Throw Throw Burrito Card Game: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Throw Throw Burrito is a hilarious party game created by the team behind Exploding Kittens that combines card collecting with dodgeball—yes, you read that right! If you’re looking for something active, fast-paced, and absolutely ridiculous for your next family game night or party, this is it.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s in the box, how to set it up, and exactly how to play.

What Is Throw Throw Burrito?

Created by the team behind Exploding Kittens, Throw Throw Burrito is the world’s first dodgeball card game. Players race to collect matching sets of cards while dodging (and throwing) soft foam burritos across the room.

It’s fast. It’s chaotic. And yes, it involves burrito battles.

What’s in the Box?

120 Game Cards
2 Squishy Foam Burritos
6 Burrito Battle Tokens
Instructions
Score Tracker

Age & Player Info

Players: 2 to 6
Ages: 7+
Play Time: 15 minutes

How to Set Up

Clear a Space
You’ll need room to throw the burritos safely. Move fragile items out of the way.
Place the Burritos
Put the two burritos in the center of the table where everyone can reach them.
Shuffle and Deal Cards
Shuffle the deck and deal 15 cards to each player. Players keep their hand secret.
Place the remaining cards face down in the center to form the draw piles.
Create Two Draw Piles
Split the center stack into two equal draw piles so everyone can access them.

How to Play Throw Throw Burrito

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how the game works.

1. Draw and Pass Cards

Everyone plays at the same time. Each player has a hand of 5 cards and keeps drawing from the draw pile on their right, discarding to the left.

You’re trying to collect three of a kind as fast as possible. When you find a match, place it face-up in front of you to score points.

2. Burrito Cards Trigger Duels

Some cards you collect will trigger burrito battles:

Burrito Brawl – You challenge the player on your left or right to a 1v1 burrito throw-off.
Burrito Duel – Two players face off, take 3 paces back, then turn and throw.
Burrito War – All players grab a burrito and battle it out!

When a burrito battle is triggered, drop the cards and grab a burrito. The loser of each battle takes a Burrito Bruise token (worth -1 point).

3. Keep Playing Until the Deck Runs Out

Players keep drawing and collecting sets until all cards have been drawn. Then, scores are tallied.

4. Scoring

Each set of 3 cards = +1 point
Each Burrito Bruise token = -1 point

Related post:

How To play Taboo

Quick Tips for Parents and Parties

Safe for indoors (the burritos are soft foam)
Keep delicate items out of the way
Works great as a warm-up party game
Can be adapted for younger kids by skipping the duels

Final Thoughts

Throw Throw Burrito is more than a card game—it’s a full-body experience. It’s silly, active, and unexpectedly competitive. Perfect for parties, family nights, or any group that doesn’t mind getting out of their seats and into a burrito battle.

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