Bull Sh*t Game

Recommended ages: 8 and older

Number of players: 3 - 10

Average playing time: 20 - 45 minutes

Introduction

Bull Sh*t (also known as "Bluff," "Cheat," or "I Doubt It") is a hilarious card game that combines strategy, deception, and quick thinking. Perfect for family gatherings, this entertaining game encourages players to lie convincingly while trying to catch others in their own deceptions. The beauty of Bull Sh*t lies in its simplicity – anyone can learn the basic rules in minutes, but mastering the art of bluffing and detection takes practice and keen observation skills.

This classic card game creates memorable moments filled with laughter, suspense, and friendly competition. Whether you're at a family reunion, camping trip, or casual game night, Bull Sh*t brings people together through shared excitement and playful deception. The game works exceptionally well with larger groups, making it an ideal choice when you have extended family or multiple generations playing together.

How to Play

The objective is simple: be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Players take turns playing cards face-down while announcing what they're supposedly playing, but here's the twist – they don't have to tell the truth!

Start by dealing all cards evenly among players. The player with the Ace of Spades (or lowest card if using variations) goes first. Players must play cards in ascending order: Aces, then 2s, 3s, 4s, and so on up to Kings, then back to Aces. On each turn, a player places 1-4 cards face-down in the center pile and announces how many cards of the required rank they're playing (for example, "two 7s").

After any play, other players can challenge by calling "Bull Sh*t!" If the cards played don't match what was announced, the lying player takes the entire center pile. However, if the challenge was wrong and the player was truthful, the challenger takes all the cards instead. The game continues until someone successfully plays their last card without being successfully challenged.

Popular Variations

Reverse Bull Sh*t: Play cards in descending order (Kings down to Aces) instead of ascending.

Wild Bull Sh*t: Allow certain cards (like Jokers or 2s) to count as any rank, adding more bluffing opportunities.

Multiple Rank Bull Sh*t: Players can play any combination of consecutive ranks (like 7s, 8s, and 9s together).

Family-Friendly Version: Replace "Bull Sh*t" with "Baloney," "Fibber," or "I Doubt It" to keep the language appropriate for younger players.

Tips and Strategies

The best Bull Sh*t players master the delicate balance between strategic lying and careful observation. Pay close attention to what cards have already been played and how many of each rank might realistically remain in other players' hands. Keep track of which players seem to have many or few cards of certain ranks based on their previous plays and challenges.

When bluffing, confidence is key. Hesitation or nervous behavior often gives away deception. Mix truthful plays with strategic lies to keep opponents guessing about your reliability. Sometimes playing honestly when you could bluff effectively throws off other players' expectations.

Watch for tells in other players – changes in voice, posture, or timing that might indicate when they're lying. However, be cautious about challenging too frequently, as taking large piles of cards puts you at a significant disadvantage.

Advanced players often employ reverse psychology, acting slightly nervous when telling the truth or being overly confident when lying. The key is developing your own consistent style while learning to read others' patterns throughout the game.