The Basic Rules
The objective of Asshole is to get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible, while preventing other players from doing the same. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and can be played with 3 to 6 players.
To start the game, each player is dealt a hand of cards. The number of cards each player receives depends on the number of players in the game:
| Number of Players | Number of Cards Dealt |
|---|---|
| 3 | 18 |
| 4 | 13 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 6 | 8 |
Once the cards have been dealt, the player to the left of the dealer starts the game by playing a card face up on the table. The next player must then play a card that is either the same suit or the same rank as the card that was just played. If the player cannot play a card that matches the suit or rank of the card that was just played, they must draw a card from the deck. If the player is able to draw a card that can be played, they may play it immediately. If the player cannot draw a card that can be played, they must pass their turn.
The game continues in this manner until one player gets rid of all of their cards. The player who gets rid of all of their cards first is the winner of the game.
Setting Up the Game
To set up a game of Asshole, you’ll need at least three players and a standard deck of 52 cards. One player will be designated as the “asshole,” and the rest will be “regular” players.
The cards are shuffled and dealt evenly to all players. The goal of the game is to get rid of all your cards first. The player who is left with all the cards at the end of the game is the “asshole.”
Dealing the Cards
To deal the cards, one player shuffles the deck and then deals them out to the players one at a time, starting with the player to their left. The number of cards dealt to each player depends on the number of players in the game. The table below shows the number of cards dealt to each player for different numbers of players:
| Number of Players | Number of Cards per Player |
|---|---|
| 3 | 17 |
| 4 | 13 |
| 5 | 10 |
| 6 | 8 |
| 7 | 7 |
| 8 | 6 |
Once all the cards have been dealt, the player to the left of the dealer starts the game.
Drawing Extender Cards
If a player draws an extender card (a 2, 7, or 10), they can immediately draw another card from the same deck. This can happen multiple times, leading to multiple draws. If a player draws three extenders in a row, they must put down their entire hand and pick up the entire playing deck. This is known as “getting assholed” and it puts the player in the worst possible position in the game.
When to Draw an Extender Card
There are two main strategies for when to draw an extender card. The first is to draw it immediately, which gives you the best chance of getting more cards. However, this also gives your opponents a chance to play cards that will block you from drawing any more.
The second strategy is to wait until you have a good hand before drawing an extender card. This gives you a better chance of getting the cards you need to win, but it also increases your risk of getting assholed.
Table of Extender Cards
| Card | Action |
|---|---|
| 2 | Draw another card |
| 7 | Draw another card |
| 10 | Draw another card |
Advanced Strategies
Communication
Effective communication is crucial in Asshole. Use clear and concise language to convey your intentions to your teammates. You may need to adopt different tones and pitches to convey different messages. For instance, a high-pitched tone could indicate excitement, while a low-pitched tone could signal caution.
Bluffing
Bluffing is a risky yet potentially rewarding strategy. By claiming to have cards you don’t possess, you can confuse your opponents and force them to play cards that are not in their best interests. However, bluff only when you have a decent hand and the odds of success are in your favor.
Counting Cards
Experienced Asshole players practice card counting. This involves keeping track of the cards that have been played and making deductions about the remaining cards in the deck. Based on this information, you can make more informed decisions about which cards to play and when to bluff.
False Signals
False signals can be used to mislead your opponents. For example, you can purposefully show a reaction that contradicts your actual hand strength. This can cause your opponents to play cards that favor your position.
Deception
Deception is a fundamental aspect of Asshole. It involves concealing your true intentions and playing on the weaknesses of your opponents. Learn to read their body language, observe their patterns, and use their assumptions against them.
7. Hand Management
Hand management is paramount in Asshole. Here are some advanced strategies to optimize your hands:
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Ace Hoarding | Hold onto your Aces as long as possible. They are powerful cards that can dominate the game. |
| High Card Dumping | Get rid of high cards early on, especially if they are not accompanied by other strong cards. |
| Suit Management | Control the flow of suits by discarding cards that have been played heavily or by leading with strong suits. |
| Gap Playing | Play cards in between the ranks of your opponents’ cards to create gaps and disrupt their sequences. |
| Leading Weakly | Lead with a low card in certain situations to force your opponents to play higher cards or waste a turn. |
| Offsuit Play | Deviate from your suit to surprise your opponents and control the flow of the game. |
| Partnership Bidding | In partnership games, communicate with your partner through subtle cues and targeted plays. |
Etiquette and Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Etiquette in Asshole
To ensure a fair and enjoyable game of Asshole, it’s essential to observe good etiquette. Here are some guidelines:
Unsportsmanlike Conduct
Certain behaviors are considered unsportsmanlike and can ruin the game for others. Avoid the following:
1. Showing Excessive Emotions
Refraining from expressing extreme joy or anger during gameplay. This includes celebratory gestures or frustration. Maintain composure and focus on the game.
2. Swearing or Using Derogatory Language
Keep it classy by avoiding vulgar or offensive language. Respect your fellow players and create a positive atmosphere.
3. Slow Play
Don’t intentionally slow down the game to gain an advantage. Respect others’ time and play at a reasonable pace.
4. Lying or Cheating
Maintaining integrity is essential. Don’t falsify card counts or engage in any form of deception. Good sportsmanship is paramount.
5. Stealing Chips
Resist the temptation to take chips that don’t belong to you. Act with integrity and earn your winnings fairly.
6. Demanding Cards
Avoid pressuring other players into giving you specific cards. It’s considered aggressive and unsportsmanlike.
7. Leaving the Game Abruptly
Finish the game, even if you’re losing. Respect your opponents and allow them to complete the experience.
8. Criticizing Others
Refrain from criticizing your opponents’ gameplay or decisions. Focus on your own strategy and avoid creating a negative atmosphere.
9. Avoiding Conflict
If a conflict arises during gameplay, address it respectfully. Avoid escalating tensions by keeping communication calm and focused on resolving the issue. Remember that the goal is to have fun and enjoy the game.
<table>
<tr>
<th>Unsportsmanlike Conduct</th>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Showing Excessive Emotions</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Swearing or Using Derogatory Language</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Slow Play</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lying or Cheating</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stealing Chips</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Demanding Cards</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Leaving the Game Abruptly</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Criticizing Others</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Avoiding Conflict</td>
</tr>
</table>
