Bullshit Card Game: Rules, Strategies, and Tips to Win

Published on November 14, 2024

The Bullshit card game (also known as Cheat, Bluff, or I Doubt It) is a fun and fast-paced party game that tests your ability to lie convincingly—or catch others in the act of bluffing. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, this game guarantees laughter, strategy, and a bit of deception. In this guide, cungdiiceland.com will cover everything you need to know about the game, from how to play to strategies that can help you win.

What Is the Bullshit Card Game?

The Bullshit card game is a classic card game where players take turns placing cards face down while declaring what they are. The goal is to get rid of all your cards first, but here’s the twist: players can lie about the cards they play. If someone suspects you’re bluffing, they can call “Bullshit!” If they’re right, you pick up the pile; if they’re wrong, they do.

How to Play Bullshit

What You Need

• A standard deck of 52 playing cards (or two decks for larger groups).
• 3–10 players (the more, the merrier).

Objective

Be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

Setup

• Shuffle the deck thoroughly.
• Deal all the cards evenly among the players. Some players may have one more card than others—this is fine.
• Players organize their cards in their hands but keep them hidden from others.

Gameplay Rules

Starting the Game

• The player to the dealer’s left starts the game by placing one or more cards face down in the center of the table.
• They must declare the rank of the card(s) they are playing (e.g., “Two aces”).
• The declared rank must follow a sequential order. For example, the first player starts with aces, the next player must play twos, then threes, and so on. After kings, the sequence resets to aces.

Bluffing

• Players can lie about the cards they play. For example, a player might place a 5 and a 9 while declaring, “Two kings.”
• Bluffing is a key part of the game, but it comes with risks.

Calling Bullshit

• At any point, a player can call “Bullshit!” if they think the current player is lying about their cards.
• If “Bullshit” is called, the cards in the pile are revealed: If the player was lying, they must pick up the entire pile of cards. If the player was truthful, the challenger must pick up the pile instead.

Continuing Play

• After a “Bullshit” call is resolved, the next player in turn resumes the game with the next rank in sequence.
• If the deck runs out of cards, shuffle the pile and continue.

Winning the Game

• The first player to get id of all their cards wins.
• If two players finish at the same time, the remaining players can continue to determine second and third place.

Strategies to Win at Bullshit

Winning at Bullshit requires a mix of strategy, observation, and a good poker face. Here are some tips to help you dominate the game:

Master the Art of Bluffing

• Bluff confidently. Hesitation or over-explaining can make others suspicious.
• Mix truthful plays with occasional lies to keep opponents guessing.

Strategies to Win at Bullshit

Observe Other Players

• Pay attention to how players react when they bluff or tell the truth. Look for patterns or “tells.”
• Watch the cards being played. If someone claims to play three queens but you have two queens in your hand, you know they’re lying.

Use Strategic Calls

• Don’t call “Bullshit” too often—it can backfire. Only call when you’re reasonably sure someone is lying.
• If you suspect someone is bluffing but aren’t certain, weigh the risk of picking up the pile.

Manage Your Cards

• Hold onto high-value cards (like kings and aces) for as long as possible. These are easier to bluff with since fewer players will have them.
• Try to get rid of duplicate cards early to avoid being stuck with them later.

Play the Long Game

• Sometimes it’s better to pick up the pile intentionally to gain more cards for bluffing later.
• If you’re close to winning, bluff conservatively to avoid being called out.

Variations of the Bullshit Card Game

Reverse Bullshit

• Gameplay: Instead of the standard ascending order, players play in descending order. The rules regarding calling “Bullshit” remain the same; a player suspects another player of lying about the rank of their cards. If the accusation is correct, the accused player takes the entire discard pile. If incorrect, the accuser takes the pile.
• Strategy: The descending order introduces a new strategic element. Players need to carefully manage their high-value cards, as they’re played earlier in the round. Bluffing becomes more crucial, as players might need to convincingly claim they possess cards they don’t actually have to avoid having to take a large pile of cards early on. The game can end more quickly due to the quicker depletion of high-value cards.
• Example: If the current rank is King, the next player must play a Queen. If a player plays a Queen and another player suspects they are lying, they call “Bullshit!”

Silent Bullshit

• Gameplay: This variation removes the verbal element of announcing the rank of cards. Players simply place their cards face down onto the discard pile. The next player must then guess the rank of the cards played based on the number of cards played and the overall flow of the game. If they guess correctly, play continues. If they guess incorrectly, they take the discard pile. A player can choose to challenge a previous player’s play by calling “Bullshit!” even without knowing the rank of the cards.
• Strategy: This variation relies heavily on observation and deduction. Players need to pay close attention to the number of cards played by each player and the overall pace of the game to infer the ranks. Bluffing is still possible, but it becomes more subtle and requires a greater understanding of the other players’ playing styles. The element of surprise is amplified.
• Example: A player plays three cards face down. The next player guesses “Three Queens.” If correct, play continues. If incorrect, the next player takes the pile.

Speed Bullshit

• Gameplay: A timer  is set for each player’s turn. If a player fails to play their cards within the allotted time, they automatically take the entire discard pile. All other rules remain the same.
• Strategy: This variation introduces a significant time pressure element. Players must quickly assess their hands and decide on their plays, increasing the likelihood of bluffing and potentially risky moves. It favors players who can think quickly and make decisions under pressure. The game becomes faster-paced and more chaotic.
• Example: A player has 10 seconds to play their cards. If they don’t play within that time, they take the entire pile, regardless of whether they had the correct cards or not.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bullshit

Can you play Bullshit with more than 10 players?

Yes! For larger groups, use two decks of cards to ensure everyone has enough cards to play.

What happens if someone forgets the sequence?

If a player declares the wrong rank, other players can call “Bullshit.” If the mistake is confirmed, the player picks up the pile.

Can you skip your turn?

No, every player must play during their turn. If you can’t play truthfully, you’re forced to bluff.

Is there a penalty for calling “Bullshit” incorrectly?

Yes, if you call “Bullshit” and the player was truthful, you must pick up the pile.

Conclusion

The Bullshit card game is a timeless favorite that combines strategy, deception, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re bluffing your way to victory or catching others in their lies, the game is guaranteed to keep everyone entertained. With the rules and strategies outlined in this guide, you’re ready to host your next Bullshit game night and outsmart your opponents. So grab a deck of cards, gather your friends, and let the fun begin!