How to Play
Sh*thead is a shedding game. Don’t be last.
Deal
Each player gets three face-down cards, three face-up on top of those, and three in hand. A 54-card deck (with two Jokers) is used.
Rearrange
Before play, swap hand cards with your face-up cards to set up strong upcards (ideally 2s, Jokers, 10s, or high cards).
Play
Play a card or set of equal rank that is equal to or higher than the effective top of the waste pile — or pick up the pile. Keep at least three cards in hand while the stock lasts.
Specials
- 2 and Joker — the same rank. Playable on anything, as a mixed set; any card may follow.
- 10 — playable anytime; burns the pile; you play again.
- Four of a kind — burns the pile; you play again.
Endgame
When the stock is empty, if your entire hand is the same rank (or wilds), you may play those cards together with matching face-up cards in one move. After the hand is empty, play from upcards, then blind face-down cards. Flip a face-down card into your hand first — if you can play it, press Play; if not, press Pick Up All. Four of any rank (including four 2s/Jokers) burns the pile and you go again. Last player with cards is the Sh*thead.
Optional house rules
The host can enable these before starting:
- Lower than 7 — after a 7, the next play must be 7 or lower (2, Joker, and 10 still override).
- Transparent 8s — play against the card beneath any 8s on the pile.