What is Karma?
In Karma, the rules are always changing.
Learn how to play this game in just a few simple steps.
| Number of players | 2 to 6 |
| Game length | 20 minutes |
| Game difficulty | Medium |
| What you need to play | A standard deck of cards, a paper bag (optional) |
If you enjoy Karma, check out this list of the top games to play with a deck of cards.
Object of the Game
In Karma, players aim to be the first to discard all their cards while navigating through various card effects and rules. Each card presents an opportunity for strategic maneuvers, reversals, and exciting twists in this dynamic card game.
Setting Up the Game
- Dealing Cards: Deal nine cards to each player. Arrange them into three down cards, three up cards, and three hand cards.
- Exchanging Cards: Before gameplay starts, players can exchange any number of their hand cards with a corresponding number of their up cards.
- Setup for Play: Arrange the remaining cards as a communal face-down deck in the center of the table. Players are now ready to dive into the game.
Playing the Game
- Start Player: The chosen start player discards one, two, or three cards of the same rank from their hand onto a common discard pile. They then draw cards from the deck to replenish their hand to three cards.
- Rotation of Play: Play progresses clockwise. Each player, in turn, discards one, two, three, or four cards of equal or higher rank onto the top of the discard pile. The number of cards discarded doesn’t have to match the previous player’s discard.
- Card Effects: Cards have special effects:
- Jokers: Cause a reversal in the rotation of play.
- 8s: Change the rotation of play (use instead of Jokers if desired).
- 2s: Act as both high or low cards, allowing flexibility in discarding.
- 10s: Remove the current discard pile from the game and start a new discard pile.
- 7s: Require the next discard to be of equal or lower rank.
- Playing from Up Cards: When the deck is depleted, players with no hand cards must play from their up cards. If they can’t or won’t discard, they take all the cards in the current discard pile into a new hand.
- Playing from Down Cards: Once a player discards all their up cards, they can start discarding their down cards. These are revealed one by one and can be discarded if possible.
- Game End: The game ends when a player successfully discards all their cards.
Winning the Game
The first player to successfully discard all their cards wins the game. The player with cards left at the end must wear the brown paper bag on their head in a comical twist for the next game.
Strategy and Adaptation
Karma challenges players to adapt to various card effects and anticipate opponents’ moves. Reversals, discarding tactics, and the careful management of hand and up cards play a crucial role in securing victory.