Content Menu
● Introduction
● Overview of the Game
>> Objective
>> Required Materials
● Game Setup
>> Dealing Cards
>> Card Ranking
● Gameplay Rules
>> Starting Play
>> Passing and Clearing Piles
>> Special Cards
>> Ending Rounds
● Scoring System
● Card Exchanges Between Rounds
● Strategies for Success
● Variations of President
● Social Dynamics in President
>> Building Alliances
>> Humor and Rivalry
>> Learning Experience
● Conclusion
● Questions & Answers
>> 1. What is the main objective of President?
>> 2. How are points scored in President?
>> 3. What happens if all players pass during a turn?
>> 4. Can you use jokers in President?
>> 5. How does trading work after each round?
● Citations:
Introduction
The President card game, also known by various names such as "Asshole," "Scum," or "A-hole," is a popular shedding card game that combines strategy, social interaction, and a bit of luck. It is typically played with a standard 52-card deck and accommodates three to eight players. The objective of the game is straightforward: be the first player to get rid of all your cards. This article will delve into the rules, strategies, and variations of President, providing a comprehensive guide for both new and experienced players.
Overview of the Game
Objective
The primary goal in President is to play all your cards before your opponents do. The first player to achieve this is declared the "President" for that round, while the last player with cards left is known as the "A-hole" or "Scum." The game's structure encourages competitive play and can lead to humorous interactions among players.
Required Materials
To play President, you will need:
- A standard 52-card deck
- A group of 3 to 8 players (more than 8 may require an additional deck)
- Pen and paper for scorekeeping (optional)
Game Setup
Dealing Cards
1. Shuffle the Deck: The dealer shuffles the deck thoroughly.
2. Deal Cards: Each player is dealt a number of cards one at a time, clockwise, until all cards are distributed. Depending on the number of players, some may receive more cards than others.
3. Determine Starting Player: The player holding the 3 of clubs starts the game by playing it face-up on the table.
Card Ranking
In President, cards are ranked from highest to lowest as follows:
- Ace (highest)
- King
- Queen
- Jack
- 10
- 9
- 8
- 7
- 6
- 5
- 4
- 3 (lowest)
- 2 (special card that clears the pile)
Gameplay Rules
Starting Play
1. First Move: The player with the 3 of clubs plays first by placing it on the table.
2. Subsequent Moves: Play proceeds clockwise around the table. Each player must either play a higher card or set of cards than what was previously played or pass their turn.
3. Playing Combinations:
- A single card can be beaten by a higher single card.
- A pair beats any single card.
- A three-of-a-kind beats a pair.
- A four-of-a-kind clears the pile entirely and allows that player to start a new pile.
Passing and Clearing Piles
Players may choose to pass if they cannot or do not want to play. If all players pass in succession after a card has been played, the pile is cleared, and the last player who played can start a new pile with any card.
Special Cards
- Twos: Playing a two clears the current pile and allows that player to play again.
Ending Rounds
The round continues until one player has no cards left. This player becomes the President for the next round. The second player to finish becomes the Vice President, while subsequent players are ranked accordingly down to the A-hole.
Scoring System
At the end of each round:
- The President earns 2 points.
- The Vice President earns 1 point.
- All other players earn 0 points, but their positions affect their card exchanges in subsequent rounds.
The game continues until a player reaches a predetermined score (commonly 11 points) or until players decide to end after a set number of rounds.
Card Exchanges Between Rounds
After each round:
1. The A-hole must give their highest-ranking card to the President.
2. The President returns any unwanted card back to the A-hole.
3. Similar exchanges occur between other ranks based on their positions.
Strategies for Success
1. Card Management: Keep track of which cards have been played and anticipate opponents' moves. Knowing when to hold onto strong cards for critical moments can be key.
2. Timing Your Plays: Knowing when to play high cards versus low cards can significantly affect your chances of winning. For instance, playing a high card early can secure your position but may leave you vulnerable later in the game.
