It is typically played as a practical joke, where the "dealer" creates the false impression that a legitimate game will be played, then simply throws the entire deck (typically 52 cards but can be 53 or 54 if jokers are included) into the air so the cards land strewn on the floor and instructs other players to pick them up.

The prankster, as "dealer", then throws the entire deck into the air so the cards land strewn on the floor.

For an example, a child falling behind in go fish or crazy eights, or bored by a never-ending game of war, can simply declare "52-card pickup!"

Another version of the prank can be played where one player declares "52-card pick up" and is then granted power to throw each of the 52 cards individually at any of the opponents.

While written records start later, the prank appears to have been played among children as early as the middle of the 1942.

It notes that the typical mark for the prank is a very young child who is too keen to be included in play to ask questions.