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

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 dive into the nuances that make this game so entertaining. And, as a bonus, we’ll touch on why playing BS with three players feels like a delicate dance of trust and betrayal—where every card played is a potential lie wrapped in a poker face.

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 their rank (e.g., “three Aces” or “two Kings”). However, the twist is that players can lie about the cards they’re playing. If another player suspects a lie, they can call “BS!” If the accusation is correct, the liar picks up the entire discard pile. If the accusation is wrong, the accuser picks up 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 more card than others, 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, they might say, “One Ace.”
  2. Continuing the Game: Play proceeds clockwise. Each player must play cards of the next rank in sequence (Aces, then Twos, then Threes, etc.). They can play one or more cards, but they must declare the correct number and rank. For example, if the previous player played Twos, the next player must play Threes.
  3. Bluffing: Players can lie about the cards they’re playing. For instance, a player might say, “Two Fours,” even if they don’t have any Fours.
  4. Calling BS: If a player suspects a lie, 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 picks up the pile.
  5. 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 keep track of 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 cards that are less likely to be challenged.

2. Pay Attention to Patterns

With fewer players, patterns in gameplay become more noticeable. If one player consistently bluffs at a certain point in the sequence, you can use this to your advantage. For example, if Player A often lies when playing Queens, you can call them out more confidently.

3. Use Reverse Psychology

Sometimes, telling the truth can be as effective as lying. If you’ve been bluffing frequently, playing a truthful hand might catch your opponents off guard. They might assume you’re lying and call “BS,” only to be proven wrong.

4. Manage Your Hand

Keep track of the cards in your hand and try to play them strategically. For example, if you have multiple cards of the same rank, consider playing them all at once to reduce your hand size quickly. However, be cautious—playing too many cards at once might make your opponents suspicious.

5. Observe Your Opponents

In a three-player game, you have fewer opponents to monitor, so use this to your advantage. Pay attention to their facial expressions, tone of voice, and gameplay habits. These cues can help you determine when they’re bluffing.

Why BS with 3 Players Feels Like a Dance of Trust and Betrayal

Playing BS with three players creates an intimate and intense atmosphere. With fewer players, each move carries more weight, and the stakes feel higher. Every card played is a potential lie, and every accusation is a gamble. The game becomes a delicate dance of trust and betrayal, where players must balance honesty and deception to outwit their opponents. It’s a test of wit, intuition, and nerve—and that’s what makes it so thrilling.

FAQs

1. Can you play BS with more than three players?

Yes, BS can be played with 2 or more players. However, with more players, the game becomes more chaotic and harder to track.

2. What happens if a player runs out of cards during their turn?

If a player runs out of cards during their turn, they win the game. However, if they’re caught lying before they can declare victory, they must pick up the discard pile.

3. Can you call “BS” on yourself?

No, you cannot call “BS” on yourself. The call must come from another player.

4. What’s the best way to practice bluffing in BS?

The best way to practice bluffing is to play the game regularly. Pay attention to how your opponents react to your bluffs and adjust your strategy accordingly.

5. Is BS suitable for children?

BS is generally suitable for older children and teenagers, as it involves bluffing and deception. However, it’s important to ensure that all players understand the rules and are comfortable with the competitive nature of the game.

Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a casual player, BS with three players offers a unique blend of strategy, deception, and fun. So gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and get ready to call some bluffs!