Happy Salmon is a fun fast-paced party card game that will get everyone up and moving! The objective is to get rid of all your cards by performing fun actions and motions with other players. It’s easy to learn but challenging to master.
This unique card game is perfect for family game nights parties campouts, classrooms, and any occasion that calls for high-energy icebreakers and physical interaction. Kids and adults alike will love the silly actions and constant motion.
Ready to learn how this wacky card game is played? Here is a step-by-step guide to playing Happy Salmon.
Overview and Objective
Happy Salmon is played with a deck of 72 cards depicting four different actions – High Five, Pound It, Switch, and Happy Salmon. Each player tries to get rid of their cards as fast as possible by matching actions with other players. The first player out of cards wins!
It’s a race to release all your cards in this fast-paced, energetic game. Teamwork, coordination, speed, and focus are required to come out on top.
Number of Players
Happy Salmon works best with 3-8 players. More players means more madness and fun. It can be played with just 2 people but loses intensity.
Happy Salmon is a great way to break the ice for 6 to 20 people at medium to large gatherings if you use multiple decks and have games that change.
Setting Up the Game
Before you start, split the deck into 12 decks of the same color for each player. For example, in a 4 player game:
- Player 1 takes the 12 blue cards
- Player 2 takes the 12 green cards
- Player 3 takes the 12 red cards
- Player 4 takes the 12 yellow cards
Each player shuffles their deck and holds it face down in their hand.
How to Play
Gameplay in Happy Salmon is simultaneous, rapid, loud, and chaotic! Here are the basic steps:
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Count to 3 to start – On the count of 3, all players flip over their deck and reveal their top card.
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Yell and match actions – Looking around frantically, players must yell the action on their top card and try to match with other players.
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Complete the action – When two players match the same action, they must meet up and perform the action together to discard their cards.
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Race to the next card – As soon as an action is completed, immediately draw the next card and continue seeking matches rapidly.
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Mismatches go to the bottom – If you cannot match your card in time, put it at the bottom of your deck and move on.
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First out of cards wins! – The first player to discard their entire deck yells “Happy Salmon!” and wins the game!
The Actions
Let’s break down what each of the 4 actions entails when matched:
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High Five – Two players yell “High Five!” and high five each other with both hands.
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Pound It – Players yell “Pound It!” and pound fists together.
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Switch – Yelling “Switch!”, players trade positions and decks.
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Happy Salmon – The signature move. Players yell “Happy Salmon!” and use both hands to slap the other’s forearms back and forth like a fish flapping.
The key is speed. Match actions rapidly, complete them quickly, then immediately move to your next card. Hesitation is not an option!
Helpful Tips for Gameplay
To succeed at Happy Salmon, keep these tips in mind:
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Make eye contact to find matches faster.
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Use loud, clear voices to call out actions.
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Move around the space to find matches quickly.
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Complete actions rapidly, don’t pause between cards.
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Focus on your own deck, don’t worry about what others are doing.
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If you fumble a card, just pick it up and keep going.
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Put all effort into playing as fast as possible to win.
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Laugh and be silly – this game is meant to be fun and crazy!
Happy Salmon Variations
Part of the appeal of Happy Salmon is its flexibility. Here are some popular variations:
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Theme decks – Match actions to themes like zoo animals (gorilla pounds, kangaroos switch, etc).
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Rule cards – Add cards like “Yell Compliments” or “Hop on One Foot” to mix things up.
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Team play – Form teams and race to complete actions together first.
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Elimination – Players are eliminated if they fail to match a card after a certain time.
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Charades – Act out the actions without yelling them.
Feel free to create your own house rules and variations too. The randomness keeps it interesting!
Why People Love Happy Salmon
Happy Salmon has become a hit party game due to its:
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Simplicity – Easy to learn and start playing immediately.
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Energy – Loud, fun, fast-paced, and hyper. Burn calories!
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Interaction – Requires meeting, moving, and engaging with others.
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Laughter – The actions get people laughing, smiling, and being silly.
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Inclusiveness – Anyone can play, regardless of age, language, or ability.
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Portability – Cards come in a handy pouch allowing games anywhere.
Who Should Buy Happy Salmon?
Happy Salmon appeals to:
- Families with kids ages 6+
- Tweens/teens/college students
- Corporate team builders
- Party hosts
- Camp counselors
- Teachers
- Youth group leaders
- Anyone who loves energetic icebreakers and mixers!
It also makes a fun stocking stuffer, white elephant gift, or donation to schools and youth organizations.
Where to Buy Happy Salmon
You can purchase Happy Salmon card decks on Amazon or at major retailers like Target and Walmart for around $15. It’s also available as an app.
Consider getting multi-packs to have enough colors and decks for large gatherings. Bring this high-energy game to your next event for instant fun!
Tips for Introducing Happy Salmon
On first glance, Happy Salmon may look overwhelming and chaotic. Here are some tips to introduce it to new players:
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Explain the simple objective of matching actions to discard cards.
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Start with a small group before expanding.
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Demonstrate the actions so people know what to expect.
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Play a practice round allowing misses before going full speed.
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Encourage silly behavior and laughter to reduce inhibitions.
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Remind players to focus on their own deck rather than others.
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Let the chaos commence – it will click once they start playing!
After one round, most newbies are hooked on the delightful frenzy of Happy Salmon. Give it a shot at your next gathering!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common Happy Salmon questions:
How long does a game take?
- Games are usually 5-10 minutes depending on number of players. The action is nonstop!
Can young kids play it?
- Absolutely! The cards have no words and the actions are easy. Ages 6+ can play.
What if two players match incorrectly?
- They should separate and keep seeking their actual match. No penalty.
Can you play with odd numbers?
- Yes, the cards are each player’s own “matchmaker” so any number can play at once.
What if you drop cards?
- Quickly pick them up and continue. Drops don’t count against you.
Can adults play without kids?
- You bet! It may feel silly initially but adult groups usually love Happy Salmon too.
Don’t overthink the rules. Just grab some friends, yell wildly, slap arms, and have a blast playing this frenetic card game!
Hey! Reading is the worst way to learn how to play a game. Watch this video instead:
Each card has a simple action that requires a partner.
Players frantically shout their actions looking for matching players.
Once a match is found, and the action performed, both players discard their used cards and repeat. The first player to get rid of all of their cards wins!.
“Easily one of the best games of the year… if not ever!
— The Toy Insider
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