Rules for Hong Kong

Hong Kong is an intense and fast-paced card game that tests your reflexes and observation skills. Also known as "Hong Kong" in some circles, this is a game where quick thinking and fast action are essential. The game is suitable for 2-4 players and typically takes 5-15 minutes per round. You need a standard 52-card deck (without jokers).

The goal is to collect four of a kind in each of your piles and be the first to shout "Hong Kong!" when all your piles are complete.

Cards are dealt into piles as follows:

• 2 players: Each player gets 6 piles of 4 cards each (24 cards total per player)
• 3 players: Each player gets 4 piles of 4 cards each (16 cards total per player)
• 4 players: Each player gets 3 piles of 4 cards each (12 cards total per player)

The remaining 4 cards are placed face-up in the center of the table as the common exchange area. All player piles are placed face-down in front of each player.

Players should sit around the table so everyone has good access to the center cards.

The game starts when everyone says "Ready, set, go!" together:

1. Each player picks up one of their piles and looks at the cards
2. Players sort the cards in their hand (optional but recommended)
3. Players exchange one card at a time between their hand and the four cards on the table
4. There must always be exactly 4 cards on the table - when you pick up one card, you must put down another
5. Only one card can be exchanged at a time
6. You cannot pick up a card from the table before putting one down first

Speed is key - all players act simultaneously and as fast as they can!

When you have collected four cards of the same value (e.g., four 7s) in your hand:

• Place the pile face-up so everyone can see the completed set
• Immediately pick up your next pile and continue playing
• You can only have one pile in your hand at a time
• Completed sets cannot be changed or picked up again

Continue this way until all your piles have become sets.

When you have completed your last set:

1. Place the last set on top of your other completed sets
2. Shout loudly and clearly: "STRESS!"
3. You have won the round!

Only one winner is declared per round. If there's doubt about who shouted first, play another round.

These rules must be followed carefully:

• Exchange rule: You must always put down a card before picking up a new one
• Four cards: There must always be exactly 4 cards on the table
• One pile: You can only have one pile in your hand at a time
• No cheating: You cannot hide cards or have multiple piles open simultaneously
• Completed sets: Once a set is placed down, it cannot be changed

There are several exciting variations of Hong Kong:

• Large group (5+ players): Use two decks and adjust the number of piles
• Time limit: Each pile must be completed within, e.g., 30 seconds
• Order: Players must complete piles in a specific sequence
• Multiple cards: Allow exchanging multiple cards at once (but the same number must be returned)
• UNO variant: Play with UNO cards using only the number cards
• Solo variant: Play against the clock with all 12 piles

Hong Kong is known by several names:

• Hong Kong: International name where the winner shouts "Hong Kong!" instead of "Hong Kong!"
• Set: Four cards of the same value
• Pile: A stack of 4 cards

In the Hong Kong variant, players shout "Beijing!", "Shanghai!" and "Tokyo!" for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place respectively.

To succeed at Hong Kong:

• Keep track of which cards are on the table
• Sort cards in your hand for faster exchanges
• Pay attention to what opponents are collecting
• Exchange quickly but stay in control - don't lose track
• Remember everyone is competing for the same center cards
• Practice spotting card combinations quickly
• Keep completed sets visible so you know how many remain

Hong Kong is about speed, but also about keeping cool under pressure!