Egyptian Ratscrew: A Guide to the Fast-Paced Card Game Rules, Strategies, Instructions & Winning Tips

Introduction

As a card game writer, I’ve come across so many games with unique charm and appeal that make great party games. One of those games is Egyptian Ratscrew. This game, known for its fast pace and unpredictable nature, is a favorite among many card game lovers. It’s a game that requires quick reflexes, sharp eyes, and a good understanding of its rules. The game uses a standard 52-card deck and can be played by two or more players.

The origins of Egyptian Ratscrew are somewhat unclear, with some suggesting it evolved from the game of Slapjack. Regardless of its origins, Egyptian Ratscrew has become a popular game in its own right, played in homes, schools, and social gatherings around the world. Me and my friends played a fair few games of it in corner diners growing up.

Rules for playing Egyptian Ratscrew

The rules of Egyptian Ratscrew are fairly straightforward. The objective of the game is to collect all the cards. The game begins with the dealer shuffling the deck and dealing the entire deck of cards to the players. Players do not look at their cards but keep them in a pile face down.

Players take turns flipping the top card from their pile into a central pile. If a face card (Jack, Queen, King, or Ace) is played, the next player has a certain number of chances to play another face card (one chance for a Jack, two for a Queen, three for a King, and four for an Ace). If they fail to do so, the player who played the last face card takes the pile. However, if they succeed, the next player must now play a face card, and so on.

The exciting part of Egyptian Ratscrew comes in when players slap the pile. If certain card combinations are played, players can slap the pile, and the first player to do so takes the pile. These combinations can be set as per the ‘house rules’ and can include things like doubles (two cards of the same rank played consecutively), sandwiches (a card of the same rank with one card in between), etc.

The Deal for Egyptian Ratscrew

The dealer shuffles the deck and deals the entire deck of cards to the players. The cards are dealt face down, and players do not look at their cards. Instead, they keep them in a pile in front of them. The player to the left of the dealer goes first.

How to Play Egyptian Ratscrew

Setup

Once the cards are dealt, players take turns flipping the top card from their pile into a central pile. The game continues clockwise.

Gameplay

Players continue flipping cards and slapping piles as per the rules. If a player runs out of cards during their turn, they are not out of the game. They can still slap in to win cards. However, if they fail to win any cards before their turn comes again, they are out of the game.

End of the Game

The game ends when one player has collected all the cards.

How to Win at Egyptian Ratscrew

Winning at Egyptian Ratscrew requires a combination of quick reflexes, sharp observation, and strategic play. Here are some strategies that can help you win:

1. Stay Alert: Always keep your eyes on the cards and be ready to slap the pile.
2. Know the Rules: Understand the slap rules and be ready to slap the pile when a valid combination is played.
3. Play Strategically: If you have a lot of face cards, try to play them when you have fewer cards. This increases your chances of winning the pile.

Best Strategies for playing Egyptian Ratscrew game

While the game largely depends on speed and reflexes, there are some strategies that can give you an edge:

1. Control the Pace: Try to control the pace of the game. If you’re quick, play fast to pressure your opponents. If you’re not as quick, try to slow the game down.
2. Memorize the Deck: If you can, try to remember the cards that have been played. This can help you predict the cards that are likely to come up.
3. Practice: Like any game, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you’ll get at spotting combinations and slapping the pile.

Game Variations

There are several variations of Egyptian Ratscrew that add more excitement to the game. Some of these include:

1. Burn Cards: In this variation, if a player slaps the pile incorrectly, they must give up some of their cards as a penalty.
2. Jokers: Jokers can be added to the deck and can be set to have special rules, like reversing the order of play or allowing the player to slap the pile.
3. Multiple Decks: For larger groups, multiple decks can be used.

Scenarios for Egyptian Ratscrew

There are several scenarios that can arise in Egyptian Ratscrew. Here’s how to handle some of them:

1. If you’re running low on cards, try to play your face cards to win more cards.
2. If you notice a player is about to run out of cards, try to play a face card to force them out of the game.
3. If you slap the pile incorrectly, don’t panic. Stay focused and try to win the cards back.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Egyptian Ratscrew game

1. What happens if two players slap the pile at the same time?
   Typically, the player whose hand is underneath wins the pile.
2. Can I look at my cards before I play them?
   No, cards must be flipped directly from the pile into the center.
3. What happens if I run out of cards?
   You can still slap in to win cards. However, if you fail to win any cards before your turn comes again, you are out of the game.
4. Can I slap the pile at any time?
   You can only slap the pile when a valid combination is played, as per the slap rules.
5. How many players can play Egyptian Ratscrew?
   The game can be played by two or more players. For larger groups, multiple decks can be used.

External Links

Gather Together Games have a good video showing a game of Egyptian Ratscrew being played