Setup

1. To start, remove all the Exploding Kittens 9 from the deck and set them aside.

   
   

2. Now, look through the remaining deck and based on the number of players, use the following cards:

   2-3 players: Use only the cards WITH a paw print in the corner (44).

   4-7 players: Use only the cards WITHOUT a paw print in the corner (69).

   8-10 players: Use all of the cards (113).

3. Remove all of the Defuse Cards from the deck and deal 1 to each player.

   Insert any extra Defuse Cards back in the deck (if there are any).

   Defuse Cards

   Each player starts with a Defuse Card; the most powerful card in the game. These are the only cards that can save you from Exploding Kittens. If you draw an Exploding Kitten, instead of getting exploded, you can play the Defuse Card and reinsert the Kitten back into the Draw Pile anywhere you'd like in secret.

   Try to get as many Defuse Cards as possible.

4. Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards face down to each player. Everyone now has a hand of 8 cards total (including the Defuse Card).

5. Insert enough Exploding Kittens back into the deck so that there is 1 fewer than the number of people playing. Remove any extra Exploding Kittens from the game.

6. Shuffle the deck, and put it face down in the middle of the table. Exploding Kittens Card Sample

   
   

7. Pick a player to go first. (Some sample criteria: most impressive beard, most intimidating odor, shortest spleen, etc).

Taking Your Turn

Gather all 8 of your cards into your hand and look at them. Do one of the following:

• I. Pass

  Play no cards.

• II. Play

  Play a card by placing it FACE UP on top of the Discard Pile and following the instructions on the card.

  After you follow the instructions on the card, you can play more cards. You can play as many cards as you'd like.

End your turn by drawing a card from the top of the Draw Pile into your hand and hoping it's not an Exploding Kitten. (This is different from most games in that you END YOUR TURN by drawing a card).

Play continues clockwise around the table.

Remember: Play as many or as few cards as you'd like, then draw a card to end your turn.