Most of them are related to each other, and most of them grew up playing snerts. On a sunny evening in Utqiaġvik, six women gather at Karen Hopson’s house to play. It goes by many names - but on the North Slope it’s known as “snerts.”Īnd in Utqiaġvik - where a snerts tournament is even part of Piuraagiaqta, the local spring festival, and groups of die-hard enthusiasts play on a regular basis - it’s one of the most popular games in town. There’s a card game played all over Alaska that’s chaotic, competitive and lightning fast. (Photo by Ravenna Koenig/Alaska’s Energy Desk) From left to right: snerts players Christina Kanayurak, Lilly Kanayurak, Karen Hopson, Clara Oenga and Nora Jane Adams.