← Back to Home

How to Play Egyptian Rat Screw

Objective

Be the last player with cards! Win cards by playing face cards or slapping valid patterns.

Setup

  • 2-6 players
  • Standard 52-card deck dealt evenly
  • Players cannot look at their cards

Basic Play

  1. Players take turns playing the top card from their pile to the center.
  2. Play moves clockwise.
  3. When a face card (J, Q, K, A) is played, the next player must "beat" it.

Face Card Rules

When a face card is played, the next player has a limited number of chances to play another face card:

  • Jack (J): 1 chance
  • Queen (Q): 2 chances
  • King (K): 3 chances
  • Ace (A): 4 chances

If they succeed in playing a face card, the challenge passes to the next player. If they fail (play only number cards), the player who played the face card wins the entire pile!

Slapping

Any player can slap the pile at any time! If the slap is valid, they win the pile.

Default Slap Patterns

These patterns are always enabled:

  • Double: Two cards of the same rank in a row (e.g., 7-7)
  • Sandwich: Two cards of the same rank with one card between them (e.g., 5-K-5)

Optional Slap Patterns

The host can enable these additional patterns before starting the game:

  • Top-Bottom: Top card matches the first card in the pile
  • Tens: Two adjacent cards adding up to 10 (e.g., 4-6, A-9)
  • Marriage: King and Queen adjacent
  • Ratscrew: 6 and 9 adjacent (the classic ERS combo!)
  • Four in a Row: Four consecutive cards in ascending or descending order
  • Flush: Three or more cards of the same suit in a row
  • Hoagie: Two cards of the same rank with two different cards between them

False Slap Penalty

If you slap when there's no valid pattern, you must give two cards to the bottom of the pile!

30-Second Cooldown: If you make a false slap while you have no cards (eliminated or spectating), you must wait 30 seconds before you can slap again.

Joining Mid-Game

Players can join or rejoin a game that's already in progress:

  • Slap In: New players and spectators can join by successfully slapping a valid pattern. They'll start with the cards they win from the slap! (Casual games only)
  • Slap Back In: Eliminated players can rejoin by landing a valid slap to get back in the game with those cards. This works in both casual and ranked games!
  • Ranked Games: Only slapping back in is allowed - new spectators cannot join mid-match to maintain competitive integrity.

Winning

The last player with cards wins the game!

Controls

  • Space or click "Play Card" - Play your top card
  • S or click "SLAP!" - Slap the pile