Want a fun, fast card game that’s perfect for game night or a big family gathering? The Swoop card game (sometimes sold commercially as SWOOP or called Swipe/Swoosh) is a modern shedding game where the goal is to get rid of your cards while triggering “swoops” that clear the centre pile. Below you’ll find easy-to-follow Swoop card game rules, a step-by-step “how to play Swoop card game” guide, scoring, common variations, strategy tips, and FAQs — all written in plain language so you can start playing today.
What are The Swoop Card Game Rules?
Swoop is a shedding-style card game that appeared in North America in the 2010s and has since been packaged into commercial decks called SWOOP. It’s closely related to informal multiplayer games like Shithead (same core idea: players must play equal or lower cards to the centre; special cards clear the pile), but Swoop uses larger hands and multiple decks, so it supports larger groups and longer, strategic rounds. Swoop card game rules are not very complicated. Anybody can understand them and start playing the card game.
Basic equipment & how many players
Players: The game is played by 3 to 8 players. A maximum of 12 players can also play the game in some cases. You just need more decks for that.
Cards: The game has the standard 52-card deck (including the Joker). The number of decks depends on the number of players who are playing the game. 2 decks are needed for 3-4 players. 3 decks are needed if 5–6 players are playing. 4 decks are needed for 7–8 players. Jokers and 10s are special cards in many common Swoop card game rules.
Setup — deal and player layout (step-by-step)
- All the decks are combined and shuffled well. Every player is given 19 cards.
- How to play the Swoop card game — the core turn rules
- Play proceeds clockwise. The first starter can be agreed upon (many groups draw to see who plays first).
- During your turn, you can play one to four cards that match (e.g., a single 7, a pair of 9s). You can play these from your hand or from the cards that are facing up. It can also be a combination of both. As long as they are of the same rank, it is okay. When you play multiple cards, they must all match each other.
- Legal play rule: Players have to follow this one rule while playing the game. If you have cards that are equal to or less than the top card on the centre play pile, they stay on the pile and play passes on. If your played cards are higher than the top card on the pile, you must pick up the entire centre pile into your hand before playing your cards to start a new pile. That ends your turn.
What is a “Swoop” and special cards
A Swoop happens when the top four cards of the centre pile are equal in rank. When it takes place, the whole centre pile is removed from play, and the player who made the swoop gets another turn. You can create a swoop by adding cards or by playing four-of-a-kind in one play.
10s and Jokers are special: they can be played at any time regardless of the top card and immediately swoop the pile (the pile is removed and the player takes another turn). Many rule-sets treat 10s and jokers as automatic swoop cards; some variations make only jokers swoop. Check your house rules.
Mystery (face-down) cards — the final phase
Once you have no cards in hand, you must play from your face-up board as usual. After those are gone, you play your mystery (face-down) cards. Flip a face-down card only when it is your turn and play it immediately (you may add matching cards from your hand or board, where allowed). If the mystery card cannot legally be played (is higher than the pile), you must pick up the centre pile and add it to your hand.
Winning the round & scoring — Swoop card game rules for points
The round ends the moment one player runs out of all their cards (hand + face up + face down).
At the end of each round, each remaining player totals the value of cards left in their hand, and that amount is added to their cumulative game score. The commonly used scoring values are: Ace = 1, 2–9 = face value, J/Q/K = 10, and 10s & Jokers = 50 (these high values make holding 10s/jokers risky). The game often ends when a player reaches 500 points; the player with the lowest score wins.
Common variations (house rules you’ll see)
Alternative scoring — some groups assign easier numbers for tallying (e.g., Ace–9 = 5 points each, 10s & jokers = 20).
Only jokers swoop — 10s become ordinary cards.
Swoops with 4+ cards — some groups allow a swoop when there are four or more equal top cards (not strictly limited to exactly four).
Commercial SWOOP rules — the branded SWOOP deck and rule sheets add clarifications (e.g., player counts up to 12 with extra decks) and provide official printable instruction sheets and scorecards. If you bought the commercial set, follow the printed rules for tournament consistency.
Quick “How to play Swoop card game” cheat-sheet
Deal 19 cards: 4 face-down, 4 face-up, 11 in hand.
Play 1–4 matching cards that are equal to or lower than the centre pile top — otherwise pick up the pile.
Make a swoop by creating four equal top cards or by playing a 10/joker; a swoop clears the pile, and you play again.
Finish by getting rid of hand → board → mystery cards. First to empty wins the round; others score penalty points.
Strategy tips — play better, win more
Play high cards early when possible to avoid being stuck with them late (many recommendations from official notes).
Watch the centre pile composition — fanning the pile so everyone can see how many equal cards are on top helps you judge when you can create a swoop.
Hold a 10/joker as a last-resort swoop (but remember they are usually very high-penalty cards if you’re caught with them when someone else finishes).
Timing of playing multiple matching cards matters: you cannot place a set that would create more than four equal top cards in one play (you must make only a valid swoop, then use your extra turn to play remaining cards).
FAQs — quick answers
Q: How many cards do I get in Swoop?
A: Standard deal is 19 cards per player (4 face down, 4 face up, 11 in hand). Use multiple decks depending on player count.
Q: What causes a swoop?
A: A swoop occurs when the top four cards on the centre pile are of the same rank, or when a 10 or a joker is played (these special cards automatically swoop the pile).
Q: Can I play more than four matching cards at once?
A: No — you may not create more than four equal top cards in a single play. If you can make only exactly four, that causes a swoop, and you then take your extra turn.
Q: Is Swoop a gambling game?
A: No. Swoop is a social/shedding card game for entertainment. Some commercial SWOOP decks may include suggested score targets or tournament rules, but play is typically casual.
Q: Where can I get official rules and score sheets?
A: The official SWOOP site publishes printable instruction guides, score sheets, and how-to videos; independent rules summaries (e.g., Pagat) also offer detailed rule explanations and variations.
Conclusion — Is Swoop right for your game night?
If you like social card games that combine simple mechanics with strategic timing and occasional dramatic comebacks, the Swoop card game is a great pick. It scales well for larger groups, offers memorable “swoop” moments, and has enough rule variations to keep your group experimenting. Use the official rule sheet for tournament-style consistency, or agree on house rules (scoring and whether 10s/jokers swoop) for a relaxed evening. Now grab a few decks, set the table, and try a round — you’ll get the hang of how to play the Swoop card game rules after a single deal.
