Jump to content

Shithead (card game): Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Reverted 1 edit by Lcgerms132 (talk): The vast majority of variants I've played do allow the clearing player to then play another card. (TW)
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
(601 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Shedding-type card game}}
{{Infobox CardGame
{{Infobox CardGame
| title = Shed
| title = Shithead
| subtitle =
| subtitle =
| image_link = [[File:shithead.jpg|200px]]
| image_link = [[File:Hand in Shithead.jpg|200px]]
| image_caption = A hand during a game of Shithead
| image_caption = Game under way
| alt_names = F-Knows, Lungnut, China Hand, Palace, Shed, Karma, Danish, or "OG"
| alt_names = China Hand, Ten-Two Slide, Karma, Palace, Shed<!-- only list names sourced in article -->
| type = Shedding-type
| type = Shedding-type
| players = 2-4 (recommended); 5 maximum
| players = 2–5 (3-5 best)<ref name=pagat/>
| ages =
| ages =
⚫
| origin = <!-- UK -->
| num_cards = 52
| num_cards = 52 or more
| deck = [[French deck|French]]
| deck = [[French deck|French]]
| play = Variable
| play = Variable
| card_rank = Highly variable
| card_rank = Highly variable
⚫
| related = [[Vändtia]]
⚫
| origin =
⚫
| related = [[Paskahousu]]
| playing_time = 5 mins.+
| playing_time = 5 mins.+
| random_chance = High
| random_chance = High
| skills = Memory
| skills = Memory, quickness
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Shithead''' (also known as '''Karma''', '''Palace''', '''Shed''' and by many other names<ref name="parlett"> {{cite book | title=The Penguin Encyclopedia of Card Games|author=Parlett, David | authorlink=David Parlett | year=1979 | pages=480 | isbn=0140280324|quote=(Karma, Palace, Shed, many other names)}}</ref>) is a [[card game]] similar to the Finnish game [[Paskahousu]]. In the game the object is to [[Card game#Shedding games|lose]] all of one's [[Playing card|cards]], with the last player to do so being the "shithead",<ref name="pagat">[http://www.pagat.com/beating/shithead.html Pagat.com rules of Shithead]</ref> who must deal the next game and may be subject to some minor forfeit of the group's choice, such as fetching the next round of drinks.
'''Shithead''' (also called '''China Hand''', '''Ten-Two Slide''', '''Karma''', '''Palace''' or '''Shed'''<ref name="pagat"/><ref name="parlett">{{cite book | title=The Penguin Encyclopedia of Card Games|author=Parlett, David | author-link=David Parlett | year=1979 | pages=480 | isbn=0140280324|quote=(Karma, Palace, Shed, many other names)}}</ref>) is a [[card game]], the object of which is to [[Card game#Shedding games|lose]] all of one's [[playing card]]s.<ref name="pagat">{{Cite web|url=https://www.pagat.com/beating/shithead.html|title=Shithead - Card Game Rules|website=www.pagat.com}}</ref> There are many regional variations to the game's original rules.


== History and name ==
The game, and variations of it, is popular in many countries amongst [[Backpacking (travel)|backpacker]]s, and as a result is widespread.<ref name="parlett"/><ref name="pagat"/> Although the basic structure of the game generally remains constant there are often regional variations of the game's original rules. It is usually played by the Bardéèl convention.
The game became popular among [[backpacker tourism|backpackers]] in the late 20th century.<ref name="pagat"/><ref name="parlett"/>


==Rules==
== Cards ==
A [[standard 52-card pack]] with [[French suit symbols]] is used. All other cards rank in their natural order. Aces are high, and suits are disregarded.
There are many variations of the rules, and there is no universally accepted set. A common{{citation needed|date=October 2012}} set of rules is listed here.


