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Lying usually gets you in trouble—but not in the bullshit card game. Here, bluffing is the whole point, and the only thing at risk is your pride (and maybe your liver if you’re adding drinks). This classic bluffing game is fast, chaotic, and just the right amount of sneaky to keep everyone second-guessing.

The best part? The BS card game rules are dead simple. All you need is a deck of cards, a few friends, and the ability to keep a straight face while you claim you just put down “three kings” (when you absolutely did not). Whether you’re playing it clean or adding shots to the mix, once you learn how to play bullshit, it’ll quickly become your go-to party game.

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How to Play Bullshit

The rules to the card game BS are simple: get rid of all your cards before anyone else does. Each turn, you’ll put cards face down and announce their rank—whether you’re being honest or not. Other players can call you out with a sharp “bullshit!” but if they’re wrong, the punishment flips back on them.

Here’s a full breakdown of the BS game rules:

1. Set up the deck

Shuffle a standard 52-card deck and deal all the cards evenly. Don’t worry if some players get one more card than others—it happens.

2. Take turns in order

Players sit in a circle and take turns clockwise. The first player must declare that they’re putting down Aces, then the next player calls out Twos, and so on, moving up the ranks. After Kings, the sequence loops back to Aces.

3. Play your cards (or bluff)

On your turn, place one or more cards face down and announce what they supposedly are (e.g., “two jacks”). You can be truthful or completely lie—your choice.

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4. Call “Bullshit!”

If someone thinks you’re bluffing, they can shout “bullshit.” The pile is flipped over, and if you lied, you pick up the whole stack. If you were honest, the accuser has to pick it up.

5. Keep going until someone wins

The first player to run out of cards wins the round. Depending on your group, you can make the loser drink, do a dare, or just carry the shame of being out-bluffed.

Adaptations for small groups:

  • 2 players: Deal 26 cards each. Since you’re facing one opponent, bluffing gets riskier—expect lots of pile-picking.
  • 3 players: Deal 17 cards each. The pace quickens, with two people watching your every move.
  • 4 players: Deal 13 cards each. With more players, the bluffing gets sneakier, and accusations become more of a gamble.

Bullshit Rules (Tips for Playing)

At its core, bullshit rules are easy, but there are tricks that separate the casual liars from the true bluff masters. Here are some tips to sharpen your game.

1. Don’t over-bluff

If you claim “four aces” too often, people will smell it a mile away. Bluff sparingly to keep them guessing.

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2. Watch the pile

Pay attention to what’s already been played. If three kings are visible, it’s a safe bet someone is lying when they claim “two kings.”

3. Use your poker face

Confidence is everything in the bullshit game. Even if you’re dropping a wild bluff, say it casually like it’s the most normal thing ever.

4. Strategically call “bullshit”

Don’t challenge every single move. Pick your moments so you don’t end up stuck with the pile too often.

5. Remember the order

Knowing which rank comes next in the sequence is key. If someone jumps from sevens to tens, something shady is going on.

Bullshit Variations

Like any great party game, the card game BS rules have evolved into a bunch of creative twists. Here are some of the most popular ones:

1. Drunk Bullshit

Every time you get caught bluffing, you drink. Get called out incorrectly? Your accuser drinks. This simple variation transforms the game into a guaranteed party hit.

2. Speed Bullshit

No pauses allowed—players must play or call bullshit within a few seconds. Adds chaos and keeps the pace fast.

3. Mafia Bullshit

Add a “Host” who secretly assigns one player as the mafioso. The mafioso must always lie, while others can bluff or tell the truth. The twist: villagers must figure out who’s forced to lie while still playing the normal game.

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4. Reverse Bullshit

Instead of discarding cards, the goal is to collect them. First player to gather the entire deck wins. It flips the strategy on its head.

5. Team Bullshit

Play in pairs, sitting across from your partner. Partners can give subtle signals (eye rolls, taps, smirks) to help catch bluffs or sneak theirs through.

FAQs About the Bullshit Card Game

1. How many players can play BS?

Anywhere from 2–8 players works, but it’s best with 4–6 for maximum bluffing.

2. What do you need to play?

Just a standard 52-card deck and a group willing to lie shamelessly.

3. Is the bullshit game the same as “Cheat” or “I Doubt It”?

Yes. Different names, same mechanics—though house rules may vary.

4. Can you lie about how many cards you’re playing?

Yes. You can bluff both the rank and the number of cards.

5. What happens if two people call “bullshit” at once?

The first accuser gets priority. If they’re wrong, they pick up the pile.

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