President

Game Origins and Popularity

President is a Western adaptation of traditional Chinese climbing card games such as Zheng Shangyou, with related games including Vietnam's Tien Len and Japan's Daifugō. The game appeared in the Western world during the 1980s, quickly becoming a popular casual pastime. It is often categorized as a shedding or climbing game, where the core mechanic involves playing higher-ranked cards or combinations to follow the lead. The game's social hierarchy, where players are labelled based on their performance, has led to its many alternative names, including Asshole, Scum, Capitalism, and P's & A's. Its appeal lies in its simple rules and suitability for large groups. Commercial versions have been produced, including The Great Dalmuti and a dedicated Presidents Card Game set.

Equipment and Setup

President requires only a standard 52-card deck, making it highly accessible. For games with more players, it is common to combine two decks. The game can be played by three or more players. One round typically lasts between 5 and 15 minutes. Before play begins, players must agree on the card ranking hierarchy, as this is a common source of disputes. The most widespread ranking in Canada, often called the 'standard' or '2s-high' version, places the 2 as the highest card, followed by Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, down to the 3 as the lowest. Suits have no inherent value in gameplay. An alternative 'Aces-high' version ranks the Ace as the highest card and the 2 in its normal position, which is more common on the U.S. West Coast and in Hawaii. Jokers are sometimes included as trump cards that can beat any combination.

Core Rules and Gameplay

A session of President consists of multiple rounds, each with three distinct phases: dealing and card exchange, trick-based play, and title assignment. For the very first round, cards are shuffled and dealt one at a time clockwise until the entire deck is distributed. Some players may receive one extra card if the deck does not divide evenly. The player holding the 3 of clubs must start the first round by playing that card, either alone or with other 3s. In subsequent rounds, the player who was President in the previous round has the honour of leading the first trick. Play proceeds clockwise. The player who begins a trick may lead any single card or any set of cards of equal rank, such as a pair of sevens or three queens. The following players must then either pass or play an equal number of cards of a strictly higher rank. For example, a pair of sixes can only be beaten by a higher pair, not by a single card or a three of a kind. Players may pass at any time, even if they hold a playable card.

A trick continues until all but one player have passed consecutively. The player who made the last and highest play wins the trick, discards the played cards, and leads the next trick with any valid combination. This process repeats until one player empties their hand, which ends the round. The remaining players often continue playing to determine the complete order of finish. The first player out is declared the President, the second is the Vice-President, the next-to-last is often called the High-Scum or Vice-Scum, and the last player holding cards is the Scum. Some groups use neutral titles like Citizen for middle positions. After titles are assigned, players frequently rearrange their seating order clockwise by rank, with the President taking the preferred position, though some variants keep seating static.

The Social Hierarchy and Card Exchange

The defining feature of President is the social hierarchy established at the end of each round, which directly impacts the next deal through mandatory card exchanges. This system creates a cycle of privilege and disadvantage. Before the next round is dealt, players with titles must exchange cards based on their rank. The standard exchanges for a four-player game are as follows. The Scum must give their single best card to the President. The President then gives any single unwanted card back to the Scum. If a Vice-President and High-Scum are designated, a second exchange occurs where the High-Scum gives their best card to the Vice-President, who returns an unwanted card. The President is not obligated to return their worst card, only a card they do not want. In games with more players and more tiers, such as those including a Secretary and Clerk, the number of cards exchanged increases, with the lowest ranks giving multiple best cards to their superiors. These exchanges significantly alter hand strength.

• President: Receives the best card from the Scum. Gives back any one unwanted card.
• Vice-President: Receives the best card from the High-Scum (or Vice-Scum). Gives back an unwanted card.
• Citizen/Neutral: No mandatory exchange in standard four-player rules.
• High-Scum/Vice-Scum: Gives best card to the Vice-President. Receives an unwanted card in return.
• Scum/Asshole: Gives best card to the President. Receives the President's unwanted card.
• Secretary (in 7-player): May receive one card from the Clerk.
• Clerk (in 7-player): Gives one card to the Secretary.

Common Variations and House Rules

President is famous for its vast array of house rules. Some play that the holder of the lowest card of a particular suit leads the first deal. A popular variation is the Revolution rule. When a player lays down a four of a kind, the card hierarchy is instantly inverted for the remainder of that round. In a standard 2s-high game, the 3 becomes the highest card and the 2 the lowest. Another common rule involves the power of 2s. In the standard game, a single 2 can beat any single card or combination. Some variants require a pair of 2s to beat a pair of Aces, or stipulate that 2s can only be played in combinations matching the lead. A related powerful play is the bomb, typically consisting of multiple 2s, which can be played on a player's turn to immediately clear the current trick and gain the lead. Players may never lead a trick with a 2 or a bomb. Other popular regional rules include the Consecutive rule, where playing three cards in sequential order forces subsequent players to continue the sequence.

