How to Play BS Card Game with 3 Players: A Guide to Bluffing and Strategy

The BS card game, also known as “Bullshit” or “Cheat,” is a classic bluffing game that thrives on deception, strategy, and a bit of luck. While it can be played with a larger group, playing with just three players adds a unique dynamic to the game. In this guide, we’ll explore how to play BS with three players, discuss strategies to outwit your opponents, and delve into the psychology of bluffing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this article will help you master the art of BS.

How to Play BS Card Game with 3 Players

Objective

The goal of BS is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Players take turns placing cards face-down in the center, declaring the rank of the cards they are playing (e.g., “two Aces” or “three Kings”). The catch? You don’t have to tell the truth. If another player suspects you’re lying, they can call “BS!” If the accusation is correct, the liar picks up the entire discard pile. If not, the accuser takes the pile.

Setup

1. Deal the Cards: Use a standard 52-card deck. Shuffle the deck and deal all the cards evenly among the three players. Some players may have one extra card, which is fine.
2. Determine the First Player: The player with the Ace of Spades (or any agreed-upon card) goes first. If no one has it, the youngest player starts.

Gameplay

1. Starting the Game: The first player places one or more cards face-down in the center and declares their rank. For example, “One Ace.”
2. Continuing the Game: Play proceeds clockwise. Each player must play cards of the next rank in sequence (Aces, then 2s, then 3s, and so on). They must declare the number of cards they are playing, but they don’t have to be truthful.
3. Calling BS: If a player suspects another is lying, they can call “BS!” The accused player must reveal the cards they just played. If they were lying, they pick up the entire discard pile. If they were telling the truth, the accuser takes the pile.
4. Winning the Game: The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.

Strategies for Playing BS with 3 Players

1. Master the Art of Bluffing

Bluffing is the heart of BS. With only three players, it’s easier to track what cards have been played, so your bluffs need to be convincing. For example, if you’ve already seen two Aces played, claiming to have three Aces might raise suspicions. Instead, bluff with a rank that’s less likely to be challenged.

2. Pay Attention to Patterns

With fewer players, patterns in gameplay become more noticeable. If one player consistently calls BS on another, they might be targeting them. Use this to your advantage by baiting them into a false accusation.

3. Control the Discard Pile

The discard pile can be a double-edged sword. While picking it up is a setback, it also gives you more cards to work with. If you’re confident in your bluffing skills, you might intentionally take the pile to gain more ammunition for future rounds.

4. Psychological Warfare

In a three-player game, the dynamics are more personal. Use this to your advantage by playing mind games. For example, if you notice a player hesitates before calling BS, exploit their uncertainty by bluffing more aggressively.

Why BS is Perfect for 3 Players

Playing BS with three players creates a more intimate and strategic experience. With fewer players, each move carries more weight, and the game becomes a battle of wits rather than chaos. The smaller group also makes it easier to track cards and predict opponents’ moves, adding a layer of depth to the gameplay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you play BS with more than three players?

Yes, BS can be played with up to 10 players, but the dynamics change significantly. With more players, the game becomes more chaotic, and bluffing becomes harder to track.

Q2: What happens if two players call BS at the same time?

If multiple players call BS simultaneously, the player who called first gets to challenge. If it’s unclear who called first, the players can decide by mutual agreement or a quick round of rock-paper-scissors.

Q3: Can you play BS with a partial deck?

Yes, you can play with a partial deck, but it’s best to use a full 52-card deck for balanced gameplay. Removing cards can make it harder to track which cards have been played.

Q4: Is there a way to make BS more challenging?

To increase the difficulty, you can introduce additional rules, such as requiring players to play a minimum number of cards each turn or penalizing players for incorrect BS calls.

BS is a game that combines strategy, psychology, and a bit of luck. With three players, the game becomes a thrilling battle of wits where every move counts. So gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and get ready to call some BS!