quick session with friends.
With fast 15-minute rounds and easy-to-grasp rules, Exploding Kittens is a go-to choice for any occasion, bringing a mix of strategy and surprises that keeps players coming back for more!
Understanding the card types
Exploding Kittens uses a unique deck filled with action-packed cards, explosive kittens, and a touch of chaos. Let’s dig into the different card types that make this game so much FUN.
Exploding Kittens and Defuse cards
The main thrill of the game? Avoiding the dreaded Exploding Kitten card. Draw one without a DEFUSE card, and you’re out. But with a Defuse card in hand, you can dodge the explosion and strategically place the kitten back in the deck – maybe in a spot that’ll mess with the next player’s turn!
Action cards: Attack, Skip, Favour, and More
The action cards are what keeps everyone on their toes. Here’s what each one does:
- Attack card: Skip your own turn and force the next player to take two turns.
- Skip card: End your turn without drawing, dodging potential disaster.
- See the Future card: Peek at the top three cards, giving you an edge on what’s coming.
- Shuffle card: Mix up the draw pile – perfect when you sense an Exploding Kitten lurking near the top.
Each of these cards adds depth and unpredictability, letting players pull off strategic moves, bluffs, and surprises. The Nope card deserves special mention – it lets you cancel any action, even an Attack or Skip, making it one of the most powerful tools for competitive play. (Just don’t try to Nope a Defuse or Exploding Kitten card; those are unstoppable!)
Cat cards and unique mechanics
These cute-but-chaotic Cat Cards pack more than meets the eye. Match up pairs of these mischievous kittens, and you’ll earn the right to swipe a card from an opponent’s hand.
Collecting two of the same lets you snag a random card, while special combos give you the power to pick exactly what you want. These Cat Card combos add a wild twist to the game, keeping everyone on their toes and cranking up the suspense with every turn.
Expansion packs additional game mechanics
For fans looking to add a twist, expansion packs like Imploding Kittens and Zombie Kitten bring in new rules and mechanics. These expansions add extra layers of strategy and surprise, proving why Exploding Kittens is more than just a card game – it’s a growing phenomenon.
Mastering the core mechanics
To truly conquer Exploding Kittens, it’s all about understanding the basics. Unlike other card games, your turn ends by drawing a card, which pushes players to hold back and strategise around the discard and draw piles. This simple twist challenges you to stay sharp and conserve your resources until the perfect moment to strike.
Playing and combining cards strategically
Winning in Exploding Kittens isn’t just a matter of luck – it’s all about timing and nailing those combos. First off, build your hand early while the coast is clear (fewer Exploding Kittens in the deck means it’s prime time to stack up on useful cards). Then, save your heavy hitters, like Skip and Attack cards – for those high-stakes moments when you really need a safe escape.
And don’t forget to plan with See the Future; peeking at the top cards lets you anticipate trouble, and if things look dicey, a well-timed Shuffle can completely change the game. Pulling this off just right? It’ll have you dodging Exploding Kittens like a pro.
Advanced gameplay techniques
Advanced players know how to take things to the NEXT LEVEL with some killer tactics. Here are a few tricks:
- Self-Attacking in Two-Player Games: In a two-player showdown, pairing Attack cards with other moves can trap your opponent in a tricky spot. This technique is especially effective for catching the other player off guard.
- Using the Nope Card Wisely: The Nope card is a powerhouse, giving you the chance to interrupt opponents’ plans. Use it to block important actions or foil combos at the perfect moment.
Executing powerful card combos
Combo moves are where things get interesting! Play your cards right, and you can pull off some killer effects:
- Curse of Cat Butt + Targeted Attack: Forces your opponent to draw without seeing the card first, adding pressure and keeping them guessing.
- Streaking Kitten + Exploding Kitten: Creates a sneaky trap, holding an Exploding Kitten in your hand and setting up the next player for a big surprise.
These combos keep the pace intense and your opponents on edge, perfect for taking control of the game’s rhythm.
Psychological warfare and social dynamics
Exploding Kittens isn’t just a card game – it’s a social experience full of bluffing, alliances, and mind games. Here’s how to use social tactics to your advantage:
Bluffing and misdirection
A classic trick. Act calmly after using See the Future, and your opponents might waste cards “protecting” themselves. Playing a Skip early can also trick others into thinking an Exploding Kitten’s on top, making them play defensively.
Forming temporary alliances
Teaming up (for now) with other players can help take down the bigger threats. But remember, alliances in Exploding Kittens are always temporary – be ready to break them when the moment’s right.
Manipulating the draw pile
Skilled players know how to keep others guessing. Placing a Defuse card strategically after an Exploding Kitten keeps the pressure on the next player. Card counting and smart placement create suspense, turning each turn into a blend of luck and strategy.
Conclusion
Exploding Kittens blends luck, strategy, and social interaction into one unforgettable experience, making it a perfect party game. With its diverse card types and constant opportunities for clever plays, the game offers something fresh every time.
Short setup, easy-to-learn rules, and expansion packs make it ideal for family nights, party play, or a quick game at a bar. Whether you’re a casual player or a strategy enthusiast, Exploding Kittens promises endless fun and surprises.
Frequently asked questions about Exploding Kittens Card Game?
1. Can you play multiple cards in one turn in Exploding Kittens?
Absolutely! You can play as many cards as you want before drawing. Just remember, your turn only ends once you finally pull from the draw pile (and hope it’s not an Exploding Kitten waiting to take you out).
2. What if you’re left with no cards in hand?
No problem – being cardless is perfectly fine. The main goal? Just avoid drawing that Exploding Kitten! If you’re out of cards, keep playing cautiously and sizing up the draw pile’s risks.
3. Can you use a Nope card on a Defuse card?
Nope! The Nope card can block almost any action, except a Defuse or Exploding Kitten. But here’s a twist: you can stack Nopes to create a chain of cancelled actions, keeping everyone on their toes.
4. How long does a typical game last?
Exploding Kittens is a quick game, averaging about 15 minutes, making it ideal for both short bursts of fun and longer game nights with expansion packs.
With its clever design, quirky illustrations, and innovative mechanics, Exploding Kittens has earned its place as a popular card game and remains a fabulous choice for anyone looking to enjoy a fun card game with friends or family.
Ready to try it out yourself?
You can play Exploding Kittens and other fantastic games at Draughts London – London’s premier board game bar, where fun and strategy meet! Book NOW
