How to Play
The official rules — easy to learn in one minute, with clear answers to every question that comes up at the table.
Print the rules card at 2.5 × 3.5 in and keep it in the deck box — it fits right on top of the cards, so the latest rules are always at the table.
Printing at home? Use the ready-made sheets — US Letter or A4 — with crop marks. Print at 100% (Actual size), not “Fit to page”, and the card comes out at true playing-card size on any printer.
Setup
- Players
- 2–6 players
- Ages
- Ages 6 and up
- Time
- About 15 minutes
- Deck
- 52 cards
The deck holds 4 copies of each of the 12 disciples plus 4 Jesus cards. A set is 4 matching cards.
- Shuffle all 52 cards. The youngest player deals the first round.
- Deal 5 cards face down to each player.
- Place the rest face down in the middle — this is the Pool (draw pile).
- The player to the left of the dealer starts. Play continues clockwise.
Your turn, step by step
- 1Ask for a discipleOn your turn, ask one player by name for a disciple you already hold at least one of. Example: “Elias, do you have Thomas?”
- 2If they have itThey hand over every copy of that disciple they hold — and you take another turn.
- 3If they don't have itDraw one card from the Pool and your turn ends. If you happen to draw the exact disciple you asked for, show it and take another turn.
- 4Complete a setCollect all 4 copies of a disciple, lay the set face up in front of you, read the verse aloud — then take another turn.
- 5Play the Jesus cardsThe 4 Jesus cards are asked for like any other card. A completed set of 4 Jesus cards scores as two sets. A single Jesus card may also stand in for one missing disciple to finish a set (worth 1 set) — declare it as you lay it down.
- 6Win the roundThe round ends when every set has been claimed. The player with the most sets wins. Ties go to the player holding the Jesus set, then to the most cards left in hand.
Rules questions answered
The questions families ask most in their first round.
If I ask for a card and the player doesn't have it, do I draw from the pile?
Yes. Draw one card from the Pool and your turn passes to the left. The one exception: if the card you draw is the exact disciple you just asked for, show it to the table and take another turn.
If I get a card but don't complete a set, do I still draw?
No. You only draw when your ask comes up empty. If a player gives you cards, you keep going and ask again — even if you didn't complete a set.
If I complete a set, do I get to ask again?
Yes. Lay the set down, read the verse aloud, and take another turn. A lucky run can win a round in one turn.
Who starts the game?
The player to the left of the dealer goes first, and play continues clockwise. For the first round, the youngest player deals.
Can I ask for a disciple I don't hold?
No — you must already hold at least one copy of the disciple you ask for. (For players aged 6–8, feel free to drop this rule.)
What if I run out of cards in my hand?
Draw 1 card from the Pool at the start of your turn and carry on. If the Pool is empty and your hand is empty, you're out for the round — everyone else keeps playing until all sets are claimed.
What happens when the Pool runs out?
Play continues without drawing. Players simply ask on their turn until no legal asks remain, then the round ends and you count sets.
How exactly does the Jesus wild card work?
Four Jesus cards collected together score as two sets. Alternatively a single Jesus card can complete a set of a missing disciple, and that set scores as one. Announce which way you're using it when you lay it down.
What if two players tie?
The player holding the Jesus set wins the tie. If nobody claimed it, the player with the most cards left in hand wins.
How do we play with younger children?
Deal 7 cards instead of 5, let them ask for any disciple, and have a parent read the verses aloud. It slows the game down and keeps pre-readers in the game.
House rules & variants
Optional ways to play once your family knows the core game.
Verse Bonus
Read the verse correctly when you lay a set for +1 point.
Speed Round
Deal 3 cards each; first player to 2 sets wins.
Cooperative
One shared hand — race the clock to complete all 13 sets together.
Memory Match
Spread cards face down and flip pairs to collect matches.
Already own a deck printed before this update? These rules are the current official version — the card in your box covers the same core game.
Official rules version 2026.08.30 — the QR code on the rules card and insert always opens this page.