The Asshole Drinking Game, also known as Presidents and Assholes, is a beloved shredding card game that’s easy to learn and endlessly fun. Whether you’re gathering in your living room, hosting a backyard BBQ, or throwing a wild party, this game can be adapted to fit any setting. Customizing the game not only makes it more enjoyable but also adds a personal touch to your event. Let’s explore how to make the Asshole Drinking Game work for any environment you find yourself in!
Table of Contents
Standard Rules Guide for Asshole Drinking Game
Setup
- Players: 4 or more (the more, the merrier)
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck (add a second deck if you have more than 8 players)
- Drinks: Alcoholic beverages of choice
Objective
The main goal is to get rid of all your cards as quickly as possible. The first player to do so becomes the President, with other players gaining ranks accordingly. The last player to get rid of their cards is the Asshole.
Role Rankings
- President: The first player to get rid of all their cards.
- Vice President (VP): The second player to finish.
- Secretary: The third player to finish.
- Citizen: Any player who finishes before the Asshole but after the Secretary.
- Asshole: The last player to get rid of their cards.
Dealing
- The Asshole from the previous round deals the cards.
- Cards are dealt one at a time, clockwise, until the deck is exhausted.
- Some variations include dealing all the cards at once or even dealing face-up for added chaos, but the traditional method is one at a time.
Card Hierarchy
- 2 (wild card, can be played at any time)
- 3 (lowest)
- 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
- Jack
- Queen
- King
- Ace (highest, except for 2)
Gameplay
- Starting the Round:
- The Asshole from the previous round goes first. If this is the first round, the player with the 3 of Clubs usually starts.
- The starting player plays one or more cards of the same rank.
- Following the Lead:
- The next player must play the same number of cards but of a higher rank. For example, if the first player plays one 7, the next player must play one card of rank 8 or higher.
- If a player cannot or chooses not to play, they must pass.
- A player can also play a pair, triple, or even four-of-a-kind. The next player must match this with a higher pair, triple, or four-of-a-kind.
- Clearing the Pile:
- If all players pass in succession, the pile is “cleared,” and the last player to play a card starts the next round.
- A 2 card clears the pile immediately, and the player who played it starts the next round.
- Ascending the Ranks:
- Players continue playing until they run out of cards. The order in which players empty their hands determines their rank for the next round.
Rank Privileges and Duties
- President:
- Can create house rules for the round (e.g., requiring the Asshole to drink whenever they speak).
- Receives the best two cards from the Asshole at the start of the round.
- Passes any two unwanted cards to the Asshole.
- Vice President:
- Receives one card from the Asshole and passes one card back.
- Secretary:
- Has no special privileges or duties.
- Citizens:
- Have no special privileges or duties.
- Asshole:
- Must shuffle and deal the cards.
- Must give their best two cards to the President.
- Must follow all commands from the President.
Asshole Card Game House Rules
While the above outlines the standard game, Asshole is often played with various house rules. Here are some popular ones:
- Waterfall: At the start of the game, the President can call for a “waterfall,” where everyone starts drinking simultaneously. The President can stop whenever they want, and each player can only stop when the player before them does.
- Social: If a player plays a specific card (usually a King or Ace), everyone must drink.
- Slap: If a player plays a pair of cards, everyone must slap the pile. The last person to slap has to drink.
- Silent Game: The President can declare a “silent game,” where no one is allowed to speak. Anyone who does has to drink.
Now that you’re familiar with the rules of the Asshole drinking game, why not mix things up and adapt it for different settings to make it even more fun?
Asshole Drinking Game Settings and Fun Twists
Classic Setting: The Living Room
Your living room is the perfect backdrop for a comfortable yet competitive game of Asshole. Arrange chairs in a circle or around a table, ensuring there’s enough room for everyone to spread out and manage their drinks. This is your cozy zone, so make sure the setup invites relaxation and fun.
Stick to the classic rules with a few tweaks. Players are ranked from President to Asshole based on their performance in each round, with drinking penalties in place to keep everyone on their toes. For a more relaxed vibe, consider adding longer breaks between rounds to give everyone a breather.
