Board and card games have made a resurgence in recent years. Both young and old are returning to the face to face entertainment of playing games. But while there are literally thousands of games to choose from, collecting these games can get pricey. 

But you should not let that deter you from enjoying an electronic free evening. More than likely you already have a deck of playing cards thrown in a drawer somewhere in your house. If not, you can pick up a deck or two for just a couple of bucks. 

President is a playing card game of Chinese origin. Players attempt to be the first player to play all of their cards. The first player to go out becomes the President for that round. The second player to play their cards becomes the Vice-President. The last player holding cards gains the title of Scum and must not only share their highest card to the President in the next round, but is also responsible for clearing the table of cards during the round. Players play a pre-designated amount of rounds, and the player with the highest points wins the game.

For each game in the series, we’ve included a video (coming soon!) to watch how it’s played and a printable rules guide.  Check out our entire series of card games using one or more decks of playing cards in Playing Cards: How to.  Now on to how to play President!

• Ages 10+
• 30 minute game play
• 4+players
• Large group compatible

Overview

To be the first player to collect 11 points. Points are earned by being the first and second player to get rid of their cards in each round. Cards in order of high to low are:  2, A, K, Q, J, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3

Game Set Up

The game is played with a deck of regular playing cards. The jokers are not in use, and can be set aside. For games with more than 7 players, a second deck is added. Remove the 3 of clubs from the second deck. Shuffle and pass out all cards to players. Some players may have more cards than others, this is ok. 

Game Play

The player with the 3 of clubs begins the first round and places face up in the center of the table. Play continues around the table in turn. There is only one exception to playing out of turn: See Four of a Kind. 

Player 2 chooses whether to play or pass. If they choose to play, they must play a card higher than the 3 (suit makes no difference), or a set of cards; pairs, triples or four of a kind. Their turn is now over. Play continues around the table, with each player decided whether to play or pass. If you choose to pass, this does not prevent you from playing the next time your turn comes around. 

In a playing example, player 2 plays a 5. Player 3 has a pair of 4’s. That beats the 5 and can be played. Player 3 chooses to pass. Player 4 has a pair of queens, which beats the pair of 4’s. Player 2 has a pair of queens and plays them out of turn to complete the 4 of a kind and clears the pile. Player 2 now starts a new pile with a 6. The play continues around the table as described. 

Pair

If a player plays a pair, players after much play a higher pair, 3 of a kind or 4 of a kind. If no players can or choose not to play and it makes it back around to the last player who laid down cards, that pile of cards are removed and are out of play for the rest of the round. Then the last player who laid a card or cards begins the pile anew with a card of their choice.

Three of a Kind

If a player plays a triple, players must follow rank and play another triple higher than the cards played. If they can’t or choose not to, and it comes back around to the last player who played, that pile of cards are removed and are out of play for the rest of the round. Then the last player who laid a card or cards begins the pile anew with a card of their choice.

Four of a Kind

If a player plays a 4 of a kind, the pile of cards are removed and those cards are out of play for the rest of the round. 

 –Even if it’s not their turn, players may add enough of the same number of cards to complete a 4 of a kind. For example, player 1 plays two-4’s. Player 3 adds 2 more 4’s, even though it’s not their turn. That pile of cards are removed and those cards are out of play for the rest of the round. The player who completed the 4 of a kind begins the pile anew with a card of their choice.

2’s

A two is the highest card available and when played clears the pile. If at any time a 2 is played, the pile of cards are removed and those cards are out of play for the rest of the round. The player who laid the 2 begins the pile anew with a card of their choice.

You may not play a 2 as your final card. You must pass on your turn if this is the only card left in your hand. 

Play continues until there is only one player left with cards in their hand. The first player to rid his hand of cards each round becomes the President and earns 2 points. The second player who gets rid of their cards becomes Vice-President and earns 1 point. The last player who is left with cards in their hand in that round gains the title of Pond Scum. 

In the next round, the player with the title of Pond Scum must hand their highest card to the President, who in turn hands a card of their choice back to Pond Scum. The Pond Scum player must also clear the pile when necessary. 

Winning the Game

The game ends when one player reaches 11 points, becoming the President of the evening!