Happy Salmon (Rules and Card Game Instructions)

Happy Salmon is an original party game that will keep you entertained throughout the evening. Not sure how to play it? This guide explains the Happy Salmon rules in detail.

Do you like fast-paced, unpredictably funny card games with simple rules? Then, you should undoubtedly try Happy Salmon.

This hilarious card game by the creators of Exploding Kittens (see Exploding Kittens rules) is currently one of the most popular small group games on the market. No wonder – learning the game takes just a few minutes, and it can be played wherever you go.

This Happy Salmon rules guide will cover the following: 

• What is Happy Salmon?
• What you’ll need to play Happy Salmon
• Happy Salmon rules
• How to play Happy Salmon (video tutorial)
• FAQs
• Other similar games to Happy Salmon (our guides)

Read on and learn how to play Happy Salmon with your friends or family.

What is Happy Salmon

Happy Salmon is an action-packed card game that matches players based on the cards they draw. 

It involves lots of high-fives, fist-bumping, and shouting, making it ideal for friendly gatherings. It is also a speedy game, although there’s a good chance you will stick to it for quite a few rounds. 

Number of Players: 3 – 8 players 

Ages: 6+

Difficulty: Very easy

Length of Play: About 90 seconds 

Category: Matching action card game

Similar to: Uno Emoji, Funky Chicken, Dirty Pig

Main Objective: Get rid of all your cards by matching them with other players.

Why We Love It: This dynamic matching game is a great party starter.

What You’ll Need to Play Happy Salmon

To play Happy Salmon, you will need a set of original Happy Salmon cards. 

The set includes:

• 96 Happy Salmon playing cards
• Instructions

Besides the cards, you will also need a table to play on. Standing is recommended instead of sitting, as the game involves lots of movement. 

Also, beware that Happy Salmon can get quite noisy. You might want to consider that when choosing the location.

Note: Happy Salmon by Exploding Kittens is a reworked version of an older Happy Salmon game by the North Star Games. The original game contains just 72 cards, but the rules are almost identical.

Happy Salmon Rules 

No turns, no counting. Happy Salmon should suit you if you don’t like games with complicated rules.

Starting the Game

• First, sort cards based on their color. You will get 8 piles.
• Each player chooses one pile consisting of 12 cards.
• Players shuffle their decks and hold them face-down.
• Put the unused cards aside – you won’t need them.

Now you’re ready to start playing.

How to Play Happy Salmon

In Happy Salmon, all players take turns simultaneously. This is how the game proceeds:

• Players flip their cards face-up at the same time. 
• You are only allowed to look at the upper card. Your goal is to discard it and move on to the next card as soon as possible.
• To discard the card, find a player with a matching card by shouting out the phrase on your card.
• Once you find your pair, you both perform the action depicted on your cards (e.g., high five – we’ll get to this shortly). 
• Now you both discard the paired cards. You can set them aside or throw them under the table – the goal is to be quick.
• Now do the same with the next card in your pile. 
• Continue until you get rid of all your cards.

But what if you can’t find a match? You can put the card on the bottom of your pile and continue with the next one. Hopefully, you’ll have more luck when you return to this card later. 

Happy Salmon Actions

Happy Salmon involves four types of action cards. Each player gets three cards of each. This is how you perform the actions:

• High Five – Do a regular high-five with your hands. 
• Fish Bump – Perform a friendly fist bump.
• Switch It Up – Players switch their places around the table.
• Happy Salmon – Clap your forearms together like if they were fish fins. 

Happy Salmon Scoring

The winner is whoever discards all the cards first.

How to Play Happy Salmon – Video Tutorial 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UcH1yX5ysCk

Happy Salmon Frequently Asked Questions

How many people do you need to play Happy Salmon?

Happy Salmon is good for 3 to 8 players. However, the real fun begins when at least 4 or 5 players are involved. 

How many cards do you get in Happy Salmon?

The whole package consists of 96 cards. Each player gets 12 cards, and the remaining cards can be set aside. 

Is Happy Salmon a fun game?

Happy Salmon is a fast-paced, action-packed game involving lots of physical interactions. It is a great party game that results in many funny moments.

Other Similar Games to Happy Salmon (Our Guides) 

If you like Happy Salmon, check out our guides to these similar games:

• Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza rules
• Avocado Smash rules
• Go Fish rules
• Old Maid rules
• Spot It game rules
• Throw, Throw Burrito rules (coming soon)
• Dutch Blitz rules (coming soon)