Snip Snap Snorum - How to Play Snip Snap Snorum

Snip Snap Snorum

A lively shedding game where players call out 'Snip,' 'Snap,' and 'Snorum' as they match ranks in sequence. Simple enough for all ages and great for larger groups.

3-8 players 52 cards Easy Low strategy Short 3.5/10 popularity

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♠ Quick Reference
Goal
Be the first to shed all your cards by matching ranks.
Setup
  1. Deal all 52 cards evenly to players.
  2. Some players may receive one extra card.
  3. Player left of the dealer goes first.
On Your Turn
  1. Lead any card or play a matching rank to the pile.
  2. Call Snip, Snap, or Snorum for the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th match.
  3. If you cannot match, pass your turn.
Scoring
  • First player out wins the round.
  • Remaining cards count as penalty points.
Tip: Keep groups of the same rank together so you can play them back to back.
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Rules

Snip Snap Snorum is a classic shedding game where players take turns matching the rank of the previously played card. The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards by playing matching ranks in sequence.

Objective

Be the first player to discard all of your cards by playing cards that match the rank of the card on the pile.

Setup
  1. Players: 3 to 8 players.
  2. Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
  3. Deal: Deal the entire deck out as evenly as possible. Some players may have one extra card.
Gameplay
  1. Step 1: The player to the dealer's left leads by playing any card face up to the center.
  2. Step 2: The next player must play a card of the same rank if they have one, calling 'Snip.' The third matching card is called 'Snap,' and the fourth is called 'Snorum.' If a player cannot match, they pass.
  3. Step 3: The player who completes the set of four (calls 'Snorum') leads any new card to start the next round.
Scoring
  • The first player to shed all cards wins the round.
  • In point-based games, remaining players count their leftover cards as penalty points.
Variations
  • Jig: A popular variant where players must play the next card in sequence of the same suit rather than matching rank.
Tips and Strategies
  • Hold back cards of ranks you have multiple copies of so you can play them in quick succession.
  • Pay attention to which ranks have already been completed to anticipate what leads are coming next.
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Tips & Strategy

Try to hold pairs and triples so you can play consecutively and shed cards faster. Watch for completed sets to predict upcoming leads.

Since the game has limited decision-making, your main edge comes from holding groups of the same rank to play them in rapid succession.

Trivia & Fun Facts

The game's distinctive calls of 'Snip, Snap, Snorum' made it a favorite noisy pastime at family gatherings for centuries.

What are the three calls made when matching cards in Snip Snap Snorum?

History & Culture

Snip Snap Snorum dates back to 18th-century England and was one of the most popular parlor games of the Georgian era.

Snip Snap Snorum was a staple of English and American parlor entertainment in the 1700s and 1800s, often appearing in guides to family amusements.

Variations & House Rules

The Jig variant changes matching from rank to sequential suit play, adding a different strategic layer.

Add a penalty pot where players who pass must contribute a chip, and the round winner collects the pot.

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