Card Games
How to play President
Shed cards by beating the previous single or equal-rank set. Finishing order determines the next round’s President and other ranks.
What you need
One 52-card deck without jokers; paper only for a scored match
Set up the game
- Deal all cards clockwise, accepting uneven hands. Rank low to high: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, J, Q, K, A, 2. Start left of dealer.
Playing President
- Lead any single or equal-rank group. Next player passes or plays higher with exactly the same number of cards.
- Passing is voluntary and does not prevent playing on a later turn. Suits never break rank ties.
- When everyone else passes after a play, clear the pile. Its last player leads freely again; if that player finished, the next active player leads.
- First out is President, second Vice-President; continue until one remains. Next deal, last finisher gives their highest card to the President and receives an unwanted card back. President leads.
A strong single cannot beat a pair
The last play is two tens. You hold an ace and two jacks. The ace is unusable because it is only one card, but the pair of jacks beats the tens. If everyone passes afterward, you can lead the ace as a new single and potentially keep control for the finish.
Ranks without penalties
Use neutral names such as President, Vice-President and last finisher. Humiliating tasks, drinking penalties and forced favors are unnecessary to the card game. Keep the stated card exchange distinct from optional social customs.
Beginner decisions
- Preserve a useful pair when the contest requires singles; winning one contest may be less valuable than clearing two weak cards later.
- Count opponents’ cards. A player with one card cannot beat a pair, however high that card is.
Common rule mix-ups
- Beating a pair with three cards. You may choose two from a triple, but cannot play all three.
- Calling a two wild; it is simply highest here.
Questions about this game
Can I return after passing?
Yes here. Lockout passes are a common separate variant.
How long is a match?
Agree a number of deals or award 2 points to first and 1 to second, to an agreed target. These match choices are optional.
Sources and edition notes
Pagat basic President: 2 highest, suits irrelevant, equal-size sets, passes permit re-entry; no bombs or revolutions.
Sources and stated format checked October 14, 2026. This records a document check, not a claim of hands-on testing.
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