Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords: Rules Explained
By Exploding Kittens | Party card games, puzzles, greeting cards | Published: 2026-10-31
Category: How-to Guides
Learn the official rules for Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords, the party card game where you collect matching sets and point to piles.
Quick answer
In Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords, you win by collecting 3 matching card sets. Each round, you grab cards from the middle piles and point to the pile that helps you complete your sets.
What you need to know before playing
The game works best with 2–6 players, though larger groups can play by adding more card piles. Each player starts with no cards—you build your hand during the game.
The only equipment is the card deck itself. No dice, tokens, or boards are needed, making it a true grab-and-go party game.
A common misunderstanding about pointing
New players often think they must point to the pile with the most cards. Actually, you point to the pile that contains the card you need to finish a set—even if that pile is small. Pointing to the wrong pile means you lose your turn to grab cards.
How to play step by step
- Set up the piles: Shuffle the deck and place several small piles of cards face down in the center of the table. The number of piles should match the number of players (one pile per player is a good starting point). Too few piles slow the game down; too many make it hard to track which pile has the cards you need.
- Grab cards from a pile: On your turn, take the top card from any pile and add it to your hand. You can look at your cards, but keep them hidden from other players. Don't grab from the same pile twice in a row unless you have no other choice—it tips off your strategy.
- Point to your chosen pile: When you have a card you think will help you complete a set, wait for the count of three. On three, point to the pile that contains that card. All players point at the same time. If you point early or late, your point doesn't count—and you lose your chance to take that pile's cards this round.
- Collect the pile you pointed to: After everyone points, each player takes the entire pile they pointed to. Add those cards to your hand. If two players point to the same pile, neither gets it—the pile stays in the center. Pointing to the same pile as another player is the biggest risk. Watch their eyes before you commit.
- Check for matching sets: At any time during your turn, you may reveal a set of 3 matching cards from your hand and place it face up in front of you. The first player to collect 3 sets wins the game. You can only reveal sets on your turn, not when someone else is pointing. Plan your reveals to avoid giving away your progress.
The game at a glance
- Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords: The goal is to collect 3 sets of matching cards. On the count of three, each player points to the card pile they want. This means you need to think fast and watch what others are doing—speed and observation matter as much as luck.
Let's Hit Each Other With Fake Swords
