How to Play BS (Bullsh*t) Card Game with 4 Players: A Comprehensive Guide
The card game BS, also known as Bluff, Cheating, or I Doubt It, is a fast-paced, fun game perfect for 4 players. Its simplicity belies its strategic depth, making it enjoyable for both casual and competitive players. This guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, and variations to master this classic card game.
What You'll Need:
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards.
- 4 players.
The Goal:
The goal of BS is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
Gameplay:
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Dealing the Cards: Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal all the cards evenly among the four players. No one looks at their cards yet.
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The First Turn: The player to the dealer's left begins. They start by placing one or more cards of the same rank face down in the center of the playing area. For example, they could place two 7s or three Jacks. Crucially, they must state the rank and number of cards they're placing. For instance, “Two sevens”.
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Subsequent Turns: The next player can either:
- Add to the pile: If they have cards of the same rank, they can add to the pile, increasing the number of cards and announcing the new total. For example, if the pile has two sevens, and the next player has one 7, they can add it and say “Three sevens”.
- Challenge the previous player: If they suspect the previous player is bluffing (i.e., they didn't actually play the cards they claimed), they can challenge by yelling "BS!"
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Resolving a Challenge: If a player challenges, the challenged player must reveal their cards. If the player was telling the truth, the challenger must pick up the entire pile of cards. If the player was bluffing (they didn't play the number or rank of cards they claimed), they must pick up the entire pile.
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Continuing Play: After resolving a challenge, play continues with the next player. The game proceeds with players adding cards to the pile or challenging until one player successfully gets rid of all their cards. That player wins the round!
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Winning the Game: Many play multiple rounds. The first to win a predetermined number of rounds wins the overall game.
H2: What if I have no cards of the same rank?
If you don't have any cards matching the rank of the current pile, you must simply add a card of a different rank to the pile, stating the rank and number of cards (typically one card). This essentially starts a new pile. Remember to announce the card truthfully.
H2: How many cards can I play at once?
There’s no strict limit on how many cards you can play at once (within reason, obviously; you can’t play your whole hand at once). However, playing more cards increases your risk of being challenged. A player with many cards of the same rank might want to play them all at once – a risky but potentially rewarding move.
H2: What are some strategies for playing BS?
- Observe your opponents: Pay attention to the cards your opponents have played and discarded. This will help you deduce what cards they might be holding.
- Control the pace: Don't always be the first to challenge. Sometimes letting the pile grow larger can make bluffs more obvious.
- Bluff strategically: Don't bluff every time, or your opponents will catch on. Only bluff when the odds are in your favor.
- Manage your hand: Prioritize getting rid of cards in your hand that are more likely to be challenged.
H2: Are there variations to the basic rules of BS?
Yes, there are many variations:
- Number of cards to deal: Some people deal more or fewer cards per player, depending on their preference.
- Winning condition: Some variations require players to win a certain number of rounds to win the overall game, while others simply declare a winner after one round.
- Penalty for being caught bluffing: In some variations, players who are caught bluffing must pick up more than just the current pile of cards - perhaps adding cards from their hand to the pile, or adding a set number of cards.
BS is a game best learned by playing. Experiment with different strategies and variations to find what works best for you and your group! Have fun and enjoy the bluffing!
