How to Play Snake Oil: Rules & Strategy

Snake Oil is a fast-paced party game where players take on the role of traveling salespeople, pitching a bizarre product to a customer. The goal is to be the most convincing salesperson by pairing two word cards to create a unique product, then pitching it to the current customer in under a minute. It’s a game of creativity, persuasion, and quick thinking, perfect for groups of 3 to 10 players aged 10 and up. This guide will walk you through the setup, gameplay, and strategies to help you close the deal.

What You’ll Need

Snake Oil card game (base set or expansion) – contains 300+ word cards and 100+ customer cards.
A group of 3 to 10 players – the more, the merrier.
A timer – any phone or kitchen timer works.
Optional: a pen and paper to keep score.

Step-by-Step

Set up the decks. Shuffle the word cards and the customer cards separately. Place both decks face down in the center of the table.
Choose a starting player. The first player becomes the “customer.� They draw one customer card and read it aloud to the group. The customer card describes a person (e.g., “A tired astronaut,� “A picky grandma,� “A gym-obsessed teenager�).
Deal word cards. Each of the other players (the salespeople) draws six word cards from the word deck. They keep these hidden from the customer.
Create a product. Each salesperson secretly chooses two of their six word cards to combine into a product. For example, “laser� + “pillow� = “Laser Pillow.� They must place the two chosen cards face down in front of them, and return the remaining four cards to the bottom of the word deck.
Pitch the product. Starting with the player to the customer’s left, each salesperson has up to 30 seconds (or 60 seconds if you prefer a longer game) to pitch their product to the customer. They must explain why the customer needs it, how it works, and why it’s the best thing ever. Be creative and funny!
Customer chooses. After all salespeople have pitched, the customer picks the product they would buy. The salesperson who made that product scores a point. The customer does not score a point.
Rotate roles. The customer passes the customer card to the next player (to their left), who becomes the new customer. All other players draw six new word cards and play another round.
Continue until the deck runs out. Play as many rounds as you like, but the game typically ends when the customer deck is exhausted. The player with the most points wins.

Common Mistakes

Picking a product that’s too literal. The best pitches are imaginative. Don’t just combine “toothbrush� and “paste� – think “self-brushing toothbrush� that does the work for you.
Ignoring the customer’s needs. A product that solves a specific problem for the customer (e.g., a tired astronaut needs a “gravity-free sleeping bag�) will win more often than a generic gadget.
Talking too long. Keep your pitch under 30 seconds. If you ramble, you lose the customer’s attention.
Forgetting to return unused cards. Always put the four unused word cards back at the bottom of the deck. If you forget, you’ll run out of cards too quickly.
Not listening to other pitches. The customer should listen carefully to all pitches before deciding. Don’t make up your mind early.

Tips

Use the customer’s persona. Put yourself in their shoes. A pirate wants treasure, not a vacuum cleaner. Tailor your pitch to their personality.
Be funny. The game is about entertainment. A humorous pitch can win even if the product is silly.
Think of a story. Instead of just listing features, tell a mini-story about how the product changed your life (or the life of someone like the customer).
Use gestures and props. Act out using the product. It makes your pitch more memorable.
Watch the timer. Practice a quick, punchy pitch. If you can make it under 20 seconds, you’ll have time for a strong close.
Don’t be afraid to be weird. The more outlandish the product, the more fun it is. Embrace the absurdity.

Troubleshooting

Players are too shy to pitch. Remind everyone that there are no wrong answers. Encourage them to be silly. If needed, let them practice a pitch on a neutral topic first.
One player dominates every round. The customer should be encouraged to vary their choices. You can also set a rule that the same player can’t win two rounds in a row.
Not enough word cards. If you run out of word cards, reshuffle the discard pile (the cards that were returned) and continue. Or use an expansion pack.
Arguments over whether a product is “allowed.� The rules say any two cards can be combined, no matter how weird. If players disagree, the customer has final say.
Game feels too short. If you want a longer game, play multiple rounds with the same customer deck, or set a target score (e.g., first to 5 points wins).
Customer cards are too repetitive. If you have an expansion, mix it in. Or create your own customer cards on blank paper.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many players can play Snake Oil?

Snake Oil is designed for 3 to 10 players. With 3 players, one is the customer and two are salespeople; with 10, there are 9 salespeople per round, which can be chaotic but fun.

Can I use more than two word cards to make a product?

No. The rules specify exactly two cards. This keeps the game balanced and forces creative combinations. If you want a variation, you can try three cards, but it’s not the official rule.

What happens if a player doesn’t like any of their cards?

They still have to choose two. There’s no redraw. This is part of the challenge – even bad cards can become a great pitch with the right spin.

Is Snake Oil suitable for children?

Yes, the game is rated for ages 10 and up. The content is family-friendly, and kids often excel at creative pitches. Younger children may need help reading the cards.

How long does a game last?

A typical game lasts 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of players and how long each pitch takes. With 5 players, you’ll get about 10-12 rounds before the customer deck runs out.

Can I play Snake Oil without the official cards?

Yes, you can make your own cards by writing random nouns on slips of paper. The official game is convenient, but homemade versions work just as well.

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