Spoons, also called cups or tongue, can be played with many people, normally 6 to 8 at the maximum and 2 or 3 at the minimum.

The basic game

Each player is dealt four cards. For every person playing, the group puts out one fewer cup or spoon (if players have no access to cups or spoons, tongues are used). The object of the game is to get four of a kind The first dealer picks up a card; if the card matches a card of his, he can take it and give the next player another card, and if he doesn't like the card, he can just pass it on. Once a player has four of a kind, he immediately takes a spoon or cup or sticks out his tongue. Once another player notices he has done this, he can do the same. The last person to notice loses the round and gets a letter: S, C, or T for Spoon, Cup, or Tongue, respectively. The person who outlasts all the other players who have "spelled out" wins.

Variations

Although spoons and cups are common for play, players may use other objects. If no objects are available, players may stick their tongues out.

Strategy

Although a player aims to collect four of a kind or notices another has, he should have his eyes on the other players. Once he gets four of a kind, he should be as subtle with his actions as possible and continue to pretend playing.