BS, also known as Bluff, is a fast-paced, fun card game perfect for any age group. Its simplicity hides a surprisingly strategic depth, making it endlessly replayable. This guide will teach you everything you need to know to start playing and become a master BS-er!
What You'll Need
- A deck of playing cards: A standard 52-card deck is all you need.
- 2 or more players: The more players, the more chaotic and hilarious the game becomes!
The Basic Gameplay
The goal of BS is to get rid of all your cards first. Here's how it works:
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Dealing the Cards: Each player receives the same number of cards. If there are more cards than players can be dealt evenly, the remaining cards are set aside.
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The First Player: The player to the dealer's left begins.
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Playing Cards: The player starts by placing one or more cards face down in the center of the table, announcing the rank of the cards. For example, if they are playing three 7s, they'd say "Three Sevens". Crucially, they don't have to be telling the truth! This is where the bluffing comes in.
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Challenging a Player: After a player plays their cards, the next player has the option to call "BS!". If they call BS, the cards are revealed.
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If the player was telling the truth: The challenger takes all the cards played. Their turn is skipped.
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If the player was bluffing: The bluffing player takes all the cards.
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Continuing the Game: The game continues with each player taking a turn, playing cards, and potentially facing a BS challenge. Players continue to draw cards until the main deck is finished.
Advanced BS Strategies
Mastering BS involves more than just luck; it’s about reading your opponents and employing effective bluffing techniques:
Bluffing Techniques
- The Small Bluff: Occasionally play a small bluff with one or two low value cards. This can build trust before a larger bluff.
- The Big Bluff: When you're holding a lot of cards, try a large, audacious bluff. Sometimes, the sheer audacity of the lie is convincing.
- Subtlety is Key: Don't always change your facial expressions when lying. Maintain composure to create confusion in your opponents.
- Read Your Opponents: Watch your opponents. Their reactions can give you clues to the likelihood of their challenges.
Strategic Card Management
- Getting Rid of High Cards: Prioritize getting rid of high cards (Queens, Kings, Aces) early on as they make for larger and more attractive targets for challenges.
- Card Counting (Advanced): Experienced players may start mentally keeping track of which cards have been played to inform their bluffing strategies.
Winning the Game
The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game! It's a fast-paced game of skill and deception, so get ready for some hilarious moments.
Variations on the Game
There are a few variations on the classic BS rules, and the specific rules can be modified to accommodate the players:
- Some players add the rule that you cannot play more than four cards of the same rank. This adds an extra layer of complexity and strategy.
- Other rules may involve penalties for certain actions. It's always good to establish clear rules before starting the game to ensure everyone's on the same page.
So gather your friends, grab a deck of cards, and get ready for some BS! You'll be surprised how quickly you become hooked on this deceptively simple, but endlessly entertaining game.
