How to Play Pao De Kuai (Run Fast)
Pao De Kuai (跑得快, "run fast") is a popular card game from southern China. Three players race to get rid of their cards. kawu uses the classic 16-card rules and counts points only.
Cards
- 48 cards: no jokers, only the 2♠ among the 2s, and no A♣. Sixteen each.
- Order: 3 < 4 < … < K < A < 2. Suits don't matter.
- The holder of the 3♠ plays first, and the first play must include it.
Combinations
| Combination | What it is |
|---|---|
| Single | Any card |
| Pair | Two of a value |
| Pair chain | Two or more consecutive pairs (5566, 778899) |
| Straight | Five or more consecutive cards, 3 to A, never a 2 |
| Three with two | A triple plus any two cards |
| Plane | Two or more consecutive triples, each with two cards |
| Bomb | Four of a value; beats anything but a higher bomb |
A bare triple, three with one, or a plane with fewer cards is allowed only as your last play.
Play
- Turns go to the right. Beat the last play with the same kind and size, higher, or with a bomb.
- Must beat: if you can beat the last play, you have to.
- Last card: when the next player has one card left, any single you play must be your highest card.
- When both others pass, the last player to play leads anything.
Scoring
- The first player out wins. The others lose 1 point per card left, which the winner gains.
- A player who never played a card loses double.
- Each bomb wins 10 points from each other player at once.
Frequently asked questions
Why is the deck 48 cards?
The classic 16-card game removes the jokers, three of the 2s (only the 2♠ stays) and one Ace. kawu removes the A♣. That leaves 16 cards each for three players.
Can I pass if I don't want to play?
Only if nothing in your hand beats the last play. If you can beat it, even with a bomb, you must.
Last updated 2026-10-18