Spite & Malice is a dynamic and strategic patience game designed for two players, combining elements of competition and classic solitaire mechanics. Each player begins the game with a hand of 5 cards, a payoff pile consisting of 20 cards, and four empty side stacks at their disposal.
In the center of the playing area, there are three empty center stacks and a stock pile made up of the remaining cards not in players' possession. The ultimate goal of the game is to be the first player to completely deplete your payoff pile, gaining control over the pace and flow of play while strategically managing your resources.
How to Play
The center stacks are built sequentially starting from the ace and moving upwards, regardless of suit. For example, you could begin with the ace of diamonds followed by the two of spades, then the three of hearts, and so on. Kings act as wild cards, allowing flexibility in gameplay. If a king is placed on any center stack, it can represent the next sequential card needed. For instance, if a ten of clubs is on top of a center stack, placing a king will transform into a queen, continuing the sequence forward.
Once a center stack reaches completion—by adding a queen or king onto a jack—the entire stack is shuffled back into the stock pile, replenishing available cards for both players.
Side stacks provide additional tactical options. Players can place any card onto these stacks without restriction, though only the top card of each side stack remains accessible during gameplay for further moves.
Turn Mechanics
At the beginning of each turn, players draw cards from the stock pile to ensure they always have a full hand of five cards. During your turn, you may perform one of the following actions:
- Play the top card from your payoff pile directly onto a center stack.
- Move the top card from one of your side stacks to a center stack.
- Use a card from your hand to advance a center stack.
- Place a card from your hand onto one of your side stacks, which concludes your turn.
Winning the Game
The game reaches its conclusion when a player successfully plays their final card from the payoff pile onto one of the center stacks. That player is declared the winner of the round and earns points equal to the number of cards remaining in their opponent's payoff pile.
Alternatively, if the stock pile is completely exhausted before either player empties their payoff pile, the game ends in a tie, and no points are awarded to either player.
A match continues until one of the players accumulates a total of 50 points. This competitive scoring system ensures multiple rounds of intense gameplay, where strategy, foresight, and a bit of luck all play critical roles in determining the ultimate victor!
Tags : Card
