President Card Game Rules

President Card Game Rules

President, also known by various names such as Scum, Asshole, Rich Man Poor Man, Bum, Landlord, Emperors and Scum, Root Beer, Butthead, Capitalism, Warlords and Scumbags (in Australia), Trouduc or Trou du Cul (in France), Einer ist immer der Arsch (in Germany), H béres (vassal) (in Hungary), Røvhul (in Denmark), Sluitspieren or Klootzakken (in the Netherlands), is a classic card game that has become popular worldwide, particularly among young people, towards the end of the 20th century. Although its exact origin is unknown, it is believed to be of Chinese origin and shares similarities with other climbing games, such as Zheng Shangyou and Dai Hin Min.

Game Overview

President is a shedding game, designed for 4 to 7 players, using a standard 52-card deck. The suits are irrelevant, and the cards rank, from high to low, 2, Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3.

Objective

The primary objective of President is to get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible. The last player left with cards is known as the scum, asshole, or any other term of derision that is locally used.

Setup

The game is played clockwise. All the cards are dealt out, and players may have varying numbers of cards due to the deal. The player to the dealer's left starts the game by leading any single card or any set of equal rank (for example, three fives). Each player in turn must then either pass or play a face-up card or set of cards that beats the previous play.

A single card is beaten by any higher single card. A set of cards can only be beaten by a higher set containing the same number of cards. For example, if the previous player played two sixes, you can beat this with two kings or two sevens, but not with a single king, and not with three sevens (though you could play two of them and hang onto the third).

Play continues as many times around the table as necessary until someone makes a play that everyone else passes. All the cards played are then turned face down and set aside, and the player who played last (and highest) to the previous trick starts again by leading any card or set of equal cards.

Scoring and End of Game

No points are kept during the game. Instead, the players' social status is determined by the order in which they run out of cards. The first player to be out of cards is awarded the highest social rank, such as President in America, King in Europe, and so on down. The last player to be left with any cards is known as the Beggar, Scum, Asshole, or any other term of abuse.

For each new hand, players move seats, and the President selects the most comfortable chair, with the Vice President sitting to the President's left, and so on around to the Asshole, who sits to the President's right. The Asshole is responsible for shuffling, dealing, and clearing away the cards when necessary.

Common Variants

President has numerous variations in its playing procedure, card ranking, and social structure. Some common variations include:

1. Opening Lead: On the first deal, some players play that the player holding a specific card of the lowest rank leads. Generally, this will be a three, but in variations where threes are wild, it will be a four. On subsequent deals, some play that the Scum from the previous hand leads, rather than the President.

2. Single-round play: Some people play that after someone leads, each player gets just one opportunity to pass or beat the previous play. Whoever played highest then leads again.

3. Compulsory beating: Some people play that if you can beat the previous play, you must. Passing is only allowed if you are unable to play.

4. No playing after passing: In Australia, some people do not allow a player who has passed to play at subsequent turns during the same trick. If you pass, you must wait until someone wins the trick and leads again.

5. Larger sets of cards beat smaller sets of lower rank: Some people do not require players to play an equal number of cards to the card or set they are beating. It is also possible to play more cards than the previous player, as long as they are also higher in rank than the previous play.

6. Larger sets beat smaller sets irrespective of rank: Another variation found occasionally is that a set of more cards beats a set of fewer cards irrespective of rank.

7. Equal plays allowed: Some people allow a card or set to be beaten by another card or set of equal rank.

8. Equal play skips next player: Some people play that if you beat a play with an equal play, the turn skips the next player who has cards, and passes to the player after that.

9. Four of a kind inverts ranks: This can be combined with the suit ranking variation described below. When a player plays four of a kind, the ranks are inverted for the remaining cards in that suit.

Where to Get the Game

Start your President card game experience with a standard 52-card deck, such as this one: jeu de 54 cartes on Amazon

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Misunderstanding the card ranking: Remember that the card ranking is Ace (high), King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 (low).

2. Forgetting to beat equal plays: If a play is equal to the previous one, you must play a higher card or set to continue.

3. Passing too early: In some variations, passing too early may result in losing your turn or disadvantageous positions.

FAQ

1. Can I play President with a deck other than a standard 52-card deck?

   • While a standard deck is recommended, you can adapt the game to use different deck sizes or card types, as long as you adjust the rules accordingly.

2. Can I invent my own rules for President?

   • Feel free to modify the rules to suit your preferences, as long as all players are aware of and agree to the changes.

3. How many players can I have for a game of President?

   • President can be played with 4 to 7 players, with variations for fewer or more players available.

4. Is there a specific strategy for President?

   • While there is no definitive strategy for President, paying attention to the cards played and anticipating the moves of other players can help you become a more successful player.