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Download on Google Play- Deal 3 cards face-down, 3 face-up on top of them, and 3 in hand per player.
- Before play, swap hand cards with face-up cards to optimize your layout.
- Play one or more cards of equal or higher rank than the discard pile top.
- Draw back to 3 cards while the draw pile exists.
- Pick up the entire discard pile if you cannot play.
- After hand is empty, play face-up cards, then face-down cards blindly.
- 2s reset the pile; 10s and four-of-a-kind burn it.
- 8s are transparent; next player must beat the card below.
- Last player remaining with cards is the loser.
Rules
Shithead is a popular shedding game where the goal is to avoid being the last player with cards. With a multi-layered hand structure (hand, face-up, face-down) and special card powers, it creates dramatic reversals and exciting endgames.
Objective
Get rid of all your cards — hand cards first, then face-up table cards, then face-down table cards. The last player with cards is the 'shithead.'
Setup
- Players: 2 to 5 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: 3 cards face-down (do not look at these), 3 cards face-up on top of them, and 3 cards in hand.
- Swap: Before play begins, you may swap hand cards with your face-up cards to optimize your layout.
Gameplay
- Playing: Play one or more cards of equal or higher rank than the top of the discard pile.
- Drawing: While the draw pile exists, replenish to 3 cards in hand after each play.
- Pickup Penalty: If you cannot or choose not to play, pick up the entire discard pile.
- Face-Up Cards: Once your hand is empty and the draw pile is gone, play from your face-up table cards.
- Face-Down Cards: After face-up cards are gone, play face-down cards blindly — flip one and hope it beats the pile.
Special Cards
- 2: Resets the pile — can be played on anything.
- 10: Burns the entire discard pile (removed from game).
- 8 (transparent): Can be played on anything; the next player must beat the card below the 8.
- Four of a Kind: Playing 4 of the same rank burns the pile, like a 10.
Tips and Strategies
- During the swap phase, put your best cards (2s, 10s) face-up to guarantee strong table plays.
- Save 2s and 10s for emergencies when the pile is dangerously high.
- The blind face-down card phase is pure luck — try to empty your hand before it comes to that.
Tips & Strategy
The initial swap phase is the most strategic moment. Place 2s, 10s, and Aces face-up to create a strong safety net for your endgame.
Managing when to pick up the pile is counterintuitive — sometimes picking up early gives you ammunition for a stronger late game.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The game goes by dozens of names worldwide because of its crude official name. Some families call it Palace, Shed, or simply 'That Card Game.'
In Shithead, what happens when a 10 is played or four of the same rank are on top of the pile?
History & Culture
Shithead became popular among backpackers and travelers in the late 20th century, spreading globally through hostels and campgrounds.
Shithead is one of the most globally distributed card games of the modern era, spread person-to-person through travel and social networks rather than formal publication.
Variations & House Rules
Rules vary enormously by region. Some add 7s as a 'play lower' card, 3s as transparent, or Jacks as reverse direction. House rules are the norm.
Agree on special card powers before playing — there is no universal standard. Adding a 'reverse' card adds complexity for experienced players.
