What you need
One standard 52-card deck and two players.
Object of the game
Be the first to play every card from your hand and your stock pile.
Setup and deal
- 1Deal two side piles face down in the middle—10 cards each in the most common layout—and two single cards face down between them.
- 2Give each player a 15-card face-down stock; each player draws a five-card hand from it.
- 3A common alternative uses 20-card stocks and 5-card side piles.
How to play
- 1Both players flip the two middle cards face up at the same time.
- 2Play cards from your hand onto either center pile if they are one higher or one lower, regardless of suit. Aces connect to both 2 and king.
- 3Whenever you play a card, draw from your stock to keep five cards in hand.
- 4If neither player can play, both flip a new card from the side piles onto the center piles at the same moment and continue.
How the game ends
- The first player to play out their hand and stock wins the round.
- Many players simply count it as one game; others play several rounds and keep score.
Common variations
- Spit uses five stock piles laid out in front of each player instead of a hand and stock.
- Some players allow only one card at a time, others let you play runs as fast as you can.
Tips for your first game
- Keep a mix of ranks in hand—five cards of the same rank can freeze you.
- Play to the pile your opponent is likely to need next.
Speed FAQ
Is Speed the same as Spit?
They are close relatives. Speed uses a five-card hand and a single stock; Spit uses a row of five stock piles.
Can kids play Speed?
Yes—the only rule to learn is “one higher or one lower,” though younger children may prefer a slower game first.