Snapback

Snapback is an online card game that a friend and I adapted from Shithead, also known as Karma, Palace, Caboodle or Shed. We played and reshaped the rules with friends for years, to the point that little beyond the way cards are dealt resembles the original game.

We taught our version to other people and found that they enjoyed it too, which led to the idea of making it playable online. I began working on that version several years ago, and it went through multiple iterations as I learnt what was needed to bring the game to life.

Snapback now has a small active player base and continues to receive regular updates. Players can play against a bot, add friends and unlock bounties that reward them with loot. Those rewards can customise their profile and game, including card backs and colour schemes.

What's next

Player-versus-player is the next major milestone, alongside an Elo rating system inspired by Chess.com. I’m also exploring an AI opponent that understands the game and can make informed decisions, rather than simply following its legal moves.

Future updates could add live spectating and a companion mode for playing together in the same room. The shared game board could be displayed on a television while each player uses their own phone. These ideas are part of a wider plan that I’ll work through as the game continues to develop.