The President card game (also known as Asshole or Scum in some regions) is a fast-paced, fun, and often hilarious card game that requires a combination of strategy, quick thinking, and a bit of luck. Played with a standard deck of cards, the goal is simple: get rid of all your cards before anyone else to become the President, while others try to avoid being stuck with the “Scum” title. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, and tips for mastering how to play President card game.
What is the President Card Game?
The President card game is a popular social card game often played in groups of 4-7 players. It is well-loved for its straightforward rules, competitive nature, and the fun role-switching mechanic where players rise or fall in the game’s social hierarchy based on their performance. Depending on the outcome of each round, players are given specific roles that affect the way the game is played in subsequent rounds.
History of the Game
The game has several variations, and while the most common names are President and Asshole, some players call it Scum. These names reflect the social ranking system that’s central to the game. Although the origins are unclear, President is widely played in North America, Europe, and Australia, often as a drinking game or a casual party game.
The Basic Rules of President Card Game
Before jumping into strategies, let’s break down the basic rules to ensure you understand the foundation of the game.
Setup and Cards
President is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. Players sit in a circle and draw cards to determine the starting player. Here’s how to set up:
- Number of Players: The game works best with 4-7 players, but it can be adapted for more or fewer players.
- Dealing the Cards: The dealer shuffles the deck and deals all cards to players. In some variations, players may receive a different number of cards depending on the total number of players.
- Card Ranking: Cards are ranked from 3 (lowest) to 2 (highest). A typical order of cards goes like this:
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, and then the 2s, which are wild cards.
Objective
The goal of President is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. The first player to achieve this becomes the President in the next round, while the last player to get rid of their cards becomes the Scum.
How the Game is Played?
Players take turns playing cards to the center, starting with the first player. The game proceeds clockwise, and each player must follow these rules:
- Playing Cards: You can play one card at a time, or multiple cards of the same rank (e.g., two 8s). The player must play a higher card than the one previously played. For example, if the previous player played a 7, you need to play an 8 or higher.
- Passing: If you cannot play a higher card, you may pass. Passing allows you to skip your turn but keeps you in the game.
- The Round Ends: Once all players pass, the round ends. The player who played the highest card wins the round and gets to start the next round.
Understanding the Role of President, Vice-President, and Scum
One of the unique aspects of President is the role-switching system. Each round, after someone becomes the President, roles shift based on the order in which players get rid of their cards.
Role Breakdown
- President: The first player to finish their cards becomes the President. They have the most power in the next round and can give their worst cards to the Scum.
- Vice-President: The second player to finish becomes the Vice-President. They are slightly better off than others but still need to watch out for the Scum’s moves.
- Scum: The last player to finish their cards becomes the Scum. As the lowest-ranking player, the Scum has to give their best cards to the President and receives the worst cards in return. This adds an element of humor and competitiveness.
The Hierarchy’s Impact
- Advantages of Being President: The President gets to dictate the flow of the game, often making the best plays by having the highest cards. They can also make strategic decisions based on their ranking.
- Disadvantages of Being Scum: As the lowest-ranking player, the Scum has the disadvantage of dealing with bad cards and must follow the President’s lead. The Scum must also trade cards, which makes it harder to recover and win the next round.
Advanced President Card Game Rules
Once you understand the basic gameplay, you can add more complexity with advanced rules. Here are some popular advanced rules and options to spice up your game:
Special Cards and Their Abilities
- 2s as Wild Cards: In President, the 2 is the highest card and can beat any other card. If you have a 2 in your hand, you can always play it, regardless of what other cards are on the table.
- Jokers (Optional): Some variations of the game allow for jokers to be included, where one or both jokers can be wild cards, making the game even more unpredictable.
Playing Doubles or Triples
- In certain variations, you can play doubles or triples of the same rank (e.g., two 8s or three 7s). When this happens, the next player must play an equal number of cards, and the cards must also be of equal or higher rank. This rule can create a more strategic game.
Passing
- Passing allows players to skip their turn if they don’t want to or can’t play a card. Passing is crucial for strategic gameplay—sometimes it’s better to hold onto your cards until the next round to avoid playing a high card at the wrong time.
Optional House Rules
Many groups use house rules, or unofficial rules that add fun twists. Common house rules include:
- Reversal of Play: Some games use this rule, where the direction of play (clockwise or counter-clockwise) can be reversed.
- Multiple Rounds: After each round, the President chooses who will start the next round.
- Penalties for Scum: Some groups add penalties, like a shot of alcohol, for players who finish last in the round.
Strategies for Winning at President Card Game
Winning at President card game requires more than just luck. Successful players use a mix of strategy, psychology, and timing to gain the upper hand.
Be Strategic About Passing
Passing might seem like a way to sit out, but it can be a powerful strategy. If you have low cards or a poor hand, sometimes it’s best to pass and let other players eliminate cards before you play your own.
Control the Flow of the Game
As the President, you have the power to control the pace of the game. If you hold onto your 2s or other high cards, you can force other players to discard important cards or pass. As a result, you’ll have more control over the outcome of the round.
Keep Track of the Cards
One of the most effective strategies is to remember which cards have already been played. This will give you a good idea of what cards are left in the deck and help you anticipate your opponents’ moves.
Time Your Risks
While it’s tempting to play your high cards early, sometimes holding back can lead to a better payoff later. Timing your risky plays—like using your 2s or doubles—can make or break your chances of winning.
Manage Your Role
When you’re President, you can afford to play more aggressively. But when you’re Scum, it’s best to take a more passive approach and avoid getting into direct confrontations with stronger players.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing President
Even experienced players can make mistakes. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Playing Cards Too Quickly: While it’s tempting to rush through your turn, playing cards without thinking can cost you the round. Always consider your best move and the potential consequences.
- Ignoring the Importance of Passing: Passing strategically is key to maintaining a competitive edge. Don’t pass unnecessarily, but don’t waste an opportunity to hold your best cards either.
- Underestimating the Role of Card Ranks: The rank of your cards is crucial. Using low cards when you should be saving them can put you in a vulnerable position.
- Forgetting the Social Aspect: President is a social game. If you focus too much on strategy and ignore the playful, social nature of the game, you might miss the point of the game entirely.
Conclusion: Ready to Play President?
Now that you know how to play President card game, it’s time to grab a deck of cards and start playing! Whether you’re playing for fun or trying to climb to the top of the social hierarchy, mastering the rules and strategies will help you become a competitive player in no time. Don’t forget to have fun, laugh, and embrace the unpredictability of the game—after all, it’s about winning, but it’s also about enjoying the experience!