The Card Game "President" (or "Asshole") and its Variations

Core Gameplay Mechanics

President, also known by several other names including "Asshole," "Capitalism," and "Scum," is a shedding-type card game where the objective is to be the first player to get rid of all of one's cards. The game typically involves multiple rounds, with the order of finish in each round determining the starting advantages (or disadvantages) in the subsequent round.

Card Ranking and Play

The standard card ranking (from lowest to highest) is generally 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace, 2. However, this ranking can be variant-specific. Players take turns playing cards, and must play a card or set of cards that is of a higher rank than the previous play. A player can pass their turn if they choose to or are unable to play a higher card. Play continues until all other players have passed in succession, at which point the pile is cleared and the last player to play a card begins a new round of play.

Dealing and Starting the Game

All cards are dealt out to the players as evenly as possible. Some variations dictate specific dealing patterns. The player with the lowest-ranking card (usually a 3) starts the first round of the first game. In subsequent rounds, the starting player is typically the "President" (the player who finished first in the previous round).

Ranks and Roles

Players are assigned ranks based on their order of finish in each round. The player who finishes first is the "President," the player who finishes last is the "Asshole" (or equivalent), and players finishing in between are assigned intermediary ranks, such as "Vice President" and "Vice Asshole." These ranks often carry privileges or disadvantages in the following round, such as the President having to trade their best card(s) with the Asshole's worst card(s).

Special Cards and Variations

• 2s: Often act as "clearing" cards, clearing the pile and allowing the player to start a new round.
• 7s: In some variations, 7s can be played on any card and reset the play order, requiring the next player to play a card lower than 7.
• Revolutions/Coups: Some variations allow the "Asshole" (or a designated player) to initiate a "revolution," reversing the power structure and making the President the Asshole and vice versa.

Winning and Losing

The objective is to be the first player to get rid of all of their cards in each round. The player who finishes last, or has cards remaining when all other players have finished, is the "Asshole" and faces the disadvantages in the next round.