Strategy for KEMPS
SIGNALS
When playing kemps, signals are extremely important. (If you have not read the rules read them now). The basic outline of signals I use are as follows.
Two of a Kind/Two Twos of a Kind
Having a signal for two of a kind is not essential, but it is good to have. A way to determine a good two of a kind signal is to find a part of your body in which there a two of or two sides of. (e.g. Ears, Nose (sides), legs, arms, etc.) A simple way is if you touch two ears, for example, that would mean two two of a kinds and if you touch one ear it is one two of a kind. It could also be any random word.
Three of a Kind
You should always have a three of a kind signal, but there is an exception to every rule. It can be anything you can possibly think of; a word, an action or whatever you can think of.
Four of a Kind
Four of a kind is obviously the most important signal. There a million things you can use. You can have one with a whole bunch of fakes, or you cold have a rotating one, or one that is the first number said during the game.
Knowing your Partners Cards
Okay, you know how many cards of something you partner has. But what do they have three of a kind of? What if you and your partner both have two sevens? How will you know to give your partner the sevens? The answer is a code for whatever card you are going after. Some people use a "base number". A number that you start the game with and then subtract or add accordingly. For example, if the starting number is 5, then if you have 3 three sevens, then you will give the signal for three of a kind and the say plus 2, because you have two above five. Some people don't use a code to tell each other's cards, but I always choose to have one.
Playing "Defense"
Playing defense is a term used in kemps to mean that you are trying to watch and call counter-kemps on the opposing team. Tricks for playing good defense are programmed in my head and I will not tell you everything because that is the fun in things. But I will give you some hints as of how to do it.
IF SOMEONE PICKS A SINGLE CARD, IT IS TO GET TWO OF A KIND. OF COURSE IF SOMEONE ALREADY HAS THREE OF A KIND, DON'T PAY ATTENTION TO THIS RULE.
WATCH CONSISTENT EYE CONTACT IN PEOPLE, IT USUALLY MEANS SOMETHING IMPORTANT.
IF SOMEONE STRAIGHTENS UP ALL OF THE SUDDEN, IT IS PROBABLY SOMETHING IMPORTANT.
IF YOU AND SOMEONE ELSE GO AFTER THE SAME CARD, ALWAYS LET THEM HAVE IT, BECAUSE THEN YOU WILL KNOW THEIR HAND AND COULD GIVE THEM YOU CARDS OF THE SAME TYPE. THIS IS CALLED FEEDING.
GO WITH YOUR INSTINCTS AND LEARN FROM YOUR MISTAKES.