The Rules of SWIPE
The definitive guide to playing SWIPE — from your first hand to championship-level competition. All rules are set and maintained by the World SWIPE Association.
Overview
What is SWIPE?
SWIPE is a fast-paced, strategic card game for 2–6 players. Each player builds a hand of cards and competes to score points by executing Swipes — powerful card combinations that outmanoeuvre opponents.
A standard game lasts 5 rounds. The player with the highest cumulative score at the end of Round 5 wins. In tournament play, tiebreakers are resolved by Swipe Count, then by card rank.
Components
What's in the Box
Action Cards
48 cardsThe core of the game. Each Action Card has a Swipe Value (1–10) and a special ability. Used to build combos and score points.
Block Cards
12 cardsDefensive cards that cancel an opponent's Swipe. Timing is everything — a well-placed Block can swing the entire round.
Wild Cards
8 cardsCan substitute for any Action Card in a combo. Rare and powerful — each player starts with one Wild Card per game.
Score Tokens
60 tokensUsed to track points during play. Each token is worth 1 point. Bonus tokens (worth 5) are awarded for Perfect Swipes.
Setup
Setting Up
Shuffle the Deck
Combine all 72 cards and shuffle thoroughly. Place the deck face-down in the centre of the table — this is the Draw Pile.
Deal Starting Hands
Deal 7 cards to each player. Players may look at their own cards but must keep them hidden from opponents.
Distribute Wild Cards
Give each player 1 Wild Card from the reserve. Wild Cards are held separately and are not part of the initial 7-card hand.
Determine First Player
The player who most recently played a card game goes first. In tournament play, first player is determined by a coin flip or official draw.
Set the Score Track
Place Score Tokens in the centre bank. Each player starts at 0. The Score Track runs from 0 to 50 — first to 50 wins instantly (Sudden Victory rule).
Gameplay
How to Play
Turn Structure
On your turn, you must complete all three phases in order. You may not skip a phase.
Draw Phase
Draw 2 cards from the Draw Pile. If the Draw Pile is empty, shuffle the Discard Pile to form a new Draw Pile.
Play Phase
Play 1 to 3 cards from your hand face-up in front of you. These cards form your Swipe Attempt. You must play at least 1 card.
Resolve Phase
Calculate your Swipe Value. Opponents may play Block Cards now. If unblocked, score points equal to your Swipe Value. Discard all played cards.
Swipe Combinations
Certain card combinations trigger bonus effects called Swipes. The more powerful the Swipe, the higher the bonus.
Defence
Blocking
Any opponent may play a Block Card during the Resolve Phase to cancel your Swipe. A Block Card must be played before you collect your Score Tokens.
A blocked Swipe scores 0 points. The blocked player discards all played cards. The player who blocked draws 1 card as a reward.
Only 1 Block Card may be played per Swipe Attempt. If multiple opponents wish to block, the player to the active player's left has priority.
Victory
Winning the Game
The game ends after Round 5 is complete (each player has taken 5 turns). The player with the most Score Tokens wins.
Sudden Victory: If any player reaches 50 points during play, the game ends immediately and that player wins — regardless of round.
Tiebreaker: If two or more players are tied at game end, the tied player with the most total Swipes wins. If still tied, the player with the highest single Swipe Value wins.
Competitive Play
Tournament Rules
WSA-sanctioned tournaments follow the standard rules above with the following additions.
All decks must be WSA-certified and may be inspected by the Tournament Director before play begins.
Each turn has a 60-second time limit in Swiss rounds. Finals use a 90-second limit. Exceeding the limit results in a forced Single Swipe.
Spectators may not communicate with active players. Violations result in a warning; repeat violations may result in disqualification of the assisted player.
Any disputed play must be resolved by the Tournament Director. The Director's ruling is final. Appeals may be submitted in writing within 10 minutes of the ruling.
Ready to Play?
Find a WSA-sanctioned tournament near you and put your skills to the test.