Fun Twists:
- Drinking Mini-game: Add extra excitement by introducing challenges like “Double Trouble,” where a failed bluff means drinking double.
- Power Hour Rule: Keep the pressure on with a “Power Hour,” where the Asshole has to take a sip every minute until they become President or the round ends.
Outdoor Setting: Backyard BBQ
Take the game outdoors for a refreshing twist. Set up under a shaded area or tent to keep cool, and use waterproof or plastic-coated cards to handle any spills or unexpected weather. A backyard BBQ is all about laid-back fun, so keep the setup simple and comfortable.
Adjust the game to suit the outdoor space. Larger cards might be easier to handle, and non-spill cups are a must to avoid messy accidents. The open space allows for more movement, so consider adding rules that encourage players to move around, like a “Run and Chug” challenge where players must dash to a designated spot before drinking.
Fun Twists:
- Grill Master Gulp: The player in charge of the grill must take a big drink every time someone compliments their cooking.
- Outdoor Dare Card: Force a player to perform a funny task in the yard, like doing a shot while hula-hooping.
Party Setting: House Party
At a buzzing party, you’ll want to carve out a dedicated space for the game to keep things organized. A portable setup with foldable chairs and a card table works perfectly. This allows you to easily move the game to wherever the party is most lively.
For a fast-paced party environment, streamline the rules for quick rounds. Add a “Party Rule” where every time the music changes, the player who’s Asshole must take a shot. This keeps the game in sync with the party’s energy and ensures everyone stays in the groove.
Fun Twists:
- Shot or Shuffle Card: The player must choose between taking a shot or shuffling the entire deck for the next round.
- Dance Floor Challenge: The President picks a player to chug their drink and then show off their moves on the dance floor.
Virtual Setting: Online Game Night
For virtual play, choose a reliable video conferencing platform that allows screen sharing, so everyone can stay on the same page. Make sure each player has access to a digital card deck or an online version of the game to keep things smooth.
Modify the rules for an online setting. Use digital card decks and introduce a “Mute and Drink” card, where the chosen player must mute themselves while chugging their drink, adding a fun twist to the game’s dynamic.
Fun Twists:
- Screenshot Sip: Players take a screenshot of the game at a random moment, and the person who looks the most ridiculous has to drink.
- Virtual Dare Card: Players must change their virtual background to something embarrassing or funny while they drink.
Travel Setting: Vacation or Road Trip
Pack your game essentials for the road with a mini card deck that’s easy to carry. Whether you’re in a car, at a campsite, or in a hotel, the game can easily be adapted for compact spaces.
Simplify the rules for easy, stress-free play while traveling. Focus on fewer cards and basic penalties to keep the game moving smoothly. If safety is a concern, especially on the road, switch to non-alcoholic drinks or soft penalties like doing push-ups instead of drinking.
Fun Twists:
- Landmark Sip: Each time you pass a landmark, the Asshole must take a drink and share a fact about it.
- Pit Stop Pound: At every rest stop, the last person to get back to the car has to finish their drink before getting in.
Family or Mixed Age Setting
For family gatherings or mixed-age groups, set up in a space where everyone can participate comfortably. Separate areas for different age groups can help tailor the experience for both adults and younger players.
Adjust the rules to be family-friendly. Swap out alcohol for soft drinks or mocktails, and introduce fun penalties like the “Story Time” card, where the loser must tell an embarrassing family story instead of taking a drink.
Fun Twists:
- Generational Gulp Card: The oldest and youngest players team up in a mini-challenge, like a trivia quiz, with the losers having to drink.
- Family Dare Card: The player must do something silly, like sing a family-favorite song, while everyone else drinks.
Wrapping It Up: Asshole Drinking Game for Every Setting
Adapting the Asshole Drinking Game for various settings can enhance its enjoyment and ensure it remains a hit no matter where you are. By customizing the game to fit different environments and groups, you can keep the fun alive and create memorable experiences. Get creative with your adaptations, and remember that the key to a great game is ensuring everyone has a blast.
Transform the Asshole Drinking Game for any setting—house parties, BBQs, road trips, and virtual hangouts—with our creative adaptations and fun mini-challenges!