Oh Pshaw (2 player card game)

Objective: The objective of Oh Pshaw is to accurately predict the number of tricks (rounds) a player will win each hand and to win as many tricks as possible while avoiding overestimating one’s ability.

Adaptation for 2 Players: Oh Pshaw is traditionally played with more than 2 players, but it can be adapted for 2 players by modifying the rules and gameplay to create a competitive head-to-head experience.

Setup:

1. Use a standard deck of 52 playing cards.
2. Remove all Jokers from the deck.
3. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal 13 cards to each player.
4. Place the remaining deck face-down in the center of the table as the draw pile.

Scoring:

• In Oh Pshaw, players score points based on their predictions and the number of tricks they win each hand.
• Players earn 10 points for each trick they accurately predict to win.
• However, if a player fails to win the exact number of tricks they predicted, they lose 10 points for each trick they were off by.
• The first player to reach a predetermined winning score, typically 100 points, wins the game.

Gameplay:

1. Starting the Game:
   • Decide who will start the game. Player 1 can be determined randomly.
   • Player 1 leads the first trick by playing any card from their hand face-up on the table.
2. Taking Turns:
   • Players take turns playing cards face-up on the table, following suit if possible.
   • The player who plays the highest card of the suit led wins the trick and leads the next trick.
   • If a player cannot follow suit, they may play any card from their hand.
3. Predicting Tricks:
   • Before each hand begins, players must predict the number of tricks they believe they will win during that hand.
   • Predictions are made simultaneously and secretly by both players, typically by writing down their prediction on a piece of paper.
4. Scoring Tricks:
   • After all 13 tricks have been played, players reveal their predictions and count the number of tricks won.
   • Players score or lose points based on how accurately they predicted the number of tricks they would win.
5. Repeat Rounds:
   • The game continues with players dealing and playing additional rounds until one player reaches the predetermined winning score.

Differentiating Turns:

• Player 1’s Turn: Player 1 leads the first trick and takes the first turn of each hand.
• Player 2’s Turn: Player 2 follows Player 1’s lead and takes their turn after Player 1 has completed their turn.

Summary: Oh Pshaw, adapted for 2 players, offers a strategic and competitive 2 player card game experience. By modifying the rules and gameplay, Oh Pshaw becomes a thrilling head-to-head duel where players must accurately predict and win tricks to earn points while avoiding overestimating their abilities.