How to Play the Bullshit Card Game: Rules, Tips, and Strategies

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What You Need to Play

Before you dive into the fun, make sure you have the following:

• A deck of 52 playing cards: If you have more than 4 players, consider shuffling two decks together. The game works best when the cards are evenly distributed, but don’t worry if some players end up with one more or fewer cards.
• A group of 3–10 players: While you can technically play with as few as two players, the game shines with at least three and is most entertaining with 4–6 players.
• A flat surface: To make it easy to stack cards and reveal bluffs when someone calls “Bullshit!”

Optional: Reflective sunglasses, a straight face, or a smirk if you really want to intimidate your opponents.

Rules of the Game

Objective

The goal of Bullshit is simple: be the first player to get rid of all your cards. To do this, you’ll need to play strategically, bluff convincingly, and call out others when they lie about their cards.

Setup

1. Shuffle the deck of 52 cards thoroughly and deal them evenly among the players.
2. Some players may receive an uneven number of cards, which is perfectly fine and doesn’t affect the game.

Gameplay

1. The player with the Ace of Spades (or any agreed starting card) begins the game by playing one or more cards face-down, claiming their value (e.g., “Two Aces”).
2. Play continues clockwise, with each player claiming the next rank in ascending order (e.g., “Two Twos,” “Three Threes,” and so on).
3. Bluffing is allowed: If you don’t have the required card, feel free to lie about your cards to stay in the game.

Calling “Bullshit”

1. If you suspect another player has lied about their cards, you can call out “Bullshit!” before the next turn begins.

• If they lied about their cards, they must pick up the entire pile of discarded cards.
• If they were truthful, the accuser takes the discard pile instead.

1. If no one calls “Bullshit!” the play stands, and the game continues to the next player.

Winning the Game

The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. But beware—players often call “Bullshit!” on someone’s final turn, so bluffing effectively when you're down to your last card is crucial.

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Tips for Playing Bullshit

Bluffing Like a Pro

• Choose the right moments: Bluffing when the discard pile is small minimizes your risk if you’re caught.
• Keep your cool: A good poker face is essential. Avoid hesitating, stammering, or laughing when you’re lying.
• Mix it up: Alternate between truthful and false plays to keep your opponents guessing.

Spotting a Lie

• Count the cards: Keep track of the cards already played or declared. If someone claims “Three Kings” and you know two Kings are still in your hand, they’re lying.
• Watch for tells: Nervous movements, avoiding eye contact, or overly confident declarations can indicate a bluff.
• Think ahead: Players running low on cards may be more desperate to bluff, so stay alert as the game progresses.

Advanced Strategies

1. Passing Turns: Allow players to skip their turn if they don’t want to play cards or risk bluffing.
2. Double Decks: Add a second deck to extend the game and increase the difficulty of spotting bluffs.
3. Same Rank Variations: Let players repeat the same rank as the previous turn to create more chaos.

Why Is Bullshit So Popular?

Bullshit’s universal appeal comes from its combination of strategy, bluffing, and social interaction. It’s a game where your ability to lie—or spot a lie—matters as much as your luck. The game’s simplicity, requiring only a deck of 52 cards, makes it accessible to everyone, while its chaotic, unpredictable nature ensures endless laughter and excitement. Bullshit is particularly popular at parties, game nights, and casual hangouts because it’s fast-paced and creates memorable moments with every game.

Additionally, the game’s flexibility allows players to tweak the rules or add variations to suit their group’s preferences, making it a dynamic experience every time.

Variations and House Rules

If you’re looking to spice up your game of Bullshit, try these fun variations:

• Jokers Wild: Include the Jokers in the deck as wild cards that can be declared as any rank.
• Reverse Ranks: Instead of ascending order (Ace to King), play in descending order (King to Ace).
• Speed Rounds: Add a timer to each turn to force quick decisions and increase the tension.

Fun Facts About Bullshit

• Bullshit is also known as Cheat, I Doubt It, and Bluff in different parts of the world.
• Some regional variants, like Sweden’s Bluffstopp, allow players to discard cards secretly, adding an extra layer of deception.
• The game is often used as an introduction to bluffing strategies, which can be handy for poker or other games of skill and chance.

Closing Thoughts

Ready to bluff, call out lies, and laugh your way to victory? The Bullshit card game is a must-play for anyone who loves competitive, high-energy games. Whether you’re a seasoned bluffer or a beginner learning the ropes, this game guarantees fun and memorable moments. Grab a deck of cards, gather your friends, and let the chaos begin!

For more party game tips, rules, and strategies, don’t forget to explore the Boomit Blog, your ultimate resource for all things games and fun!