How to Play President Card Game: Rules, Strategy & Tips

Last Updated on July 17, 2025 by admin

If you’ve ever wondered how to play President card game, you’re in the right place! This popular social card game—also known as Asshole, Scum, or Capitalism—is a group-favorite, ideal for casual nights with friends or family. Easy to learn yet full of social strategy, President involves dethroning the “President” while avoiding the dreaded “Scum” title.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover everything you need:

President card game rules
Step-by-step instructions to play
Strategy to climb the ranks
Variations and power roles
Tips for first-timers and experienced players

1. What Is the President Card Game?

How to play President card game is simple: it’s a shed-style game where players aim to be the first to discard all their cards. The player who empties their hand becomes the President next round, while the last player becomes Scum (or other low ranks like Vice-Scum, depending on the group). Each round begins with the Scum dealing, adding a fun twist.

History of President card game

2. Number of Players and Deck Setup

Players: 4–7 works well; 5 is ideal.
Deck: Use a standard 52-card deck. For 7 players, add a Joker.
Deal: Distribute all cards evenly. Some players may receive one extra card.

Dealing starts with the previous round’s Scum and passes clockwise.

Here you can play President card game

3. Card Rank and Gameplay Flow

🎴 Card Hierarchy

3 is the lowest, 4 up to King, Ace high.
2 is the highest and beats any other cards.
Jokers (if used) outrank everything.

🔄 Gameplay Rounds

Lead: The President or, in first round, whoever has the 3♣ leads.
Play: Players must play equal number of cards in higher value.
Pass: Say “pass” if you can’t or won’t beat the current play.
Trick resolved: When all others pass, the last player to play leads next.
Round ends: Once someone discards all cards, subsequent players continue until all are ranked.

4. Winning, Roles & Seating Order

🏆 Role Assignment

First out: President
Second: Vice-President
Middle: Neutral
Second last: Vice-Scum
Last: Scum

Role names might vary (e.g., “Lost”, “Asshole”), but the hierarchy remains.

🪑 Seat Changes & Power Cards

Next round’s seating reflects ranks:

President deals and leads.
Scum and Vice-Scum must give their best cards to President and Vice-President.
President may give low cards back—a form of social equalizer.

5. Tie-break and Special Powers

Simultaneous pass resets the pile. The last to play starts new round.
Power cards:
- 2s clear the pile (beat anything).
- Joker (if used) clears piles and resets order.
- Some groups introduce bombs—four of a kind clears the field.

These create surprises and change the dynamic mid-round.

6. President Card Game Rules: Step by Step

A. Dealing

Shuffle deck; deal one card at a time.
For unbalanced hands, some may have extra cards.

B. Start Round

If first round, 3♣ holder leads.
Otherwise, President leads.

C. Playing a Trick

Play 1+ cards of same rank; others must match quantity to beat.
Passing forfeits your chance on this trick.

D. Clearing the Pile

Pile clears when all pass or a 2/Joker is played.
Winner collects and starts next trick.

E. Ending & Ranking

As players finish, roles assigned by order.
Scum deals next time; others seated by rank.

7. Strategy: How to Play President Card Game Well

7.1 Know When to Hold 2s

Keep your 2 strategically, as it dominates any trick and lets you regain control.

7.2 Watch Discard Patterns

Remember what ranks others have passed on; if 7 is unmet, saving yours might work.

7.3 Control the Pace

As President or Vice-President, lead with low cards to flush player hands and force plays.

7.4 Be Cautious Early Play

Don’t try to win everything. Let others take early tricks; control later.

7.5 Manipulate Roles

As Scum, give away your best cards quickly and hope to shuffle roles next round.

8. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

👎 Playing high too soon: Use 2s or Jokers late to gain better control.
🃏 Bluff attempts fail: Players usually avoid bluffing (cards are played in full).
🚫 Forget power card rules: Clarify 2/Joker rules before starting.
💼 Ignoring seating: Failing to swap helps opponents stay in power.

Build consistent patterns and understand the meta-game per group.

9. Popular Variations of the President Card Game

A. Blackjack Variation

Ace counts as high or low; straights allowed.

B. Exchange Limit

Scum only gives one card, giving a bit of power balance.

C. Silent Scum

Scum deals in secret, adding chaos.

D. Progressive Roles

Roles below Vice-Scum earn special tasks (e.g., making drinks) adding humor.

10. Etiquette: Making It Fun and Fair

❌ No rude comments on roles.
✅ Shuffle and deal calmly from Scum seat.
🕰️ Keep turns snappy.
👀 Say “clear” between rounds if pile resets.

Good etiquette keeps President fun, not frustrating.

11. Why Play President Card Game?

Social interaction encourages laughs and banter.
Simple setup works with any group.
Power dynamics create hilarity and comebacks.
Progression-free format allows casual or tournament play.

12. President in the Digital Age

Many app versions exist (iOS, Android).
Online platforms support private rooms with jokers, custom roles.
Ideal for learning new variations but physical hands retain social appeal.

13. Play Example: A Round of President

Players A-E; A starts with 3♣.
A plays 4♠; B passes, C plays 5♣, D passes, E plays 2♣ (clears).
E leads next; A drops 7♥; B adds 7♦; C passes.
E keeps leading; players match until A finishes → becomes President.

14. Tips for Beginners

Learn 2/Joker rules—they shape play significantly.
Note card counts others hold by their passes.
Keep games short (best of 5 rounds).
Enjoy reveal, seating banter, and trading moment of roles.

Conclusion: Mastering President Card Game

This guide shows how to play President card game with clarity and fun. From basic rules to advanced strategy, you’ll be ready to step into any game night with confidence.

Summing up:

Understand roles and turning points
Use power cards smartly
Control pace by playing strategically
Respect the social dynamic

Grab a deck, rally friends, and start shedding cards—the President’s seat is waiting!

How to Play President Card Game: Rules, Strategy & Tips for Fun Deck Domination