Quick answer
Set up the deck, deal each player a hand, then on each turn choose one card to keep for protection and play the other to backstab or steal. First player to collect a set of matching cards wins.
What makes the small version different
The small version of Power Hungry Pets keeps the same core backstabbing mechanics as the original but uses a smaller deck and slightly fewer cards per player. This makes the game even faster — perfect for quick rounds or for introducing new players to the strategy-for-people-who-hate-strategy concept.
Because the deck is smaller, you'll see the same numbers appear more often. That means the "protect or attack" decision becomes more frequent and more tense. If you are used to the standard version, expect a shorter playtime (around 10–15 minutes) and more direct conflict between players.
How to play Power Hungry Pets (small version) – step by step
- Set up the deck and deal hands: Shuffle the deck and deal each player a hand of 5 cards face-down. Place the remaining deck in the center as the draw pile. Each player looks at their own cards without showing others. Common mistake: dealing too many cards. The small version uses 5 cards per player — any more and the game drags.
- Understand the turn structure: On your turn, draw one card from the draw pile so you have 6 cards in hand. Then choose one card to keep (this becomes your 'protection') and one card to play against an opponent. The played card's effect (backstab, steal, or obliterate) happens immediately. Discard both the kept card and the played card into a discard pile. You must keep and play exactly one card each turn. Forgetting to keep one means you lose protection for that round.
- Win by collecting a set: The first player to collect a set of three cards with the same number wins the game. Sets are formed only from the cards you keep (not from played cards). If the draw pile runs out before anyone wins, shuffle the discard pile into a new draw pile and continue. Don't keep cards that don't match anything in your hand. Focus on numbers you already have at least one of.
Product facts
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Power Hungry Pets (Small Version): Power Hungry Pets is a simple game of backstabbing and betrayal played one card at a time. Each card has a number and a savage way to mess with other players. This means every turn forces you to balance self-protection against aggression — a core tension that keeps the game exciting even for non-strategy fans.
Power Hungry Pets (Small Version)
