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Download on Google Play- Deal 3 face-down, 3 face-up, 3 to hand per player.
- Place remaining cards as the draw pile.
- Optionally swap hand cards with face-up cards before play begins.
- Play a card equal or higher than the top of the pile.
- Use 2 to reset or 10 to clear the pile.
- Pick up the pile if you cannot play.
- Last player with cards is the Paskahousu (loser).
- All others win.
Rules
Paskahousu is the Finnish version of the internationally known game Shithead. Players try to shed their cards by playing equal or higher on a central pile, and the last player stuck with cards loses.
Objective
Avoid being the last player with cards. Play through your hand, then your face-up cards, then your face-down cards to escape before everyone else.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 6 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 3 cards face down to each player (untouchable at first), then 3 cards face up on top of those, then 3 cards to each player's hand. Remaining cards form the draw pile.
Gameplay
- Step 1: On your turn, play a card equal to or higher in rank than the top card of the pile. Draw from the stock to keep at least 3 cards in hand while cards remain.
- Step 2: Special cards have unique effects: 2 resets the pile (anything can be played on it), 10 clears the pile entirely, and four of a kind also clears the pile.
- Step 3: When your hand is empty and the stock is gone, play your face-up table cards. Once those are gone, play face-down cards blindly.
Scoring
- The last player remaining with cards is the Paskahousu and loses.
- All other players are considered winners.
Variations
- Joker rules: Add Jokers as ultimate wild cards that beat everything and clear the pile.
- Swap rule: Before play begins, players may swap hand cards with their face-up table cards.
Tips and Strategies
- Before play starts, swap your best cards to the face-up position so you have strong table cards for the endgame.
- Save 2s and 10s for emergencies when you are stuck with a high pile you cannot beat.
Tips & Strategy
The pre-game card swap is crucial. Place your highest cards and special cards face up on the table to give yourself the best endgame.
The swap phase before play begins is the most important strategic decision. Placing 2s and 10s on the table ensures you always have an escape route in the endgame.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'Paskahousu' is a Finnish word that translates to a rather vulgar insult, making losing especially entertaining for everyone else.
In Paskahousu, what happens when four cards of the same rank are played in sequence on the pile?
History & Culture
Paskahousu is Finland's local version of a game family that spread globally under various names, including Shithead, Palace, and Karma.
Paskahousu is widely played across Finland, especially among students and young adults, and is a staple of casual Finnish card game culture.
Variations & House Rules
Common variations include adding Jokers as super-wildcards and allowing pre-game swaps between hand and face-up cards.
Try playing with 4 table cards instead of 3 for a longer and more strategic game.
