The Secret Card

A Single-Card Game of Stealth and Misdirection

For Parties and Other Group Gatherings

Don't get caught holding the Secret Card!

When the Secret Card shows up, in your pocket, in your backpack, under your hat or stuck to your plate, you are invited to play its game. Pass on the Card, if you can, but don't get caught... as the second rule says, if a player knows for certain who gave them the Card, they can give it back. When the game is over, whoever still has the Card loses the game, and whoever gave it to them last is the winner!

A simple social game, The Secret Card contains all the rules you need on the Card itself. Players don't even need to know that the game exists or has started, until they find the Card. All it takes to start is the Card and one referee, the event's Host, to start play and to set a time limit: usually ending just before the end of their party, meeting, or other social gathering. When time is up, announce the end of The Secret Card Game, and see who has the card!

A mixture of Hot Potato and a game often called "Assassin", The Secret Card encourages players to be sneaky, subtle, and smart, watching for opportunities to pass the Card undetected. If they're spotted, after all, they'll get the Card right back, and observant players will be forewarned. As the event continues, more and more players will be aware and alert, making a successful pass more challenging.

The rules are short but still remind players to be respectful: no touching another player's body without permission, and no one is required to play, only invited.