Last Updated on November 13, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Shithead is a fast-paced, strategic shedding card game where the goal is simple, don’t be the last player holding cards. The final player left with cards at the end of the round is the “Shithead,” who usually takes on a funny penalty like make drinks or, at least, dealing the next hand. Here’s a complete breakdown of the rules and how to play Shithead:

2 decks of red and blue playing cards labeled shithead after the card game

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How to Play Shithead

What You Need

Players: 2–5 (best with 3–4)
Deck: Standard 52-card deck
Objective: Get rid of all your cards and avoid being the last player holding any.

Card Ranking

From highest to lowest:
2 (special), Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3

Twos and tens have special effects described later.

Setup

The Deal

At the beginning of the game, the dealer is chosen at random. For each new hand, the role of dealer moves clockwise.

The dealer starts by giving each player three face-down cards, one at a time, placed in a row in front of them.
Next, three face-up cards are dealt to each player, one at a time, directly on top of their face-down cards.
Finally, the dealer deals three cards face-down to each player to form their starting hand.

The remaining cards are placed face-down in the center to create the draw pile. Each player picks up their hand of three cards and looks at them.

A diagram showing the setup for the card game Shithead (Palace), with a central draw pile, three face-down cards for a player's hand, and three stacks of two "table" cards (one face-down, one face-up) for each of three players.

Exchange option:

Before gameplay begins, players may swap any number of cards between their hands and their face-up cards. Players are not allowed to look at their face-down cards until it’s time to play them. It’s common strategy to exchange lower-value face-up cards into your hand and keep stronger ones visible for later turns.

Starting the Game

The first person to play is the one holding the lowest 3, either visible or in hand. If no player has a 3, move to the next higher card. That player begins the discard pile by playing one or more cards of the same rank, and then draws new cards to bring their hand back up to three.

Play moves clockwise to the next player’s turn.

Gameplay

On each turn, a player must play a card that is equal to or higher than the top card of the discard pile. Multiple cards of the same rank can be played together.

If a player cannot play a higher card, they must pick up the entire discard pile and add it to their hand. They do not play again until the next player’s turn begins. After playing, a player draws from the draw pile until they have three cards again, unless the pile is empty.

Example Turn:

The top card of the discard pile is a 7.
It’s Matt’s turn, and he looks at his hand of three cards: 5, 7, and 9.

Since players must play a card that is equal to or higher than the top card, Matt has two options — he can play the 7 (equal) or the 9 (higher).

Matt decides to play his 9, placing it on top of the discard pile.
After playing, he draws one new card from the draw pile to bring his hand back up to three cards.
Play then moves clockwise to the next player’s turn.

Special Cards and Rules

2s – Reset the Pile: A 2 can be played on any card, and any card can follow it.
10s – Burn the Pile: A 10 removes the entire discard pile from play, and the same player starts a new pile immediately.
Four of a Kind – Burn the Pile: If four cards of the same rank are played consecutively, the pile is cleared and the same player continues.

The Endgame

When the draw pile runs out, players continue using the cards in their hands. Once a player’s hand is empty, they begin using their face-up cards on the table.

The same rule applies: you must play a card equal to or higher than the top card of the discard pile. If no valid play is possible, pick up the pile and continue.

After playing all visible cards, players move to their face-down cards. Each time, flip the top one. If it’s playable, it stays; if not, pick up the pile.

Winning the Game

The game ends when one player successfully plays their last card. The player left holding cards is the Shithead and will deal the next game or face any agreed penalty.

Fun Penalties (Optional)

Traditionally, the “Shithead” must:

Shuffle and deal the next round.
Make drinks or snacks.
Take on a silly dare chosen by the group.
Buy the next round of drinks

This lighthearted punishment keeps the game fun and competitive.

Strategy Tips

Save your 2s and 10s for tough situations or to reset the pile.
Use the exchange option wisely to protect strong visible cards.
Keep an eye on the top card of the discard pile and plan ahead.
Try not to pick up early; it makes your hand harder to clear.
If possible, play multiple cards of the same rank together.

Common Variations

Jokers: Add two Jokers for larger games. They reverse the direction of play.
Alternate Dealing: Deal six cards, then choose three to place face-up.
Winner Mode: Instead of finding the loser, the first person out wins.
Open 10s Rule: Some versions allow 10s to be played at any time

Shithead Rules FAQ

What’s the goal of Shithead?

The goal is to be the first player to get rid of all cards. Opponents with remaining cards continue until the end of a game, when rankings are decided.

How do I start the game?

The first card is drawn from the deck and placed on the discard pile. Players take turns in clockwise rotation, following the standard rules for playing a card of equal or higher rank.

What happens if I can’t play a card?

If you cannot play a card on the top of the discard pile, you must pick up the entire pile and add it to your hand. This can result in an empty hand being refilled with a new pile, keeping the game flowing.

Can I play an equal card?

Yes, an equal card can be played on the top of the discard pile, continuing the rotation without interruption. Some variations allow special effects when equal cards are played.

What’s the role of the Ace?

An Ace is usually considered the highest card. Playing an Ace can reset the pile or allow you to start a new pile, depending on house rules.

How do subsequent games work?

After the end of a game, players can shuffle all cards and start a new round. Cards dealt in subsequent games may change the dynamics with opponents, giving each player a fresh start.

Are there punishments?

Possible punishments include picking up the entire discard pile, skipping a turn, or following specific local rules for empty hands. These penalties help keep the game challenging and fair for all opponents.

How do I manage the new pile?

When a pile is cleared or an Ace is played, a new pile is started. Players must continue the rotation in clockwise order, maintaining attention to the top of the discard pile.

Conclusion

Shithead is a game of luck, skill, and timing that keeps everyone engaged until the last card. Whether you’re playing at home, while traveling, or with friends around a table, these simple rules make for endless laughter and competition. Just try not to be the last one holding cards or you’ll be the Shithead!