===Dealing the cards===
== Deal ==
From a [[shuffled]] [[deck (cards)|deck]] of cards, the [[dealer (card player)|dealer]] gives each player nine cards: three [[downcard]]s in a row, three [[upcard]]s on top of the downcards, and three [[hand card]]s.<ref name="pagat"/> The upcards can only be played once the hand cards have been exhausted, and the downcards can only be played once the upcards have been played
From a standard, shuffled deck of 52 cards, each player is dealt three 'face down cards' in a row. Players are not allowed to see or change these cards. On top of the 'face down cards', they are dealt the same number of 'face up cards'. Three cards are again dealt to each player (face down), and this becomes the player's 'hand'. Players are then allowed to switch the cards in their 'hand' with their 'face up cards' in an attempt to produce a strong set of 'face up cards' for later in the game. Other versions have the dealer dealing each player three face-down cards, then dealing them each six cards. The player then chooses the three best and lays them down The dealer places the remaining cards face-down in the 'deck'. Players will lay their cards in turn in the 'pick up pile' or 'pile'.


== Rearranging ==
===Starting play===
After the [[deal (cards)|deal]] and before [[play (cards)|play]] begins, players may switch their hand cards with those face up on the table in order to produce a strong set of upcards (ideally high cards, 2s or 10s) for later in the game.
After the cards have been dealt, players lay cards in turn onto the pick up pile, starting with the ''first'' player to lay a three. If nobody has a three, then the holder of a four must lay and so-on. If two players hold a four, the first player with a four after the dealer begins the game. Play will then continue in a clockwise direction until the cards dictate otherwise. Other variations start with the person left of the dealer.


===Rules of Play===
== Play ==
Each player must lay a card equal to or higher in value than the one at the top of the pick up pile, then draw cards from the deck so they have at least 3 cards in their hand (unless the deck has run out of cards or they already have 3 or more cards in their hand). If a player has no single card that is higher in value than the previous card they may play a pair of cards, in which case the next player must play a higher pair or a triple. If they cannot play a card (or cards), they must pick up the pick-up pile (put it in their hand) and end their turn. In some variants when two cards of the same value are played the next player is skipped.
[[Eldest hand]] is the first player dealt a 3 as an upcard. If no player has 3 face up, then the first player to [[declare (cards)|declare]] a 3 in hand starts. If no-one has a 3, then the game is started by the person dealt a 4, etc. Eldest leads off by playing a card or [[set (cards)|set]] of cards face up in the middle of the table to start a common [[wastepile]]. In turn and in clockwise order, players play a card or set that is equal to or higher in rank than the top card of the wastepile. If unable or unwilling to do so, they must pick up the wastepile and add it to their hand cards.<ref name="pagat"/><ref name="parlett"/>


Each player must have at least three cards in hand at all times; a player who has fewer than three after playing to the wastepile draws cards from the stock, if possible, to make the hand up to three again.
Play continues sequentially in a clockwise direction unless certain wildcards are played, depending on rule set.


=== Special cards and quartets ===
⚫
[[File:Shithead1 (card game).JPG|thumb|A game of shithead in its final phase]]
Deuces (2s), tens and four-of-a-kind quartets have special roles:<ref name="pagat" /><ref name="parlett"/>


* ''Deuces''. A deuce may be played on any card and any card may follow a deuce.
When a player has no more cards in his or her hand, and the deck is empty, he or she may proceed to play from their three face up cards onto the pick up pile. They may not play from this set of cards until they have finished with their hand. If the deck is empty and there are no cards in the player's hand, he or she may lay one or more (if they share the same rank) of the face up cards on the pile. The rank of the face up card must be higher than the rank of the card on the top of the pile, otherwise the player cannot play the face up card and must pick up the pile.
* ''Tens''. A ten may be played on any turn, regardless of the top card on the wastepile or even if there is no wastepile card. When a ten is played, the wastepile is removed from play and set aside for the remainder of the game. The same player then plays any card or set to begin a new wastepile.
* ''Quartets''. A [[quartet (cards)|quartet]] is a set of four cards of equal rank e.g. {{Cards|5d|5c|5h|5s}} or {{cards|8h|8d|8s|8c}}. If a player is able to play a quartet, the wastepile is set aside as if a ten had been played.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donohoe |first=Rick |date=2023-07-22 |title=Shithead Card Game: How To Play, Rules And Strategies {{!}} Tiny Monkey Games |url=https://tinymonkeygames.com/card-games/shithead-card-game-how-to-play-rules-and-strategies |access-date=2023-08-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In addition, the last player to complete a quartet on the top of the wastepile by playing its fourth card also removes the wastepile. Either way, the same player may then play another card or set.<ref name="pagat" />


