DON’T GET STABBED!

don't get stabbed rules

OBJECTIVE OF DON’T GET STABBED!: If you’re a victim, avoid getting stabbed. And if you’re the killer, kill all the victims.

NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 3 to 5 players

MATERIALS OF DON’T GET STABBED!: 64 main deck cards, 13 CAR deck cards, instructions

TYPE OF GAME: Card game

AUDIENCE: 18+

OVERVIEW OF DON’T GET STABBED!

Don’t Get Stabbed! is a chaotic party card game where one player takes on the role of the Killer… and everyone else is just trying to survive long enough to escape. It’s a fast and aggressive game that leans into some classic horror movie tropes. Enjoy the game and the fun illustrations while you try to survive! Without further ado, here are the rules for Don’t Get Stabbed!

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Don't Get Stabbed!: The Party Game Where You Get...
Don't Get Stabbed!: The Party Game Where You Get...
  • ADULT CARD GAME FOR GAME NIGHT - Don’t Get Stabbed! is an adult party game...
  • COMPETITIVE & EASY TO LEARN - This entertaining game is playable for 3 to 5...
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SETUP FOR DON’T GET STABBED!

Before we get into the rules of Don’t Get Stabbed!, let’s make sure we set up the party card game for adults properly:

  1. Shuffle the main deck and place it face down in the center of the table.
  2. Shuffle the CAR deck and place it nearby.
  3. Deal each player 3 cards.
  4. Choose one player to be the Killer (usually the “most evil” player).
  5. All other players are Victims.
  6. Choose a player to go first. The Killer will take their turn last each round.

HOW TO PLAY DON’T GET STABBED!: GAME RULES

don't get stabbed game cards

Now that everything is set up, let’s break down the game rules for Don’t Get Stabbed!

PLAYER TURNS

On your turn:

  1. Draw one card from the main deck
  2. Choose one action:
    • Play 1 action card
    • Play 2 matching combo cards
    • Do nothing and end your turn

Then the next player goes. Simple as that.

TYPES OF CARDS

There are three main types of cards in the game. Let’s go through them one by one.

1) ACTION CARDS

Action cards are double-sided. The green side is for the victim, and the purple side is for the killer.

If you’re a victim, you’ll usually want to hold onto these. They’re your best chance to avoid getting stabbed.

If you’re the killer, however, you can either play these cards immediately or save them for the perfect moment to mess with the victims.

2) STAB CARDS

Stab cards are what eliminate players.

When a victim receives a Stab card, they must place it in front of themselves. Each Stab card equals one stab. If you have an action card, you may be able to avoid the stab when you draw it.

If a victim collects 3 Stab cards, they are eliminated from the game.

But if the Killer draws a Stab card, they don’t keep it. Instead, they secretly place it anywhere back into the deck so that someone else draws it later. Sneaky.

3) COMBO CARDS

Combo cards are the most common cards in the game.

As a victim, your goal is to collect pairs of matching combo cards. When you play a pair, you get to draw from the CAR deck.

THE CAR DECK (ESCAPING)

The CAR deck is how victims win the game.

The types of cards in the CAR deck:

  • Letter cards C, A, or R
  • Dead cards like “No Keys” or “Dead Battery”

If you draw a letter card, place it in the center. The goal is to spell CAR in order to escape and win the game. However, if you draw a letter card that is already placed, you must discard the additional letter, as there is no use for it.

If you draw a dead card, such as “No Keys”, tough luck. You’ll need to try again with another pair, another round. 

THE KILLER AND COMBO CARDS

If the killer collects 3 matching combo cards, they can remove one letter from the CAR pile. This can completely set the Victims back, especially if they’re close to escaping.

PLAYER ELIMINATION

If a Victim collects 3 Stab cards, they are out of the game. Just remove them from play and continue. As more players get eliminated, things will only get much harder for the remaining victims! But that’s part of the fun

END OF GAME

The game ends when one of the following happens:

  • The remaining victims win by spelling C-A-R
  • The killer wins by eliminating all victims (3 stabs each)

SIMILAR GAMES TO DON’T GET STABBED!

If you enjoy Don’t Get Stabbed!, you’ll probably also like games like:

FAQ

Is Don’t Get Stabbed! Family-Friendly?

While technically this game is designed for adults (18+), teens can play this game as long as they don’t find the theme disturbing.

How Long Does a Game of Don’t Get Stabbed! Take?

Most games last around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how quickly players are eliminated or escape.

Does the Killer Take a Turn Like Other Players?

Yes, but the killer always goes last each round.

How Do Victims Win in Don’t Get Stabbed!?

Victims win by collecting all three letters (C, A, and R) from the CAR deck.

What Happens If You Draw a Duplicate Letter?

If the letter is already in play, you discard that CAR card and try again later.

How Many Stabs Can You Take?

You can take up to 2 stabs. On your third stab, you’re out!

Mia Kim
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