MASTER THE ART OF KADI
Four suits. Six card types. One winner. Learn how every hand of Kadi is dealt, played, and won — then take it to the table.
Empty Your Hand First
Kadi is a fast-paced Kenyan card game for 2–4 players, played with a standard 54-card deck (Jokers included). Every hand starts even — 4 cards each — and the first player to strategically play their entire hand while outmaneuvering opponents' action cards claims victory.
Setup & Dealing
Shuffle & Deal
The server shuffles a full 54-card deck (with two Jokers) and deals 4 cards to each player.
The Draw Pile
Remaining cards form a face-down draw pile, managed automatically by the server.
Start the Discard
The top card of the draw pile is flipped face-up to begin the discard pile.
Opening Restrictions
2s, 3s, Jokers, Queens, 8s, Jacks, Kings & Aces can never start the discard pile — they're auto-replaced.
Card Suits & Classifications
Every card falls into one of six categories. Tap a category to see what it does.
Gameplay Mechanics
Play Moves Clockwise
Turns begin next to the dealer and proceed clockwise — until a King reverses the direction.
Match Suit or Rank
On your turn, play a card that matches either the suit or the rank of the top discard pile card, or trigger a special ability.
Deploy Special Abilities
Jump a player, ask a question, reverse direction, stack a penalty, or declare a new suit with an Ace.
No Valid Play? Draw a Card
If you can't match the suit, rank, or respond to an active effect, you must draw one card from the pile.
Winning the Game
The "Kadi!" Call
The moment a player is down to one card — or one move from winning — the server automatically announces "Kadi!" to the whole table. This gives every opponent one last chance to disrupt or counter the impending victory before the final card lands.
Finishing Restrictions
You cannot win if your final card is one of these — and you cannot win if a Joker sits on top of the discard pile before your last move.
To secure the win, your winning card and the board state immediately before it must be entirely clear of restricted cards. Play clean, play smart, and empty your hand.
You Know the Rules. Now Prove It.
Take your new knowledge to the table and challenge real opponents in competitive Kadi.