The Asshole Card Game, also known as "President," is a popular shedding-type card game that involves strategy and player interaction. The game is best played with a standard deck of 52 cards and 4 to 7 players. The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards, thus becoming the "President" for the next round, while the last player to discard all their cards is dubbed the "Asshole."
Initial Setup and Card Ranking
Before the game begins, the deck is shuffled, and each player is dealt a certain number of cards, usually 7 or 13, depending on the number of players. The remaining cards are placed face down in a draw pile. The top card of the draw pile is turned over and placed beside it, face up, to start the discard pile. In this game, the cards have a specific ranking: 2 is the highest, followed by Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, and 3 being the lowest. However, during the game, players can change the ranking of the cards by playing a “revolution” card combination.
Gameplay Basics
Gameplay starts with the player to the left of the dealer, who must play a card or a set of cards that matches the current top card on the discard pile either by number or by suit. If a player cannot play any card, they must draw a card from the draw pile. The game continues clockwise, with each player playing a card that matches or beats the previous card played.
| Card Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| 2 | Highest rank, can be played on any card |
| Ace | Second-highest rank |
| King to 3 | Descending order of rank |
Special Card Combinations
There are several special card combinations in the Asshole Card Game that can significantly influence gameplay. For example, playing a pair of cards of the same rank can change the direction of play, while playing three or four cards of the same rank allows a player to change the suit of play and reverse the direction of play, respectively. The “revolution” combination involves playing two 8s or two 7s in the same turn, which allows the player to reverse the ranking of the cards, making the 3 the highest rank and the 2 the lowest, or vice versa, for the remainder of the round.
Ending the Game
The game ends when one player has discarded all their cards. The order in which players finish the game determines their ranks for the next round, with the first player to finish being the “President,” the second being the “Vice-President,” and so on, until the last player, who is dubbed the “Asshole.” These titles not only determine the order of play for the next round but also influence the number of cards dealt to each player at the beginning of the next round, with the President receiving the fewest cards and the Asshole receiving the most.
Key Points
- The game requires a combination of strategy and luck, making it appealing to players of various skill levels.
- Adapting to the dynamic card ranking system is key to winning the game.
- Player interaction and the ability to influence the direction of play and card ranking add a social and competitive element to the game.
- The titles earned at the end of each round not only reflect a player's performance but also affect their starting conditions for the next round, introducing an element of continuity and progression to the game.
- Understanding and effectively using special card combinations can significantly enhance a player's chances of winning.
In conclusion, the Asshole Card Game offers a unique blend of strategy, social interaction, and luck, making it a fascinating and engaging experience for players. Its dynamic nature, coupled with the special card combinations and the ranking system, ensures that each round is distinct and challenging, keeping players interested and motivated to improve their skills.
What is the primary objective of the Asshole Card Game?
+The primary objective of the game is to be the first player to discard all your cards, thus earning the title of “President” for the next round.
How does the ranking of cards change during the game?
+The ranking of cards can be reversed through the “revolution” card combination, where playing two specific cards allows a player to change the highest and lowest ranks for the remainder of the round.
What is the significance of the titles earned at the end of each round?
+The titles not only reflect a player’s performance in the round but also determine the order of play and the number of cards each player is dealt at the beginning of the next round, affecting their chances of winning.
