Party classic · 3–8 players

President

Get rid of your cards first, rise to the top, and let last place pay tax next round. Easy to learn, quick to play, and full of power shifts.

Basics

Deal a 52-card deck among 3–8 players. The goal is to empty your hand first. Threes are low, then ranks rise through ace, with twos highest.

This version: the 3 of clubs opens, passing is temporary, and finishing positions determine the next card exchange.

How to play

  1. 1. Open The holder of the 3 of clubs starts with one or more threes.
  2. 2. Match the count Beat a single with a higher single, a pair with a higher pair, and a triple with a higher triple.
  3. 3. Pass You may rejoin if play circles back before the pile clears.
  4. 4. Clear the pile When everyone else passes, the last player starts a new pile.
  5. 5. Rank the finishers Players leave the round as they empty their hands.

Roles and card exchange

RoleBefore the next round
PresidentReceives last place's two best cards
Vice PresidentReceives second-last's best card
Middle playersNo exchange
Second-lastGives one best card
Last placeGives two best cards

Strategy

Save a two to regain the lead, play awkward groups while opponents can still answer them, and watch whoever is closest to going out.

You may pass even when able to play. Use that choice to protect cards that will matter later.

Watch President being played

The video explains the rules in English. Check your table's house rules before you begin.

Watch on YouTube →

House rules

Common additions let twos clear the pile, four of a kind reverse ranking, jokers act as wild cards, or equal cards skip a player. Agree whether passing is permanent.

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Five clever tips

Nothing up your sleeve—just legal moves that make everyone wonder when you got so sharp.

1

Count the top cards

Once all four twos and aces are gone, kings become much safer.

2

Pass on purpose

Save a powerful card when winning the current pile does not matter.

3

Play groups early

Pairs and triples become difficult to shed once opponents run out of matching groups.

4

Watch hand sizes

The quiet player with two cards is more dangerous than the loud player with ten.

5

Pressure the President

After the exchange, make the President spend those premium cards early.

Frequently asked questions

Which card is highest?

Two, followed by ace and king.

Can a triple beat a pair?

No. The number of cards must match.

Do I stay out after passing?

Not in this version; you may play if the turn returns before the pile clears.

Sources

Rules reviewed on 24 September 2026. House rules vary; this page describes one clear standard version.

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Ready for the next round?

Deal the cards and see who holds the power when the last two is played.