Exploding Kittens2026Matthew Inman & Elan Lee & Shane Small

9 Lives

2–6Players
10 minPlay time
8+Ages
1.0 / 5Light
In stock

  • Ships from Hudsonville, MI. Free in-store pickup.
  • Returns within 7 days in original packaging.

Is it for your table?

Players
2–6players

Room for a crowd: up to 6 players.

Play time
10min
01 hr2 hr3 hr4 hr+

Quick: a filler you can play while dinner cooks.

Weight
Light

Teach it in minutes. Great for new players and families. (1.0 / 5 on BGG)

Ages
8+years

Family friendly: kids can join in.

Party game

About the game

9 Lives is a card game from Exploding Kittens, designed by Matthew Inman and Elan Lee and Shane Small (2026). It plays 2–6 players in 10 minutes, for ages 8+. It is a light game (1.0 / 5 on BoardGameGeek).

This game teaches itself in under 30 seconds. If you can count up to 9, you’re already halfway there. Easy enough for anyone to play and the addictive tension keeps you coming back. It’s fast, portable, and way more addictive than it looks. Don’t push the total over 9. Play number cards into the pile and say what the new total is. Use special cards to mix it up and force others to play. If you cause the pile over 9, you take a strike. First to 3 strikes loses. The tension rises as the total increases, and players try to manage when they can play their high number cards.

  • TEACHES ITSELF IN 30 SECONDS: No long rulebooks required! If you can count to 9, you already know how to play. This game is designed for instant setup and immediate action, making it the perfect choice for families, impromptu game nights, and players of all ages.
  • HIGH-TENSION "DON’T CROSS 9" MECHANIC: The goal is simple: play your cards into the pile and call out the new total—but don't push it over 9! As the number climbs, the tension rises. If you cause the total to exceed 9, you take a strike. The last player standing wins!
  • STRATEGIC & ADDICTIVE: There’s more than meets the eye in this tactical battle. Use special action cards to mix up the pile or force your opponents to play. Success depends on how you manage your high-numbered cards and when you choose to strike.
  • PORTABLE & TRAVEL-READY: Compact and fast-paced, 9 Lives is the ultimate "go-anywhere" game. Whether you’re at home on the sofa or looking for a fun travel game for the car or plane, it’s an addictive experience that fits perfectly in your pocket.

Details

Published
2026
SKU
EKCNILICORE6
Ratings, player counts, play time and weight are from BoardGameGeek.

More from Matthew Inman

See all 3

If you like 9 Lives

Browse Hand Management

In-stock games that share its mechanics, themes and weight.