Kabu
The official guide to playing Kabu. Be quick, be smart, and keep your score low.
Objective
Have the lowest total score at the end of the round. The game is played with two decks (including 4 Jokers).
Setup & General Rules
- Deal 4 cards face-down per player.
- View 2 of your own cards once at the start.
- Clockwise turn order.
- One Hand Rule: You must play with only one hand.
- Card Reveal: When revealing a card (e.g., from a swap), show it outwards so opponents see it first.
- Penalties: Every incorrect action (e.g., false instant discard, playing out of turn, using two hands) results in drawing a penalty card.
- First Touch: If two players try to discard the same card, the first person who touches it can (and must) discard it. This rule exists to protect cards from damage.
- No Guarding: You cannot protect your cards by physically blocking opponents from accessing them.
Turn Actions
Draw Pile
- Draw one card.
- Option A: Swap with a face-down card (discard the old one face-up).
- Option B: Discard immediately face-up to use its ability (if it has one).
Discard Pile
- Take the top card.
- You must swap it with one of your own cards.
- Discard the old card face-up.
Call "Kabu"
Instead of taking a turn, you can call "Kabu". The round ends after every other player takes one final turn.
Card Values & Abilities
| Card | Value | Special Ability (When Discarded) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 1 | - |
| 2-6 | Face Value | - |
| 7, 8 | Face Value | Look at own card (one)(Regardless of color) |
| 9, 10 | Face Value | Look at opponent's card (one)(Regardless of color) |
| J (Red) | 11 | Blind Swap: Switch any two cards(Blindly switch two cards on the table) |
| J (Black) | 11 | - |
| Q (Red) | 12 | Decision Swap: Look & choose(Look at one of your own & one opponent's card, then choose whether to swap) |
| Q (Black) | 12 | - |
| K (Red) | 0 | - |
| K (Black) | 25 | - |
| Joker | -1 | - |
Special Rules
⚡️ Instant Discard
If you have a card matching the top of the discard pile (or the calculated score), you can discard it immediately (out of turn). Only the fastest player wins; losers draw a penalty card. If this would leave you with no cards, draw a new card from the draw pile. The First Touch rule applies.
🎯 Sniping (Opponent Discard)
If you know an opponent's card and it matches the top of the discard pile (or the calculated score), you can discard it at any time — not just on your turn. You must then immediately give the opponent one of your own cards (chosen without looking). If this would leave you with no cards, draw a new card from the draw pile. The First Touch and No Guarding rules apply.
🧮 Calculation Rule (Optional)
- The bottom card is neutral.
- Black card on top: Subtract the value (e.g., 5 - black 3 = 2).
- Red card on top: Add the value (e.g., 6 + red 4 = 10).