Get the full experience in CardRules+
300+ games with text-to-speech, game night planner, quick reference cards, and offline access.
Download on Google Play- Deal 5 cards to each player.
- Place remaining deck as draw pile.
- Flip one card to start the discard pile.
- Play a card equal or higher than the top of the pile.
- Pick up the pile if you cannot or choose not to play.
- Draw back up to 5 cards while the stock lasts.
- Last player with cards is the Skitgubbe (loser).
- All other players win.
Rules
Skitgubbe is a Swedish card game where the goal is to avoid being the last player holding cards. Players play cards to a central pile, trying to beat the top card or picking up the pile when they cannot.
Objective
Avoid being the last player left with cards in hand. The final player remaining is the 'Skitgubbe' (dirty old man) and loses.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 4 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Deal: Deal 5 cards to each player. Place the remaining deck face down as a draw pile and flip one card face up beside it to start the discard pile.
Gameplay
- Step 1: On your turn, play a card of equal or higher rank than the top card of the discard pile.
- Step 2: If you cannot or choose not to play, pick up the entire discard pile and add it to your hand.
- Step 3: After playing, draw from the stock to maintain at least 5 cards in hand (while the stock lasts). Certain cards like 10s clear the pile entirely.
Scoring
- The last player holding cards is the Skitgubbe and loses.
- All other players share the victory equally.
Variations
- Three-card Skitgubbe: Deal only 3 cards to each player for a faster game.
- Wild cards: Some groups allow Jacks or other ranks to act as wildcards playable on anything.
Tips and Strategies
- Save your high cards for moments when you need to avoid picking up a large pile.
- Play low cards early when the pile is small, since the penalty for picking up is minimal.
Tips & Strategy
Manage your high cards carefully, using them only when the pile is dangerously large. Dump low cards early to keep your options open later.
The key tension is deciding when to absorb a small pile now versus risking a much larger pile later. Timing your high cards is everything.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'Skitgubbe' translates roughly to 'dirty old man,' making the loser the butt of good-natured jokes.
What does the Swedish word 'Skitgubbe' roughly translate to in English?
History & Culture
Skitgubbe has been a beloved casual card game in Sweden for generations, commonly played in schools and at family gatherings.
Skitgubbe is one of Sweden's most recognized casual card games and serves as many Swedish children's introduction to strategic card play.
Variations & House Rules
Variations include using fewer dealt cards for speed or adding wild card ranks that can be played on any card.
Try adding a rule where playing a pair instantly clears the pile, rewarding players who can match ranks.
