How to Play

Videos, Printable Instructions & Scoresheets, and FAQs

How to Play Video

Looking for step-by-step instructions on how to play SWOOP? You've come to the right place.

This video walks you through the set up and playing of SWOOP, including helpful tips.

NOTE: Cards shown in the How to Play video have the original card face design. Game play is the same whether using the original design or the revised design cards released in Sept. 2025

Printables

Use following settings when printing

Instruction Guides: Landscape | Fit to page | Print on both sides of paper | Flip on short edge

Score Sheets: Portrait | Fit to page | Print on both sides of paper | Flip on short edge

General Gameplay

What is SWOOP?

SWOOP is a family card game by Mukanāna Games for ages 7 and up. Players race to get rid of all their cards while avoiding high-scoring cards.

How do you play SWOOP?

On your turn, play a card or matching cards equal to or lower than the last card in the Center Pile. If you can’t, you take the pile. The first player out of cards ends the round.

What does it mean to SWOOP?

A SWOOP happens when four or more matching cards are played in a row, or when someone plays a SWOOP card. The Center Pile is cleared and that player keeps going.

How many people can play SWOOP?

We state that 3 to 8 players with the base game, and up to 12 with the Purple Expansion Deck, available on swoop-cards.com or Amazon.

We are aware that some customers do enjoy playing with just 2 players.

NOTE:  For 12 players, each person draws a total of 18 cards: 4 Mystery Cards, 4 Board Cards, and only 10 Hand Cards instead of the usual 11.

You can buy the 4th, Purple Deck here. 

How is SWOOP scored?

Cards 1 to 9 are 5 points, 10 to 12 are 10 points, and SWOOP cards are 50 points. The player who goes out scores zero.

How do you win SWOOP?

The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins.

How long does a game of SWOOP take?

A round generally takes about 10 or 15 minutes.  Total game time depends on the number of players.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the player starting a round play any card?

Yes.  They can play one or more matching number card(s) - 1 through 12 - or a SWOOP Card.  It is advised to play high cards to start a round, so as not to get stuck with them later in the round. 

Can you play cards from your Hand and/or Board that match a played Mystery Card?

Yes. A player can, but is not required to, play any/or all matching Hand and Board Cards upon playing a Mystery Card.

Can I play a card after Taking the Center Pile?

No.

When forced to play a higher card and picking up all the cards in the Center Pile, that player’s turn is over. 

The player to the left now has an empty Center Pile to which they can play any card or matching cards they wish. 

Can a SWOOP Card by played with Number Cards? For example, 1 SWOOP Card with 2 Nines.

No. SWOOP Cards can only be played individually. A single SWOOP Card automatically SWOOPs the Center Pile.

When forced to play a card higher than the cards on the top of the Center Pile, can a person play multiple matching number cards from their Board and Mystery Cards and then put them, along with the entire Center Pile into their Hand?

No. When forced to take the Center Pile, the play must show EXACTLY 1 card, even if they have matching number cards.