What you need
One standard deck for four to seven players. Most groups rank twos highest and threes lowest—rankings vary, so agree before you start.
Object of the game
Get rid of your cards first to claim the top rank—and avoid finishing last.
Setup and deal
- 1Deal out the whole deck as evenly as possible.
- 2From the second deal on, players sit in rank order. After the deal, the Scum gives their highest card to the President and gets back any card the President doesn’t want.
How to play
- 1The leader plays a single card or a set of equal cards (a pair, three, or four of a kind).
- 2Each following player must play the same number of cards of a higher rank, or pass.
- 3When everyone passes, the last player to play clears the pile and leads again.
How the game ends
- The first player out is President, the second Vice President, and so on down to the Scum.
- Play many deals; the ranks carry over and decide the card exchange.
Common variations
- Some groups require the player holding the 3 of clubs to lead the first deal.
- A bigger exchange: the Scum gives two best cards for any two, and the Vice President and Vice Scum swap one card.
- Jokers or twos as wild cards; extra perks such as the President choosing the Scum’s seat.
Tips for your first game
- Get rid of low singles early, while others are still playing low.
- Save a high card or two to win the lead back late in the hand.
President FAQ
What is the highest card in President?
In most groups twos are highest, then aces, kings, and down to threes—but house rules vary, so agree first.
How many cards does the Scum give the President?
In the basic game, their single highest card, receiving any card back. Many groups swap two cards instead.