== Endgame ==
Picking up the pile can often put a player at a great disadvantage when many cards have been played as they will have more cards to lose than other players. Even so, it is still possible to quickly recover from this handicap.
⚫
[[File:Shithead1 (card game).JPG|thumb|The game in its final phase, with two face-up cards played]]
A player who has no more cards in hand when the stock is empty must play from their upcards. If unable or unwilling to play an upcard, the player must pick up the wastepile. Once all of the upcards have been played, a player must then play downcards. These are played unseen one at a time and if the chosen card is lower than the previous card played, the wastepile must be picked up and, on subsequent turns, the player must play their hand cards before playing any more downcards.{{efn|This is the main difference from Vändtia where a downcard is turned face up when the upcard above it is played.}}


A player who has no cards left drops out. The last player left with cards is the loser and deals in the next game, but players may agree other forfeits, such as getting the next round of drinks.<ref name="pagat" />
Once all of the face up cards have been played, a player must then play their face down cards, which are known as "blind cards". These must be turned over so that all the group may see what has been played. If the card is less than the previous card played, they must pick up the pile and put it in their hand, forcing them to play their hand again before progressing to the rest of their face down cards.


== Variations ==
If a player is able to complete a set in turn (e.g. complete four-of-a-kind {{cards|8h|8d|8s|8c}}) he or she can do so clearing (burning) and removing the entire pile from play. For example, if a player first plays {{cards|7h|7d|7s}} and the next player in turn has the {{cards|7c}} he or she can drop that card to complete the set thus clearing the pile. The player who clears may play another card after. Some alternate rule sets allow players to clear at any time in or out of turn. Other rules make the a four-of-a-wild a normal wild.
The following variations are recorded:
* ''Jokers''. Two [[Joker (card)|Jokers]] are added as special cards that reverse the direction of play. They also allow six people to play.<ref name="parlett"/>
* ''Additional special cards''. Other card values can be given special attributes, such as reversing the order of play,<ref name="pagat"/> skipping a player's turn,<ref name="pagat"/> or requiring the next card to be lower than the played card.<ref name="pagat"/><ref name=parlett/> A common one is to have one rank e.g. 8s considered "transparent", "invisible" or "glass", the next card played having to beat the one below the transparent card.<ref name="pagat"/><ref name=parlett/>
* ''Stacking''. When rearranging cards before play begins, players may stack cards of the same [[rank (cards)|rank]] on top of each other on the upcard piles and replenish the hand from stock; this may be done more than once if more cards can be stacked.<ref name="pagat" />
* ''Tens restricted''. Tens may not be played on face cards; a player who plays a 10 may take another turn immediately.<ref name="pagat"/>
* ''Lower than''. When a 7 is played, the next play must be lower than 7, except that a 10 may still be played.<ref name="pagat"/>
* ''Transparency''. In some variants 8s (or 7s) are "transparent" and players instead play based on the card below them.<ref name="pagat"/>
* ''Finney Rules''. General Rules:
The first card played must match the suit or number of the last card played.
Runs are allowed and consist of adjacent numbers of the same suit.
Players must declare after their penultimate turn (e.g., when they have one card left).
A player cannot end the game on a power card.
A player can end the game on a run.
Power Cards:
Jack (J): Forces the next player to pick up 5 cards.
Can be counteracted by another Jack of the same suit or a 2 of the same suit.
2: Forces the next player to pick up 2 cards.
Can be counteracted by another 2 of the same suit or a Jack of the same suit.
10: Flips the wastepile.
Can be counteracted by another 10 of any suit.
8: Reverses the direction of play.
Can be counteracted by another 8 of any suit.
Ace (A): Allows the player to change the suit.
Can be counteracted by another Ace of any suit.


