Introduction
Egyptian Rat Screw, also known was ERS, is a matching card game for three or more players.
It involves the titular slapping action once a certain condition is achieved. This shows its influence from games such as Slapjack and other more action-oriented card games.
The Steps
Egyptian Rat Screw can be played with 3 or more players, though 3 is the most common and most well-paced player count. All you need to play is the 52-card standard Anglo-American deck.
You can follow our step-by-step instructions below.
Dealing
The dealer is determined by random or by deck splitting. The dealer then deals an equal number of cards to each player, one card at a time.
Players are not allowed to view their cards before playing them.
All cards will be played in a central pile in the middle of the table, the same distance from each player.
Playing Cards
The player to the left of the dealer goes first. On each turn, the player will play the top card of their hand to the center pile. The cards must be played in such a way that all players see the revealed card at the same time.
The turn then passes to the next player in clockwise order, with each consecutive card being played on top of the last card on the draw pile.
Gameplay
The play continues until a face card (Kings, Queens, and Jacks) or an Ace is played. The player playing the card then temporarily becomes the “challenger”.
The next player then temporarily becomes the “challenged”. This player has a few chances to play another Ace or face card to win the challenge.
| Card | Chances |
|---|---|
| Ace | 4 |
| King | 3 |
| Queen | 2 |
| Jack | 1 |
If the player fails to draw a face card or Ace within the allotted number of turns, the challenger takes the pile.
If the challenged manages to play the face card or Ace, then that player becomes the new “challenger”, and the following player in turn order becomes the new “challenged”, repeating the process.
Slapping Combinations
Certain card combinations can be assigned to facilitate the slapping action. Slapping allows players to steal cards out of order, with the fastest players taking the card piles.
An example of combinations that allow slapping include the following:
- Doubles: two cards with the same rank, regardless of suit.
- Sandwiches: two cards of the same rank, with a different card in between the two.
- Run of Four: 4 or more cards in ascending or descending order played in succession.
- Bottoms Up: the current card matches the card all the way at the bottom of the pile.
- Marriage: a Queen being played after or before a King.
- Tens: two cards combined for a total of 10.
- Wilds: A Joker card being played, an optional inclusion.
Due to the nature of the game, other optional combinations can be included as well.
To slap, the players must slap downwards, above the center pile. The slaps, by nature, will be piled up above the card pile. Thus, the fastest player will be the player whose hand is the lowest in the pile.
How to Win
The game ends once a player has claimed all the cards available in the game. Players are eliminated once they have no cards remaining.
ERS Rules
Playing the cards to the center pile should be precise. If you play cards outside the specified range (generally meaning touching more than half of the last played card), you can be penalized.
Players are also allowed to contest card claiming. This is optional, and it does mean that players are allowed to bluff.
- If the bluff is called, they must give the top card of their hand to the player who called the bluff.
- If a bluff is mistakenly called, the calling player gives their top card to the bluffing player.
Penalties
Players are penalized when they make a mistake while slapping. If the player slaps even though no valid combination was played, they will need to discard one or more cards as a punishment. The number of cards depends on the house rules.
Summary of Rules
In conclusion, the rules for Egyptian Rat Screw are:
- Each player is dealt the same number of cards.
- Each player plays their top card to the center pile.
- If a face card or Ace is played, the challenging process begins.
- If a combination is played, the fastest player to slap the pile takes the pile.
- The player who claims all cards wins.
Scoring & Points
Scoring is based on the winner of the most rounds. This assumes that the game consists of multiple rounds.
Each round awards 1 point to the winning player.
Example Scenario
Several example hands are shown below.
Challenging
Player 1 plays the card Q♣ , which initiates the challenge. Player 2, has 2 tries to play a face card or an Ace. Player 2 fails to play a card with the allocated turns, thus, Player 1 takes all the cards.
Say Player 2 manages to play a J♦ on the 2nd turn. Player 3 must now play a face card or an Ace within 1 turn. Player 3 fails to do so, thus, Player 2 claims the pile as the new challenger.
Slapping
Player 1 plays 6♦, and Player 2 follows with a 6♠.
Now, all players will slap since a Double combination has been formed. The player whose hand is in contact with the most cards will get all the cards in the pile.
Strategy & Tips
In terms of increasing your chances of winning, we recommend the following:
- You have to try and be alert.
- When challenged, do not worry too much, as the game then becomes a game of chance.
- Look out for bluffs, as these can help add to your card count.
- Slap as fast as you can to win.
- Know all the combinations that allow slapping.
- Don’t rush to slap when you see others do so unless you’re certain the combination is valid.
Video Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play Egyptian Rat Screw?
3 players is the recommended amount, but higher player counts can be accommodated with more decks added
When was the game created?
Its origin likely can be tracked down to the 19th century, likely in Britain, due to its influence from the game Beggar-My-Neighbour.
Why is it called Egyptian Rat Screw?
The name has an uncertain origin. The term “Ratscrew” is a form of future sight in Egypt, where the combinations of cards mean specific occurrences.
Can I play online?
While some online simulators do exist for Egyptian Rat Screw, the necessity of physical interaction means that playing in person is more ideal.
