52 Pickup

52 Pickup (or 52-Card Pickup) is a practical joke disguised as a card game. The first player asks the second player if he or she would like to play "52 Pickup" and if the second player agrees, the first throws the entire deck of playing cards onto the floor. The second player, who must be new to the game to fall for this practical joke, is then instructed to pick up all the cards, upon which the game ends. The title comes from the fact that a full deck of playing cards contains 52 cards.

Fire and Water/Smoke and Fire

A similar game is called "Fire and Water" or "Smoke and Fire" depending on personal preference. One person shows another the bottom of a card deck, and the other person says "Water" or "Smoke" if the card is black, and "Fire" if the card is red. Once "Fire" is said, the player holding the deck "fires" (throws) the deck at the other player, who must then throw the cards back at the other person.

Cattle Rancher

A similar practical joke is called "Cattle Rancher." One person explains to another that the card deck is actually a herd of cattle, He then asks if the other person wants to play Cattle Rancher. If the person says yes then the one holding the deck throws the entire deck onto the floor and says "Now Ranch 'em!" or "Round 'em up!".

Serious Version

It is possible to play "52 Pickup" as a serious (although simple) game. One person throws the deck of cards in the air and when it hits the ground, all players try to grab (pick up) as many cards as they can. The game ends when all cards are picked up, and the winner is the player who picked up the most cards. Expect dented and ripped cards.

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