Shithead

To shed all of your cards with the objective being either the first to shed (magic fingers) or not the last remaining player (shithead).

Each player is dealt three face-down cards in a row. Players are not allowed to see or change these cards. Three face-up cards are dealt to each player and placed on top of the face-up cards. Finally, three cards are again dealt to each player (face-down), and this becomes the player's hand.

Before play commences, players are then allowed to switch the cards in their 'hand' with their 'face-up cards' in an attempt to produce a strong set of 'face-up cards' for later in the game.

Play starts with the first player in a clockwise direction to hold a two. If nobody has a two, the holder of a three must lay and so on. This and all subsequent cards from all players are placed in a central pile as the game proceeds. Each player must lay a card of equal or higher value than the previously laid card. If they have more than one card of the same rank then these may be played at the same time if desired. The player must then draw from the stockpile so they have three cards in their hand (unless the stockpile has depleted or they already), if they have three or more cards in their hand then they do not pick up. If they cannot play a valid card, they must pick up all the cards from the central pile and end their turn. The player to the left starts the next round

When a player has no more cards in his or her hand, and the stockpile is empty, he or she may proceed to play from their three face-up cards. Once all of the face-up cards have been played, a player must then play their face-up cards, which are known as "blind cards". The success of these cards are down to luck.

If four cards of the same rank are placed together in the central pile, the pile is ’burned’ and taken out of play. The player who laid the last card in the set gets to start the next round. For example, if a player first plays 7♥(seven of hearts) 7♦(seven of diamonds) 7♠(seven of spades) and the next player in turn lays the 7♣(seven of clubs).

If a player has no cards left to play, they are out. The loser, known as "The Shithead" is the last player left in the game.

Two: Playing this wildcard allows the next player to play any card in his or her hand

Nine: Laying a 9 means the next card played must be lower than a 9.

Ten: Laying a 10 burns the pile and removes it from the game. The player who laid the 10 may then lay another card before play continues

Three: This wildcard has two roles: it changes the direction of play until a 3 is played again and it also mimics the rank and ability of the previous card. For example if a player lays a King, and the player to their left lays a 3, then play returns to the player who played the King and they must then lay a King or higher or a magic card.

Five (Sometimes Four): Effectively an 'invisible' card. The game continues based on the card below.

Seven: If an alternative ability is given to a 9, laying a 7 can mean that the next player must match or go lower than a 7. Subsequent play returns to normal.

Seven: Laying a 7 reverses the order of play.

Eight: Laying an 8 means that the next player misses their turn. (Laying a 3 on an 8 also results in the next player missing their turn).

Nine: Laying a 9 reverses the direction of play among the players.

Nine of Clubs: Laying a 9♠ makes every player pass their hand (if they are still holding cards) to the player to the left of them. You can alternate left and right, each game.

Jack: "Jacking" a player means they have to pick up the pile of cards. Then the player after them takes the next turn.

Ace: Playing an Ace allows a player to nominate a player (including themselves) to play a magic card. If they cannot, they must pick up the pile.