Slap Jack
Flip cards and slap the Jacks! Fast reflexes win. Classic kids' card game.
What You'll Need
About This Game
Flip cards and slap the Jacks! Fast reflexes win. Classic kids' card game.
How to Play
**Setup:** Deal entire deck evenly, face down. Players don't look at their cards.
**Gameplay:**
- Players take turns flipping their top card onto a center pile
- When a Jack appears, race to slap the pile
- First to slap takes the entire pile, adds to bottom of their deck
- Slapping a non-Jack: give top card to opponent as penalty
**Winning:** Collect all cards to win. If you run out, you can stay in by slapping correctly.
History & Background
Slapjack emerged as a children's card game in America during the early 20th century. Its exact origins are unclear, but it likely developed from older "snap" games where players compete to be first to react.
The game became popular because it levels the playing field between adults and children - quick reflexes matter more than card game experience. This made it ideal for family play where young children could genuinely compete.
Slapjack's physical nature (slapping the pile) sets it apart from most card games. This element of controlled physical competition made it exciting for children while remaining contained enough for indoor play.
The game influenced later games like Egyptian Rat Screw, which added more complex slapping rules and mechanics. Slapjack remains popular in schools and homes as one of the first card games children learn to play.