How to Play

Each player starts with 5 cards. Trump is revealed under the draw pile (never Spades) and is the last card you can draw.

On your turn, pass one or more same-suit cards to the next player — up to as many as they currently hold.

The Queen of Spades can never be passed alone — she needs another Spade for company. She can never be squashed, and she can never squash another card. She stays in the game until the end: in the draw pile, or in someone's hand.

Defend by squashing with a higher card of the same suit or any trump vs a non-trump. Everyone sees the pass for a few seconds before you can confirm — so you can draft pairs while you wait. You may squash some cards and pick up the rest. Pick up any cards and you don't get to attack.

After passing or defending, refill to 5 while the draw pile lasts. Fully squash an attack and you get to pass next. When the pile is empty, play on until someone is left holding the curse. Empty your hand to go out.

Last player remaining loses — they are the Cursed Queen. You also lose immediately if it is your pass turn and you cannot make any legal pass after refilling from the draw pile. For example, holding only the Queen with an empty draw pile ends the game, even if several players remain. Keep a spare Spade so you can pass her on.