• Revolution: A four of a kind inverts the card hierarchy for the round.
• 2s Rules: Debates over whether a single 2 beats any combo or if pairs are required.
• Bombs: Multiple 2s played together to clear a trick instantly.
• Consecutive: Playing three cards in a row forces a sequence.
• Equal Card Play: Some variants allow playing cards of equal rank to the lead, which may skip the next player.
• Jokers as Trump: A single Joker can beat any combination.

Strategy and Tips for Play

While President involves luck in the deal, effective strategy greatly influences a player's ability to climb the ranks. A primary tactic is card conservation, saving high-value cards like 2s and Aces to gain control of tricks at critical moments or to secure the lead. Since the player who wins a trick gets to start the next one, controlling the lead is a powerful advantage, allowing you to set a low or manageable combination that others must beat. Players should pay close attention to which cards have been played, particularly the 2s, as knowing the remaining high cards informs decisions on when to pass or challenge. In the early game, it is often wise to pass on moderately high leads to conserve strength, forcing others to expend their powerful cards. The mandatory card exchanges add a strategic layer before play even begins. As President, consider which card to give back to the Scum not just based on its low value, but on how it might combine with other cards in their hand. As Scum, sometimes holding back your absolute best card during the exchange if you have two strong cards can be a gamble.

Playing President Online and Commercially

President has transitioned successfully to digital platforms, allowing players to enjoy the game remotely. Numerous websites and mobile apps offer online versions of President. These digital adaptations handle scoring and card exchanges automatically. For those seeking a physical product, commercial versions provide dedicated decks and sometimes rulebooks. The Great Dalmuti, published by Wizards of the Coast, is a well-known commercial adaptation with themed artwork and titles. The Presidents Card Game is another product. These sets often standardize rules and titles, reducing disputes and making the game more accessible to new players while preserving the core social dynamics that make the game a favourite for game nights and casual gatherings.

Questions about President

What is the President card game?

President, also called Asshole or Scum, is a shedding card game for three or more players where the goal is to be the first to play all your cards. Players compete in rounds, and the finishing order assigns social titles like President for the winner and Scum for the loser. These titles confer privileges or penalties in the next round through forced card exchanges. It is a Western version of Chinese climbing games that became popular in the 1980s.

How do you play the President card game?

Players are dealt all cards from a standard deck. The player with the 3 of clubs starts the first round by playing it. On your turn, you must play an equal number of cards of a higher rank than the previous play or pass. A trick ends when all but one player pass. That player leads the next trick. The round ends when a player runs out of cards, becoming President. The last player with cards becomes Scum. Before the next round, the Scum gives their best card to the President, who gives back any unwanted card.

What are the rules for the President card game?

The core rules involve a unique card ranking where the 2 is usually highest, followed by Ace, King down to 3. Players must follow the lead with the same number of higher-ranked cards or pass. The first player out is President, the last is Scum. Key rules include the mandatory card exchange between these titles and the fact that the President leads the first trick of the next round. Many house rules exist, such as the Revolution rule where a four of a kind inverts the card hierarchy.

What are some funny President card game rules or variations?

Many groups adopt funny or strategic house rules. The Revolution rule is popular, where playing four of a kind flips the card order. Some play with 'bombs' of multiple 2s that clear a trick instantly. The 'Consecutive' rule forces a sequence of cards after three in a row are played. Another lets a player who plays a 10 declare 'go low' to reverse play order. Titles themselves often get creative, humorous names beyond President and Scum.

How many people can play President?

President can be played by three or more players using a standard 52-card deck. For larger groups, two decks can be combined. The game is considered most balanced with 4 to 6 players. With three players, the dynamic is simpler, while with seven or eight, the game becomes more chaotic and longer, often requiring additional middle titles like Citizen, Secretary, or Clerk.

Can you play President card game online for free?

Yes, President is available on digital platforms. Websites like SolitaireParadise.com offer free online play in a browser. Mobile app stores have apps for the game, often listed under names like Scum or Capitalism. These digital versions support multiple players and customizable rules, allowing for remote play.

Sources and further reading

• President (Wikipedia)
• How To Play President (A Card Game About Privilege) - Berries & Barnacles (berriesandbarnacles.com)
• Presidents (bicyclecards.com)
• President Card Game Rules: Complete Guide ? (traknard.com)
• 5 Weeks of Playing Cards: How To Play President (gibsonsgames.co.uk)
• Presidents (bicyclecards.com)
• How To Play President (A Card Game About Privilege) - Berries & Barnacles (berriesandbarnacles.com)

Checked by the Nosy Mag desk. Last updated 2026-11-10.