President Rules
President is a shedding card game for 4 to 8 players in which players race to empty their hand by playing higher cards or combinations than the previous play. Also called Scum, Asshole, and Dai Hin Min (in Japan), the game is a social experience as much as a card competition — winners earn elevated status for the next round while losers take on lowly titles and disadvantaged seating.
The first player to shed all cards becomes President; the last is the Scum. These roles affect the next round: winners receive better cards from losers before play begins.
President uses a standard 52-card deck across multiple rounds with roles reassigned each time. No score is tracked — the hierarchy of roles is the game's primary output.
How to Set Up President
Use one standard 52-card deck for 4–5 players. Add a second deck for 6–8 players.
- Choose a dealer for the first round — any method works.
- Deal all cards to players as evenly as possible. With 5 players and 52 cards, some players will have one more card than others — this is normal.
- The player holding the 3 of clubs (or the lowest club, depending on regional rules) goes first in the first round.
- In subsequent rounds, role assignments from the previous round determine turn order — the President plays first.
How to Play President
Playing Cards and Ranking
Card ranks from lowest to highest: 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K-A-2. The 2 is the highest single card.
Playing a turn: On your turn you must play a higher-ranked card or combination than the previous play, or pass: - Singles: play one card higher than the previous single. - Pairs: play two cards of the same rank, higher than the previous pair. - Triples: play three cards of the same rank, higher than the previous triple. - Four of a kind: play four cards of the same rank, beats any pair or triple.
Combination rules: Players must match the type — if the previous play was a pair, you must play a higher pair (not a single or triple). You cannot change the play type mid-round.
Passing: If you cannot or choose not to play a higher combination, you pass. Passing does not remove you from future turns — you may play again when the round clears.
Clearing the pile: When all other players pass consecutively after a play, that round of the trick ends. The pile is cleared and the last player who played leads a new round with any legal combination of their choice.
Going out: A player who plays all their cards goes out. Roles are assigned in the order players go out — first out is President, second is Vice President, last is Scum.
Roles and Card Trading
At the end of each round, roles are assigned based on the order of going out:
President: First player to go out. Highest role. Vice President: Second player to go out. Neutral players: Middle finishers with no special role. Vice Scum: Second-to-last player to go out. Scum (Asshole): Last player to go out.
Lowest role.
Card trading before the next round: Before round 2 and all subsequent rounds: - The Scum gives their 2 best cards to the President. The President gives any 2 cards back to the Scum. - The Vice Scum gives their 1 best card to the Vice President.
The Vice President gives any 1 card back. - Neutral players keep their full dealt hands without trading.
Seating: Many groups require the Scum to sit in an unfavorable seat (far from the drink supply, in the worst chair) and perform minor social duties (dealing, clearing, fetching). These are informal traditions rather than formal rules.
First play: In the second round and beyond, the President plays first with any combination.
Special Rules
Common special rules played in many President groups:
Revolution: Four 3s played at once (four of a kind of the lowest card) causes a revolution — the rank order reverses for the rest of the round. 3 becomes the highest card; 2 becomes the lowest. A second revolution in the same round restores the original order.
Scum must speak formally: A social rule where the Scum must call other players by their role title and speak respectfully. Breaking this rule earns a drink or a minor penalty in groups that play this way.
President can make a rule: Some groups allow the President to declare one additional rule before each round. The rule applies for that round only.
No passing on first turn: In some groups, the first player in a round must play — they cannot pass immediately. This prevents the President from strategically holding the lead without playing.
Scoring
President has no numerical scoring. Roles (President, Vice President, Neutral, Vice Scum, Scum) are reassigned each round based on shedding order.
The social hierarchy of roles is the game's primary outcome rather than points.
Strategy Tips
As Scum, focus on going out before Vice Scum to avoid another consecutive Scum round. Even finishing Vice Scum improves your next-round hand significantly.
Hold 2s and Aces in reserve for stalemates when you need the pile to clear in your favor. Playing highest cards early leaves you vulnerable in later rounds.
Lead with pairs and triples rather than singles early in a round. Pairs force opponents to match both rank and quantity — harder than matching singles alone.
Track card counts. A player with 2–3 remaining will go out soon — pass when they lead rather than clearing the pile for them.
As President, take the Scum's best cards and trade back their worst — typically two 3s. This keeps your hand strong and ensures the Scum starts weaker next round.
Variations
- Asshole
- The most common North American name for the same game. Rules are identical — Asshole and President are the same game with different vocabulary for the lowest role.
- Scum
- Another name variant used in some regions. Uses identical mechanics with 'Scum' as the primary label for the lowest-ranked role rather than 'Asshole.'
- Dai Hin Min
- The Japanese version of President, widely popular in Japan. Uses identical mechanics with a Japanese naming convention — Dai Fugo (rich) is the President; Dai Hin Min (poor) is the Scum. One of the most played card games in Japan.
- Three-Card Trade
- A variant where the Scum gives 3 cards to the President (not 2) and the President gives back 3. Creates a more dramatic advantage gap and accelerates the President's dominance in subsequent rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many players can play President?
President works with 4 to 8 players. Five or six is the sweet spot for balanced play. With 4 players, only President and Scum roles apply. With 8 players, a second deck is recommended.
What is the highest card in President?
The 2 is the highest card in standard President — ranked above the Ace. The full order from low to high is: 3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-J-Q-K-A-2.
Can you pass in President?
Yes — you may pass on any turn. Passing does not eliminate you from the current round. You can play again when the pile clears and a new lead is established.
What is a revolution in President?
Playing four 3s (four of a kind of the lowest card) triggers a revolution — all card ranks reverse for the rest of the round. The 3 becomes the highest card and the 2 becomes the lowest. A second revolution in the same round restores the original order.
Does the Scum always go last in every round?
The Scum plays last in the round following their Scum placement — they trade their best cards away and receive the President's worst in return, starting each new round at a disadvantage. Good play can let the Scum climb back up to a neutral or even President role.