== Footnotes ==
If a player has no cards left to play, they are out. The loser, known as "The Shithead" is the last player left in the game. Under most rules the shithead's only role is to deal the next set of cards. Players may adapt this so that the shithead is also required to fulfill a forfeit.
{{Notelist}}

===Wildcards and special attributes===
Aside from the basic order of play, the core aspect of Shithead is the "wildcards". These vary greatly depending on regional variations, though the core of the rules remains the same. With certain exceptions, wildcards may be played on any other card.

Most variants have the 2 and 10 as wildcards, which may be played onto any card, and can be followed by any card. Playing a 10 or a 4-of-a-kind removes the discard pile from the game, and gives the active player another turn. There are two important distinctions between a 2 and a 10; whilst both may be laid on any card, the 2 does not "burn" the pile, and does not entitle the player to another turn: Following a 2 the player's turn is ended and the subsequent player is then free to play any card he or she wishes. After a 10 is played, the same player may play any card, though without picking up a fresh card from the deck. Additionally, 4 of a kind can only be played in sequence, but does entitle the player to an additional turn to lay. <ref name="pagat"/>

Many rulesets and house rules give special attributes to other card values, such as reversing the order of play,<ref name="pagat"/> requiring the next play to be ''lower'' than the played card,<ref name="pagat"/> forcing the next player to miss a turn,<ref name="pagat"/> or having a particular value card be considered "glass", with the next player playing as if that card were not on the discard pile.<ref name="pagat"/>

Also additional rules at the end of the game involve 3 cards. The 3 card, the 8 card and the joker card. Your final 3 cards that you turn over can change the game entirely. As the final person to turn over the cards, if you turn over a 3 as your last card instead of winning, you lose by 3.

Having lost the game, you still turn over your face down cards in whichever order you wish. If your last card turned is a joker, you win the game by 3. If you turn over an 8, you just simply win the game.


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
{{Cardgames}}
*How to play [https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/palace/ ''Palace''] on bicycle cards website.

{{Non trick-taking card games}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Shithead (Card Game)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shithead (card game)}}
[[Category:Anglo-American playing card games]]
[[Category:American card games]]
[[Category:Shedding-type card games]]
[[Category:Beating games]]
[[Category:Two-player card games]]
[[Category:Two-player card games]]
[[Category:Year of introduction missing]]
[[Category:20th-century card games]]

Latest revision as of 19:42, 29 December 2024

Shithead
Game under way
Alternative namesChina Hand, Ten-Two Slide, Karma, Palace, Shed
TypeShedding-type
Players2–5 (3-5 best)[1]
SkillsMemory, quickness
Cards52 or more
DeckFrench
Rank (high→low)Highly variable
PlayVariable
Playing time5 mins.+
ChanceHigh
Related games
Vändtia

Shithead (also called China Hand, Ten-Two Slide, Karma, Palace or Shed[1][2]) is a card game, the object of which is to lose all of one's playing cards.[1] There are many regional variations to the game's original rules.

History and name

[edit]

The game became popular among backpackers in the late 20th century.[1][2]

Cards

[edit]

A standard 52-card pack with French suit symbols is used. All other cards rank in their natural order. Aces are high, and suits are disregarded.

Deal

[edit]

From a shuffled deck of cards, the dealer gives each player nine cards: three downcards in a row, three upcards on top of the downcards, and three hand cards.[1] The upcards can only be played once the hand cards have been exhausted, and the downcards can only be played once the upcards have been played

Rearranging

[edit]

After the deal and before play begins, players may switch their hand cards with those face up on the table in order to produce a strong set of upcards (ideally high cards, 2s or 10s) for later in the game.

Play

[edit]

Eldest hand is the first player dealt a 3 as an upcard. If no player has 3 face up, then the first player to declare a 3 in hand starts. If no-one has a 3, then the game is started by the person dealt a 4, etc. Eldest leads off by playing a card or set of cards face up in the middle of the table to start a common wastepile. In turn and in clockwise order, players play a card or set that is equal to or higher in rank than the top card of the wastepile. If unable or unwilling to do so, they must pick up the wastepile and add it to their hand cards.[1][2]

Each player must have at least three cards in hand at all times; a player who has fewer than three after playing to the wastepile draws cards from the stock, if possible, to make the hand up to three again.

Special cards and quartets

[edit]

Deuces (2s), tens and four-of-a-kind quartets have special roles:[1][2]

  • Deuces. A deuce may be played on any card and any card may follow a deuce.
  • Tens. A ten may be played on any turn, regardless of the top card on the wastepile or even if there is no wastepile card. When a ten is played, the wastepile is removed from play and set aside for the remainder of the game. The same player then plays any card or set to begin a new wastepile.
  • Quartets. A quartet is a set of four cards of equal rank e.g. 5♦ 5♣ 5♥ 5♠ or 8♥ 8♦ 8♠ 8♣. If a player is able to play a quartet, the wastepile is set aside as if a ten had been played.[3] In addition, the last player to complete a quartet on the top of the wastepile by playing its fourth card also removes the wastepile. Either way, the same player may then play another card or set.[1]

Endgame

[edit]
The game in its final phase, with two face-up cards played

A player who has no more cards in hand when the stock is empty must play from their upcards. If unable or unwilling to play an upcard, the player must pick up the wastepile. Once all of the upcards have been played, a player must then play downcards. These are played unseen one at a time and if the chosen card is lower than the previous card played, the wastepile must be picked up and, on subsequent turns, the player must play their hand cards before playing any more downcards.[a]

A player who has no cards left drops out. The last player left with cards is the loser and deals in the next game, but players may agree other forfeits, such as getting the next round of drinks.[1]

Variations

[edit]

The following variations are recorded:

  • Jokers. Two Jokers are added as special cards that reverse the direction of play. They also allow six people to play.[2]
  • Additional special cards. Other card values can be given special attributes, such as reversing the order of play,[1] skipping a player's turn,[1] or requiring the next card to be lower than the played card.[1][2] A common one is to have one rank e.g. 8s considered "transparent", "invisible" or "glass", the next card played having to beat the one below the transparent card.[1][2]
  • Stacking. When rearranging cards before play begins, players may stack cards of the same rank on top of each other on the upcard piles and replenish the hand from stock; this may be done more than once if more cards can be stacked.[1]
  • Tens restricted. Tens may not be played on face cards; a player who plays a 10 may take another turn immediately.[1]
  • Lower than. When a 7 is played, the next play must be lower than 7, except that a 10 may still be played.[1]
  • Transparency. In some variants 8s (or 7s) are "transparent" and players instead play based on the card below them.[1]
  • Finney Rules. General Rules:

The first card played must match the suit or number of the last card played. Runs are allowed and consist of adjacent numbers of the same suit. Players must declare after their penultimate turn (e.g., when they have one card left). A player cannot end the game on a power card. A player can end the game on a run. Power Cards: Jack (J): Forces the next player to pick up 5 cards. Can be counteracted by another Jack of the same suit or a 2 of the same suit. 2: Forces the next player to pick up 2 cards. Can be counteracted by another 2 of the same suit or a Jack of the same suit. 10: Flips the wastepile. Can be counteracted by another 10 of any suit. 8: Reverses the direction of play. Can be counteracted by another 8 of any suit. Ace (A): Allows the player to change the suit. Can be counteracted by another Ace of any suit.

Footnotes

[edit]
  1. ^ This is the main difference from Vändtia where a downcard is turned face up when the upcard above it is played.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q "Shithead - Card Game Rules". www.pagat.com.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g Parlett, David (1979). The Penguin Encyclopedia of Card Games. p. 480. ISBN 0140280324. (Karma, Palace, Shed, many other names)
  3. ^ Donohoe, Rick (2023-07-22). "Shithead Card Game: How To Play, Rules And Strategies | Tiny Monkey Games". Retrieved 2023-08-12.
[edit]
  • How to play Palace on bicycle cards website.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shithead_(card_game)&oldid=1266030684"