Many players mistakenly believe the Chopsticks card stays on the table to be used again immediately, but the official rules require it to be passed on.
According to the Sushi Go! Official Rulebook, the Chopsticks card must be returned to your hand before the hand-passing phase occurs.
The process for using Chopsticks involves a specific sequence to ensure the card is passed to the next player. If a player has a Chopsticks card in front of them, they first choose one card from their hand as usual. Before other players reveal their cards, the player calls out 'Sushi Go!' and selects a second card from their hand, placing both face-down on the table. Once all players reveal their chosen cards, the player who used the Chopsticks must put that card back into their hand. This ensures the Chopsticks card is included in the hand that is then passed to the player on their left, allowing others to potentially use it in subsequent turns. While a player may have multiple Chopsticks cards in front of them, they may only use one per turn (Source: Sushi Go! Official Rulebook, [page not specified]).
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose the first card you wish to keep from your hand as usual.
Step 2: Before others reveal their cards, call out 'Sushi Go!' and select a second card from your hand.
Step 3: Place both selected cards face-down on the table.
Step 4: Wait for all players to reveal their chosen cards.
Step 5: Put the Chopsticks card back into your hand before passing your remaining hand to the left.
Example Play Situation
Alice has a Chopsticks card in front of her. She chooses a Tempura and then calls 'Sushi Go!' to take a second card, a Sashimi. After everyone reveals their cards, Alice puts her Chopsticks card back into her hand so that Bob receives it when she passes her hand.
Common Misconceptions
Thinking the Chopsticks card stays on the table for the next turn
Using multiple Chopsticks cards at once to take more than two cards
Revealing the second card before calling 'Sushi Go!'
Quick Reference
You Can
You Cannot
Call out 'Sushi Go!' before revealing cards
Do not leave the Chopsticks card on the table during the pass
Return the Chopsticks card to your hand before passing
Do not take three cards even if you have two Chopsticks cards
Use only one Chopsticks card per turn
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the official rule for using Chopsticks in Sushi Go!?
Call 'Sushi Go!' to take two cards, then return the Chopsticks card to your hand before passing.
Can I use two Chopsticks cards at the same time?
No, you may only use one Chopsticks card per turn.
When do I put the Chopsticks card back in my hand?
You put it back after everyone reveals their cards but before hands are passed.
Do I keep the Chopsticks card in front of me if I have two?
Yes, you can have multiple, but you only use one per turn.
David Noah is a board game rules specialist and content creator who writes clear, dispute‑free guides for modern tabletop games. On this site, he focuses on answering the exact rules questions players argue about at the table, using official rulebooks, expansions, and tournament rulings as his primary sources. His goal is to turn confusing edge cases into simple, step‑by‑step explanations so you can spend less time debating and more time playing.
