Looking for a card game that combines competition, strategy, and some light-hearted drinking? The President drinking game (also known as “Asshole”) is the perfect choice! This classic card-based game adds a fun social hierarchy twist as players compete to rise to the rank of President while avoiding the dreaded Asshole position. Whether you’re playing with old friends or breaking the ice with new ones, President guarantees laughs and plenty of action.
What is President?
President is a drinking card game where the goal is to play all your cards first to claim the title of President. The twist? The game’s structure includes a social hierarchy where each rank has privileges or penalties, making the gameplay as much about skill as it is about social banter. The last player left with cards earns the title of Asshole and faces penalties.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Deck of Cards: A standard 52-card deck (add more decks for larger groups).
- Table or Flat Surface: For organizing and playing cards.
- Beverages: Players will need drinks for the game.
- Friends: A group of 4-8 players works best.
How to Set Up President
- Shuffle and Deal: Shuffle the deck and deal all the cards evenly to players. Some players may get an extra card in odd-numbered groups.
- Decide the First President: Play a practice round to determine initial ranks or pick randomly.
How to Play
- Game Objective
- The aim is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards and become the President. The last player left with cards becomes the Asshole.
- Card Hierarchy
- Cards are ranked from highest to lowest: 2 (wild card) > Aces > Kings > Queens > down to 3s.
- Gameplay
- The player with the lowest card (typically a 3 of Clubs) starts the first round.
- Players must play cards of equal or higher value than the current card on the table. Doubles or triples can only be beaten by doubles or triples of equal or higher rank.
- If you cannot play, you pass your turn.
- Ending the Round
- A round ends when no one can beat the highest card. The last person to play starts the next round.
- The first player to run out of cards becomes the President; the next is Vice President, followed by Neutral players, and lastly, the Asshole.
- Ranking Players
- The first player to run out of cards becomes President.
- Rankings continue (Vice President, Neutral, etc.) until the last player, who becomes the Asshole.
Rules and Social Hierarchy
- President
- Makes all rules for the next round.
- Can make the Asshole drink or perform tasks at any time.
- Vice President
- Assists the President.
- Neutral Players
- Play as normal.
- Asshole
- Must deal cards, refill drinks, and follow all orders from the President and Vice President.
Variations and Rule Twists
- Drinking Rules
- Every time you pass your turn, take a drink.
- The Asshole must drink whenever ordered.
- Revolution
Four-of-a-kind flips the card hierarchy, making low cards the most powerful.
- Double Decks
- Add more decks for larger groups, increasing the chaos and fun.
- Custom Titles
- Replace “President” and “Asshole” with creative titles that fit your group’s vibe.
Pro Tips
- Strategize: Save your high cards for critical moments.
- Play Low Early: Dump weak cards at the start to avoid getting stuck.
- Stay Social: Build alliances or target rivals strategically.
