How to Play Spite and Malice

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

If you’re looking for a simple 2-player card game similar to solitaire, Spite and Malice is the perfect choice for you. Also known as “Cat and Mouse,” the game is really easy to learn and great for kids, but there’s enough strategy to make it really fun for adults too. If you’re excited to try it out, keep reading for rules and strategy tips for Spite and Malice!

Things You Should Know

  • Play Spite and Malice with 2 players using 2 standard decks of cards.
  • Each player has a goal pile with 20 cards, a hand of 5 cards, and 4 discard piles called “side stacks.”
  • ​​Play cards in ascending order onto “center stacks.” Win the game when you play the last card from your goal pile.
Section 1 of 4:

Objective

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Each player starts the game with a goal pile of 20 cards. During the game, players take turns playing cards in ascending order to the middle of the table from their hand or face-up piles. As soon as someone plays the last card from their goal pile, they win the game. [1]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Setup

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use standard 52-card decks without the jokers. Choose a dealer at random to shuffle the cards until they’re thoroughly mixed together. [2]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Deal the cards into face-down piles and put the leftover cards in a stack in the middle of the table, known as the “stock.” Players can’t look through or change the order of the cards in their goal pile. [3]
    • If you want a shorter game, only deal out 13 cards into each goal pile.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a2\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take the first card from your goal pile and turn it face-up so both players can see it. Keep the card on top of the goal pile. The player who has the highest ranking card starts the game. [4]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/37\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The “center stacks” are 3 main piles that you’ll play cards to in the middle of the table. Each player also has 4 “side stacks,” which are personal discard piles that you’ll add to at the end of each turn. The center stacks and side stacks are all empty at the start of the game. [5]
    5. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Gameplay

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/18\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    On your first turn, you’ll draw 5 cards from the stock to form your hand. If you ever have cards left over from a previous turn, only draw enough cards until you have 5 in your hand. [6]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If there are empty center stacks, you can play an ace to start a new one. If there are already 3 center stacks started, you must play the next card in ascending order. You can play any cards from your hand, or use the top cards of your goal pile or side stacks. You can play as many cards to the center stacks as you want during your turn. [7]
    • Kings are wild cards, so you can use them as any rank.
    • When you play the top card of the goal pile, immediately flip the next card of the goal pile face-up so you can see it.
    • If you ever play all the cards from your hand, draw 5 more cards from the stock and keep taking your turn.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f1\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When you decide to end your turn or when you’re out of legal moves, choose 1 card from your hand to put into one of your side stacks. If you already started 4 side stacks, then place your discard on top of one of the piles. Then the next player takes their turn. [8]
    • You can put the cards in any order when you make your side stacks.
    • You can only ever play the top card of a side stack. Any card underneath the top card is unavailable.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Players keep taking turns drawing, playing, and discarding cards until a player empties their goal pile and triggers the end of the game. The other player has 1 more turn to try and finish their goal pile. If they’re unable to finish, the person who played all their cards wins! [9]
    • If both players finish their goal piles, then the game ends in a tie.
    5. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Strategy

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you have a card in your hand or side stacks that has the same rank as the top card of your goal pile, always play the one from your goal pile first. Remember that you just have to empty your goal pile to win the game, so it’s okay if you keep cards in your hand or side stacks. [10]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Since kings are wild and count as any value, they might be tempting to play right away. Keep kings in your hand or on top of a side stack instead so you can easily access it. When you can play multiple cards in ascending rank order during your turn, use kings to fill in any gaps between cards that you have. [11]
    • Example: You have a 2, 3, 4, queen, and king. A center stack has a jack showing. On your turn, play the queen to complete the stack. Then, start a new stack with the king and play the rest of the cards in your hand.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/24\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Even if you can play a card from your hand, check what card is on top of your opponent’s goal pile. If they could play that card on top of what you want to play on a center stack, hold onto the card for now. That way, you stall your opponent so they have a tougher time emptying their goal pile. [12]
    • Example: If there's an ace in the center stack and your opponent has a 3 on top of their goal pile, wait to play a 2 so your opponent can't play their card.
    • Be sure to check the top cards of your opponent’s side stacks as well since they may be setting up a big play.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/05\/Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Spite-and-Malice-Rules-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Keep cards of a higher rank on the bottom of your side stacks and pile lower rank cards on top. That way, if you play the top card of the side stack, you have a better chance of playing the card that was directly underneath it. [13]
    • Example: On your turn, you discard a 7 and place it on top of an 8 in your side stack. If there’s a 6 on a center pile during your next turn, you can play the 7, immediately making the top card an 8 that’s available to play.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Play Go Fish
      What Does an Uno Reverse Card Mean? (With Examples)
      The Best Card Games to Try with Only 2 Players
      How to Play and Win a Game of Skip Bo
      How to Play Uno Flip: Game Setup, Rules, and More
      13 Best Card Games for 3 People
      How to Correctly Play the Wild Shuffle Hands Card in UNO
      How to
      Play Cards Against Humanity
      How to
      Play the Card Game 13
      How to
      Play Tongits
      How to
      Play Old Maid
      DOS Card Game: Complete Rules Guide
      How to Play Shanghai Rummy
      How to
      Play Trash
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2020/05/13/5-fun-card-games-for-kids/
      2. ↑ https://gambiter.com/cards/Spite_and_malice.html
      3. ↑ https://casinowithbonus.com/games/rules/spite-malice/
      4. ↑ https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2020/05/13/5-fun-card-games-for-kids/
      5. ↑ https://casinowithbonus.com/games/rules/spite-malice/
      6. ↑ https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2020/05/13/5-fun-card-games-for-kids/
      7. ↑ https://casinowithbonus.com/games/rules/spite-malice/
      8. ↑ https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2020/05/13/5-fun-card-games-for-kids/
      9. ↑ https://owlworksllc.com/featured-game/a-game-of-cat-and-mouse/
      1. ↑ https://gambiter.com/cards/Spite_and_malice.html
      2. ↑ https://coolmompicks.com/blog/2020/05/13/5-fun-card-games-for-kids/
      3. ↑ https://gambiter.com/cards/Spite_and_malice.html
      4. ↑ https://gambiter.com/cards/Spite_and_malice.html

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 36,818 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement