How To Play Bomb

Summary

A fast-paced strategy game where players battle using memory, magic cards and wit to be the first to play all their cards.

👥 Players

2-4 players per deck. Suitable for ages 6+

2 decks= up to 8 players

3 decks = up to 12 players

 

Game Stages

Deal

Each player receives four (4) unseen cards face down and nine (9) cards in hand.

Set

  • From your hand, select four (4) cards to place face up on top of your four (4) face down cards (your “set” cards).

Play 

🚀 Starting Play: The game begins with the lowest non-magic card (3 or higher).

  • Beginning with the player to the dealer’s left, ask: “Do you have a 3?” If not, continue clockwise until everyone has been asked.
  • If no one has a 3, repeat the process with 4s, then 5s, and so on until a player can start.

🎯 Continuing Play

  • 👉 On your turn, you must play a card equal to or higher than the last card on the pile. You can play multiple cards of the same number/card eg 2x Aces.
  • 🚫 If you cannot play, or if you choose not to play, you must pick up the entire pile, add it to your hand, and your turn ends.
  • 💥 Natural Bomb: If four (4) cards of the same rank are played in a row, the pile is discarded. The fourth card’s player replenishes their hand back to 5 (if possible) and takes another turn.
  • ✋ You must always have at least 5 cards in your hand while the pick-up pile remains.
  • ⚡️ Once the pick-up pile and hand cards are used, play your set cards.
  • 🍀 After the set cards, play your face-down cards blind. You play blind cards one at a time.

🏆 Win

  • The first player to play all their cards wins!

 

🪄 MAGIC CARDS

💥 Ten – “Bomb”

  • Discard the entire play pile.
  • Replenish your hand back to 5 cards (if possible).
  • Take another turn.

👁 Eight – “See Through”

  • Play on any card.
  • Next player must play equal to or higher than the card beneath this one.
  • Playing an Eight breaks up a Natural Bomb sequence.

🔄 Two – “Reset”

  • Play on any card.
  • Resets the pile back to low.
  • Any card can be played next (pile stays in play).

⬇️ Seven – “Keep it Low”

  • Play only on cards 2–7.
  • Next player must play 7 or lower.
  • Play continues as normal.

🃏 Joker – “Shapeshifter” (Optional)

  • Can be used as any card.
  • May be combined with multiples (e.g. Joker + 9 = pair of 9s).
  • Cannot be used to complete a Natural Bomb. Decide before the game whether to include Jokers.

 

⚖️ TECHNICAL RULES / AVOIDING HOUSE RULE DISPUTES

  • Ace is the highest card.
  • Pickup Option: Even if you could play, you may choose to pick up the pile instead — this adds strategy. The pile is added to your hand, and your turn ends.
  • Singles vs Multiples: You may play one card even if you hold multiples.
  • Multiples in Sets: Multiples can also be played when using your set cards.
  • Pile Pickup: If you cannot play, you must pick up the entire pile.

 

🧠 BEGINNER STRATEGY GUIDE

  • Picking Up Can Be Smart: Sometimes taking the pile on purpose is better than burning your strong cards too early.
  • Magic Cards Matter: Holding onto Twos, Sevens, Eights, Tens and Jokers (optional) for the right moment can flip the game in your favour.
  • Multiples = Momentum: Playing pairs, triples, or quads together clears cards faster and can set up a Natural Bomb.
  • Read the Table: Watching what other players pick up can give you clues about their hand and future moves.
  • Plan for the Finish: Keeping a Bomb or Reset until you’re down to set or face-down cards can stop you from getting stuck.