Shithead (2 player card game)

“Shithead” is a popular card game typically played with multiple players, but it can be adapted for two players with some adjustments. Here’s how to play:

Setup:

1. Use a standard 52-card deck.
2. Shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal each player an equal number of cards, typically around 5 to 7 cards each.
3. Place the remaining cards face-down in the center as the draw pile.

Gameplay:

1. Player 1 begins the game by playing a card from their hand face-up in the center of the table.
2. Player 2 then takes their turn by playing a card of equal or higher rank on top of the card played by Player 1. If they cannot play a card, they must draw from the draw pile until they can.
3. If Player 2 cannot play and there are no cards left in the draw pile, they pass their turn, and it becomes Player 1’s turn again.
4. The game continues with players taking turns playing cards until both players are unable to make a move.
5. Once both players are stuck, they both pick up the entire discard pile and add it to their hand.
6. Player 1 then starts the next round by playing any card from their hand, and the game continues as before.

Special Cards:

• 2s and 10s: These are clear the discard pile when played, and the turn passes to the opponent.
• 4 of any suit: These are burn cards. If a player plays a 4, the next player must play a card higher than 4 or pick up the discard pile.
• Jokers (optional): Jokers can be included as wild cards, allowing them to represent any other card.

Winning:

• The objective of the game is to be the first player to empty their hand. Once a player plays their last card, they win the game.

Scoring:

• Scoring can be optional in Shithead. If scoring is used, the player who is left with cards in their hand at the end of the game earns points based on the value of the cards remaining. For example, number cards are worth their face value, face cards are worth 10 points, and Aces are worth 11 points.

Summary: In this adapted version of Shithead, customized for a 2-player setting, players take turns playing cards and trying to empty their hands. By modifying the rules and gameplay, Shithead transforms into an enjoyable 2 player card game where strategy and timing are key.