How to play Exploding Kittens

The objective

Your goal is simple: avoid exploding and remain the last player in the game. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

An Exploding Kittens deck.

How to set up

1. Remove enough Exploding Kitten cards to leave one fewer than the players.
2. Give each player a Defuse card, deal hands, and shuffle the remaining cards.

How to play: step by step

1. Play any number of cards or none.
2. End the turn by drawing one card.
3. Use a Defuse after drawing an Exploding Kitten, then secretly return the kitten to the deck.
4. Continue until only one player remains.

Beginner strategies

• Save a Defuse when possible.
• Use information cards before deciding whether to draw.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Drawing before playing an intended action.
• Showing where an Exploding Kitten was returned.

Frequently asked questions