LOSE THE CARDS.
TAKE THE CROWN.
President is a climbing card game for 3–8 players. Match the number of cards led, play equal or higher strength, and empty your hand first to become President.
President—also called Asshole, Scum, or Capitalism—is a shedding and climbing game. Players take turns beating the current single or set. First out earns the highest title; last out starts the next deal at the bottom.
What you need
Deal every card as evenly as possible. Uneven hands are normal when 52 does not divide cleanly by the number of players. Bleach automatically moves to two decks at seven seats, though a host can choose one or two.
President card order
Three is lowest and two is highest. In many common versions, suits do not matter. Bleach orders clubs, diamonds, hearts, then spades and allows another play of equal strength.
How a turn works
- 1Open with the 3♣.
The first play must include the three of clubs. It may lead a single, pair, triple, or four of a kind.
- 2Match the number of cards.
A single must be followed by a single. A pair must be followed by a pair of one rank, and so on.
- 3Meet it, beat it, or pass.
An equal-strength play is legal. For pairs, triples, and quads of the same rank, compare the total suit values. Passing is always allowed.
- 4Clear the pile.
When everybody else passes, the last player to lay cards leads a fresh pile. A 2 stays in play and may be answered by another legal 2.
- 5Get rid of everything.
Players finish in order as their hands empty. Play continues until only the last-place player has cards.
Can you play after passing?
House rules differ. In Bleach, a pass gives up only that turn. If another player lays a new, higher combination and play comes back around, you may play again. If everyone else passes before that happens, the pile clears.
Titles and the card tax
First out is President and last out is Asshole or Scum. Larger groups commonly add Vice President and Vice Asshole, with everyone else in the middle. Before the next round, the bottom player gives their best cards to the President and receives the same number back. This deliberate advantage is the social heart of the game.
President rules FAQ
Do you have to play if you can?
No. Passing is a legal strategic choice at a Bleach table and in many common President rulesets.
Can a single 2 beat a pair?
Not in Bleach. You must match the combination count, so a pair can only be answered by a pair of 2s.
Can you finish on a 2?
Yes. Unbeatable 2 plays clear the pile: 2♠ alone, 2♠ + 2♦, 2♠ + 2♥, any triple of 2s, or any four 2s.
Do you need jokers?
No. Bleach uses standard 52-card decks without jokers.
Bleach rules are implemented by the game itself. For a broad catalogue of traditional variations, see Pagat’s President reference.