3. Bluffing: Sometimes, pretending you have stronger cards can force opponents to pass. This psychological element adds depth to gameplay and can lead to unexpected outcomes.
4. Reading Opponents: Pay attention to how your opponents play their cards. If they consistently pass when you play certain values, they might be holding onto higher-ranked cards for later rounds.
5. Flexible Strategy: Adapt your strategy based on your position in each round. As President or Vice President, you have more control over gameplay; as A-hole, you may need to adopt a defensive strategy.
Variations of President
The game has many variations that can change gameplay dynamics significantly:
1. Aces High: In this variation, aces are considered high rather than low, which changes how players strategize around their highest cards.
2. Jokers as Wild Cards: Some versions include jokers that can act as wild cards or higher-ranking pairs, adding an extra layer of unpredictability.
3. Trade Cards Variation: Players trade cards differently based on their rank after each round; this can create alliances or rivalries among players.
4. Following Suit Rule: Players must beat previous plays with higher cards of the same suit; this variation emphasizes suit management and can lead to more strategic depth.
5. Communism Variation: In this humorous twist, higher-ranked players give their best cards to lower-ranked players instead of vice versa, creating an egalitarian dynamic that changes how players approach their hands.
6. Multiple Decks: For larger groups or extended gameplay sessions, using multiple decks can increase complexity and strategy depth as more combinations become possible.
7. Reverse Order Play: In some versions, play goes counterclockwise instead of clockwise after certain rounds or events; this keeps players on their toes and adds an element of surprise.
Social Dynamics in President
One of the most enjoyable aspects of President is its social component. The game often leads to lively banter and camaraderie among players:
Building Alliances
Players may form temporary alliances based on their ranks or shared interests in winning against stronger opponents. This dynamic adds an extra layer of strategy as players negotiate trades or support each other during gameplay.
Humor and Rivalry
The light-hearted nature of President fosters humor and friendly rivalry among participants. Players often tease each other about their rankings or strategic blunders, making it an excellent choice for parties or casual gatherings.
Learning Experience
For many new players, engaging in games like President provides valuable lessons in strategy, negotiation, and social interaction—skills that extend beyond just card games into everyday life scenarios.
Conclusion
President is an engaging and dynamic card game that fosters social interaction while challenging players' strategic thinking skills. With its simple rules yet complex strategies, it remains a favorite among various age groups and settings—from casual gatherings to more competitive environments.
By understanding its mechanics and exploring different variations, players can enjoy countless hours of fun while honing their skills in this classic card game.
Questions & Answers
1. What is the main objective of President?
The main objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
2. How are points scored in President?
Points are scored based on finishing order in each round: 2 points for President, 1 point for Vice President, and none for others.
3. What happens if all players pass during a turn?
If all players pass, the last player who played starts a new pile with any card they choose.
4. Can you use jokers in President?
Yes, some variations allow jokers as wild cards or higher-ranking pairs.
5. How does trading work after each round?
The A-hole gives their highest card to the President, who then returns any unwanted card back.
Citations:
[1] https://www.britannica.com/topic/president-card-game
[2] https://cardgameheaven.com/president/
[3] https://www.pagat.com/invented/president_vars.html
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYcH0bzsmsI
[5] https://gathertogethergames.com/president
[6] https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/be/Mr._Presidente_card_game_(24127660700).jpg/800px-Mr._Presidente_card_game_(24127660700).jpg?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj70dC_4d6KAxVVKkQIHQycLPoQ_B16BAgHEAI
[7] https://www.cnblogs.com/apachecn/p/18463788
[8] https://www.mplgames.com/blog/how-to-play-president-card-game/
[9] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGYv8UN_r1A
[10] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/President_(game)
[11] https://www.reddit.com/r/cardgames/comments/mgugda/rules_president_aka_ahole_rules/
[12] https://vipspades.com/blog/how-to-play-president-card-game/
