Presidents is a fast-paced card game where players race to get rid of their cards by playing higher-ranked cards than the previous player. The goal is simple: be the first to run out of cards. You may know this game by a not-so-nice name as well, but the rules remain the same. Here is how to play.
Materials You Need
- A standard 52-card deck
- Three to six players
Card Rankings
Card order is critical in Presidents. Cards rank from lowest to highest as follows:
- 3 (lowest)
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- Jack
- Queen
- King
- Ace
- 2 (highest)
Suits do not matter.
Setup
Shuffle the deck and deal all cards evenly among players. Some players may receive one extra card, which is acceptable.
The player holding the lowest card starts the first round. Many groups use the 3 of Clubs as a simple convention to decide who goes first, even though suits do not otherwise matter in the game.
How the Game Works
Playing Cards
Players take turns clockwise. On your turn, you must play one or more cards of the same rank that are higher than the previous play.
For example, if the previous player plays a pair of 6s, the next player must play a pair of 7s or higher.
If you cannot or choose not to play, you pass. Once you pass, you are out of the current round.
Clearing the Pile
When all players pass except one, that player clears the pile and starts a new round with any card or set of cards they choose.
Winning and Ranking
As players run out of cards, they earn ranks:
- The first player out becomes the President.
- The second player out becomes the Vice President.
- The second-to-last player becomes the Vice Scum.
- The last player holding cards finishes last.
The game can end after one round, or players can reshuffle and play again using rank-based advantages.
Optional Starting Advantages
In multi-round games, ranked players may exchange cards before dealing:
- The President gives their two lowest cards to the last-place player and receives that player’s two highest cards.
- The Vice President and Vice Scum exchange one card each.
These rules are optional and should be agreed upon before starting.
Important Rules to Remember
- All cards played in a turn must be the same rank.
- You may play singles, pairs, triples, or four of a kind.
- Passing removes you from the current round.
- Twos are the highest-ranked cards.
Tips for Playing Presidents
- Save high cards for key moments.
- Pay attention to what other players are holding.
- Do not rush to play all strong cards early.
- Agree on optional rules before dealing.
- Keep the pace quick to maintain energy.
Party Game Guides
- How to Play Salad Bowl
- How to Play Fishbowl
- How to Play Celebrity
- How to Play Mafia
- How to Play Werewolf
- How to Play Bunco
- How to Play Spoons
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