Elf — A Social Card Game of Collaboration, Deception, and Suspense

In 2015, deep in Patagonia, I was taught a unique and little-known card game called by a group of Israeli travelers they called Elf. Since then, while teaching it to friends, family and complete strangers it has captivated the hearts of all players! To this day, it remains undocumented — until now.

Elf is a hybrid of teamwork and treachery. It thrives in social settings, encouraging conversation, suspicion, and strategy. The beauty of Elf lies in its simplicity: everyone collaborates to win — except one player, who must lie and manipulate to avoid losing.

🃏 Overview

Players: 4–13

Goal: Avoid ending the game with the Joker.

Core Dynamic: All players work together to help one person get four-of-a-kind to end the game— except the player with the Joker, who tries to discreetly pass it on.

🛠 Setup

1. Choose cards based on the number of players. For example, with 6 players, use four copies each of Ace through 6.
2. Add 1 Joker if there are 6 or fewer players. Use 2 Jokers if there are more than 6 players. In that case, remove one card from the deck (e.g., one 7) to keep it balanced.
3. Shuffle the cards well and deal them all out. One player will end up with 5 cards, everyone else will have 4.
4. Sit in a circle so play can move clockwise.

▶️ How to Play

Turn Structure

1. The player with five cards begins by passing one card to the player on their left. It is normal for the all players to tell each other what cards they have and what they want from the other players to try to colaborate for one player to get the four-of-a-kind.

2. The exchange follows a three-step protocol:

• First Offer: The player with five cards slides one card face down and says what it is. The receiving player may take it or ask for a second card.
• Second Offer: A second card is slid face down next to the first, and the giver states what it is. The receiver may choose the first or second card or request a third.
• Third Offer: If the receiver requests the third card then they are no longer able to pick up the first two cards. The giver selects any card to give — without saying what it is — and the receiver must take it.

3. The receiving player now has five cards and becomes the next to take a turn. Play continues clockwise around the circle.

🎯 Ending the Game

A player who forms four of a kind (e.g., four Kings) must:

1. Hold the set while still holding 5 cards.
2. Successfully pass their fifth card away.
3. Wait for play to return to them with only four cards in hand.

Once that happens, the game ends immediately.

Everyone wins — except the player holding the Joker.

🤥 Deception Rules

Players may say anything about their cards.

Players are allowed (and expected) to lie, especially the Joker-holder.

No one may show cards to others — trust and suspicion must be verbal.

🔁 Game Variations

Adding additional Jokers for big groups:

• When playing with more than 6 players you can add additional Jokers to the pack to have more than one loser at the end.
• In this case, also remove one card from the deck to maintain balance (so that only one player has 5 cards) and let everyone know this card as it is no longer possible to collect four of a kind of that number.

Skipping players rule:

• Players may skip passing to the next person and instead choose someone further around the circle.
• This is only allowed with full consent from all skipped players.
• This rule opens up strategic depth, especially for avoiding or targeting the Joker.
• I suggest introducing this rule after one round has already been played and everyone is familiar with the rest of the game setup.

💡 Tips for a Better Experience

• Switch seats between rounds to prevent predictable alliances or grudges.
• Great for groups who enjoy bluffing games like Werewolf or Coup.
• Best played in a relaxed but alert social atmosphere.

Elf is a game that grows richer with each playthrough, revealing layers of psychology, teamwork, and trickery. Whether you’re surrounded by friends, family, or curious strangers, it’s guaranteed to bring laughter, suspicion — and probably a bit of healthy frustration.

Ready to pass the Joker?