JAWS Game of Jaws Board Game: How to Play
By Welcome to the NECA Store! | Published: 2026-10-28
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how to set up and play The Game of Jaws, including the rules, the goal, and the key mistakes to avoid. Master the classic shark game with our step-by-step guide.
Quick Answer
To play The Game of Jaws, carefully remove items from the shark's belly without triggering the jaws to snap down. The player who collects the most items before the jaws close wins.
What Makes This Version Different
The Game of Jaws is a modern update of the classic 1975 game, featuring a highly detailed 15-inch shark with realistic sculpting and paint. The gameplay remains true to the original: a test of steady hands and nerve.
Because the shark's jaws are spring-loaded, the exact trigger point varies each game. This means you can't rely on a fixed pattern; instead, you must adapt your strategy based on how the shark behaves.
How to Play The Game of Jaws: Step-by-Step
- Set Up the Shark: Place the shark on a flat, stable surface. Ensure the jaws are open and the spear is inserted properly. Check that all items are inside the shark's belly. Make sure the surface is level to avoid accidental triggers.
- Decide Turn Order: Players agree on a turn order. The youngest player goes first, then play proceeds clockwise. Write down the order if you have more than four players to avoid confusion.
- Take Your Turn: On your turn, use the included spear to carefully remove one item from the shark's belly. You must not touch the shark's body or teeth with your hands. If you knock the shark or trigger the jaws, your turn ends immediately.
- Continue Until the Jaws Snap: Keep taking turns removing items. The game continues until the jaws snap down on the spear, which ends the round. The game ends instantly when the jaws close; no one can continue after that.
- Count Your Items: After the jaws snap, each player counts the items they successfully removed. The player with the most items wins the round. If there is a tie, play a sudden-death round with just the tied players.
Product Facts
- Jaws - "The Game of Jaws": The Game of Jaws features a 15-inch shark with detailed sculpting and paint applications. The larger, detailed shark makes the game more immersive and visually striking on your tabletop.
Jaws - "The Game of Jaws"
