Many players mistakenly believe that an Attack card always forces a player to take two turns, but the rule can be interrupted by other cards.
According to the Exploding Kittens Official Rulebook, an Attack card can be negated by a Nope card, which prevents the forced double turn from occurring.
Exploding Kittens Official Rules, [edition not specified], [page not specified]
These rules correspond to the UK edition of Exploding Kittens.
Official Rule Breakdown
Regarding the interaction between Attack cards and Nope cards, the rules specify that a Nope card can be played at any time before an action has begun, even if it is not your turn. If a player attempts to play an Attack card to force the next player to take two turns, another player may play a Nope card to negate that action. Once a Nope is played, the action is cancelled, and the original player's turn continues. The rules state that any cards that have been noped are lost and must be left in the Discard Pile.
Step-by-Step
- Step 1: A player plays an Attack card to force the next player to take two turns.
- Step 2: Another player plays a Nope card before the action is completed.
- Step 3: The Attack action is negated and the Nope card is placed in the Discard Pile.
- Step 4: The player who played the Attack card continues their turn normally.
Example Play Situation
Alice plays an Attack card to force Bob to take two turns. Before the effect takes hold, Bob plays a Nope card to cancel the attack. Alice's turn continues, and she must now decide whether to play more cards or draw to end her turn.
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking an Attack card is an unstoppable action
- Believing you can only play a Nope on your own turn
- Assuming an Attack card automatically ends the current player's turn
Quick Reference
| You Can | You Cannot |
|---|---|
| You can play a Nope on another Nope to create a Yup | You cannot play a Nope on an Exploding Kitten |
| You can play a Nope on a Special Combo | You cannot play a Nope on a Defuse Card |
| You can play a Nope at any time before an action begins |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the official rule for Attack cards in Exploding Kittens?
- An Attack card forces the next player to take two turns unless negated by a Nope.
- Can I use a Nope card to stop an Attack?
- Yes, playing a Nope card cancels the action before it takes effect.
- When is the best time to play a Nope card?
- You can play it at any time before an action has officially begun.
- What happens to cards that are noped?
- Those cards are lost and must be placed in the Discard Pile.