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 delve into the psychological aspects of bluffing. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, this guide 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 7s”). However, players can lie about the cards they are playing, and other players can call “BS” if they suspect a lie. If a player is caught lying, they must pick up the entire discard pile. If the accusation is incorrect, the accuser picks up the pile instead.

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 (e.g., “one 5”). The declaration does not have to be truthful.
  2. Continuing the Game: Play proceeds clockwise. Each player must play cards of the next rank in sequence (e.g., after 5s come 6s, then 7s, and so on). Aces are low, and Kings are high.
  3. Calling BS: If a player suspects that the declared cards are not what they claim to be, they can call “BS.” The accused player must reveal the cards they played. If they were lying, they pick up the discard pile. If they were truthful, the accuser picks up the pile.
  4. Winning the Game: The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game.

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, but it also means your opponents are more likely to scrutinize your moves. To bluff effectively:

  • Vary your patterns: Don’t always lie or always tell the truth. Keep your opponents guessing.
  • Pay attention to your opponents’ tendencies: If one player frequently calls BS, use that to your advantage.

2. Keep Track of the Cards

With fewer players, it’s easier to remember which cards have been played. Use this to your advantage by:

  • Noting which ranks have been heavily played and which are still in play.
  • Predicting when your opponents might be forced to lie.

3. Psychological Warfare

In a three-player game, the psychological aspect becomes more pronounced. Use subtle cues to mislead your opponents:

  • Act confidently when lying, but don’t overdo it.
  • Use reverse psychology: Pretend to hesitate when telling the truth to make your opponents doubt themselves.

4. Timing Your BS Calls

Calling BS is a high-risk, high-reward move. With three players, the stakes are higher because the discard pile grows faster. Consider:

  • Calling BS only when you’re fairly certain.
  • Waiting for the right moment to catch your opponent in a lie.

Variations for 3 Players

To keep the game fresh, try these variations:

  1. Reverse BS: Players must play cards that do NOT match the declared rank.
  2. Limited Lies: Each player is allowed only a certain number of lies per game.
  3. Team Play: Two players team up against the third, adding a cooperative element.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can you play BS with a partial deck?

Yes, you can play with a partial deck, but it may affect the balance of the game. Ensure all players agree on the deck composition before starting.

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

The first player to call BS gets priority. If both calls are simultaneous, the player whose turn is next decides.

Q3: Is there a penalty for falsely calling BS?

Yes, the player who falsely calls BS must pick up the discard pile, which can significantly increase their hand size.

Q4: Can you play BS with more than one deck?

Yes, using multiple decks can make the game more challenging and unpredictable, especially with three players.

Q5: How do you handle ties in BS?

Ties are rare, but if two players run out of cards simultaneously, the player who played their last card first wins.


Playing BS with three players is a thrilling experience that combines strategy, psychology, and a bit of luck. By mastering the art of bluffing and paying close attention to your opponents, you can dominate the game and have a blast in the process. So gather your friends, shuffle the deck, and let the bluffing begin!