“Fuck the Dealer” is a beloved drinking game that’s a staple at many parties. Known for its simplicity and fun, this card game brings people together and ensures that everyone has a good time. The game’s popularity stems from its easy-to-understand rules and the exciting, unpredictable nature of the gameplay. This guide will walk you through the Fuck the Dealer rules, strategies, and variations of these games, ensuring you’re the life of the party.
Table of Contents
What is Fuck the Dealer?
“Fuck the Dealer”, also known as “Screw the Dealer”, is a classic drinking game that combines luck, skill, and a bit of strategy. The primary objective is for the dealer to guess the card values chosen by the other players. If they fail, they drink. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and the hilarity that ensues as players make wild guesses or cunningly mislead the dealer.

How to Play Fuck the Dealer: Step by Step Rules
What You Need
- 1 standard deck of 52 playing cards
- 3 or more players
- Drinks of choice
Gameplay Setup
- Shuffle the deck and place it face down in the center of the table.
- Select a player to start as the dealer.
Fuck the Dealer Game Rules
- Dealer’s Turn:
- The dealer picks up the deck and draws a card without showing it to the other players.
- The player to the dealer’s left is the first to guess the suit of the card (Hearts, Diamonds, Clubs, Spades).
- Suit Guessing:
- If the player correctly guesses the suit of the card, the dealer drinks 2 sips, and the player moves on to guessing the value of the card.
- If the suit guess is incorrect, the player drinks 2 sips and then moves on to the value guessing phase.
- Value Guessing:
- The player guesses the value of the card (Ace = 1, 2-10 = face value, Jack = 11, Queen = 12, King = 13).
- If the value guess is correct on the first try, the dealer drinks 4 sips, and the guessing player becomes the new dealer.
- If the value guess is incorrect, the dealer tells the player whether the card is higher or lower than their guess. The player then makes a second guess.
- Second Value Guess:
- If the second guess is correct, the dealer drinks 2 sips.
- If the second guess is incorrect, the player drinks the difference between the guess and the actual card value (e.g., if the player guessed 5 and the card was 8, they drink 3 sips).
- Card Placement:
- After each round, the card is placed face up in a discard pile.
- Changing Dealers:
- Two consecutive players fail to guess their card correctly (within three guesses each), the dealer passes the deck to the player on their left, who becomes the new dealer.

End of Game
- The game continues until the deck is depleted or the players decide to stop.
- The player who drank the most is declared the loser (or the most “fucked”), while the player who drank the least is the winner.
Optional Rules
- Double or Nothing: Before making their first guess, a player can declare “Double or Nothing.” If they correctly guess both the suit and value of the card on their first try, the dealer drinks double the usual amount. If they get it wrong, they drink double the penalty.
- Suit Multiplier: If a player correctly guesses both the suit and value of a card on their first try, the dealer drinks an extra sip whenever the next card of that suit is drawn.
- Dealer’s Revenge: If the dealer successfully tricks two consecutive players into incorrect guesses (both suit and value), they can choose one player to take a shot or finish their drink.

More Fun Card Games Like F* the Dealer
If you’re looking to level up your party vibes, here are some epic card-based drinking games that will have everyone lit in no time.
- The classic Waterfall Drinking Game—everyone sits in a circle and draws cards, each one triggering a rule that keeps the squad drinking. It’s called “Waterfall” because once one person starts chugging, everyone else has to follow, and it’s basically a human domino effect of chaos.
- We’ve got Presidents and Assholes—the ultimate game of power moves. The goal is to become the “President” (aka the boss who can dish out drinks), while the unlucky “Asshole” gets the worst cards and has to take all the L’s (and drinks). You don’t want to be the Asshole, trust me.
- If you’re a fan of Euchre, try Screw the Dealer in Euchre—same game you love, but with a drunk twist. The dealer has to make some tough calls if no one else picks a trump suit, adding a whole new level of pressure. If everyone passes twice during the bidding rounds, the dealer is forced to choose the trump, which means they’re on the hook if things go south.
- For something colorful, check out the Purple Drinking Game—match cards by color and take sips based on what you draw. It’s simple, but things get wild real quick.
- Finally, there’s Pyramid Drinking Game, where you guess cards in a pyramid layout. Get it wrong? Drink up! It’s a mix of luck and strategy, but mostly it’s an excuse to keep everyone tipsy.
These games are straight-up party fuel, guaranteed to turn any night into legendary status. So grab your cards and your drinks, and let the chaos begin!
How Can I Win Fuck the Dealer Game?
Tip | Description |
---|---|
Pay Attention to the Discard Pile | Keep track of revealed cards to make more accurate guesses as the game progresses. |
Start with Common Cards | Begin with mid-range values (like 7 or 8) to quickly narrow down the possibilities. |
Use Suit Strategy | Notice which suits have been played to make better suit guesses. |
Leverage Psychology | Watch the dealer’s reactions for clues; subtle hints can reveal the card’s suit or value. |
Utilize Optional Rules Strategically | Engage in “Double or Nothing” when confident to double the dealer’s drinking penalty. |
Don’t Rush Your Guesses | Take your time; thoughtful guesses are often more successful than hasty ones. |
Stay Sober Enough to Think Clearly | Pacing your drinking can help you stay sharp and increase your chances of winning. |
Pass the Dealer Role Quickly | As a dealer, encourage fast decisions to pass the deck and reduce your drinking burden. |
Know When to Bluff | Subtle bluffs can mislead players, increasing your chances of staying dealer-free. |
Utilize Team Dynamics | Position yourself after weaker players to capitalize on their mistakes. |
Pro Tips:
- Track the Cards: Remember, the more you know about what’s left in the deck, the better your guesses.
- Bluff Wisely: A small, intentional reaction can steer players in the wrong direction—just don’t overdo it!
- Double or Nothing: Only use this when you feel lucky; it can either be a game-changer or a total disaster.
- Beginner-friendly tips: If you’re new to the game, start with conservative guesses to minimize penalties.
What are the best drinks for playing Fuck the Dealer?
The choice of drinks can make or break the vibe of the game. Here are some suggestions:
- Beer: A go-to choice for pacing yourself during extended gameplay. Light beers are especially beginner-friendly.
- Mixed Drinks: Choose lower-alcohol cocktails like vodka sodas or rum and cola for a balanced buzz.
- Hard Seltzers: These are perfect for those who want something light and refreshing.
- Shots (Optional): Use sparingly for intense rounds or optional rules like “Double or Nothing.”
- Non-Alcoholic Options: If someone in the group isn’t drinking, mocktails, soda, or sparkling water work perfectly.
Are you more likely to win as a player or dealer?
Winning depends on your role and strategy:
- As a player: You’re more likely to win if you track the discard pile, guess carefully, and use psychology to outsmart the dealer.
- As the dealer: You can win if you bluff effectively and avoid being stuck in the role for too long. However, being the dealer carries a higher risk of drinking penalties, so passing the role quickly increases your chances of “winning” by drinking the least.
Players have the edge because they can strategize based on previous cards. Dealers, on the other hand, need to play defensively and rely on bluffing skills.

FAQ Section of Fuck The Dealer Drinking Game
What’s the differences between Screw the Dealer and Fuck the Dealer?
There are no significant differences in the rules or gameplay between “Screw the Dealer” and “Fuck the Dealer.” The explicit term “Fuck the Dealer” is commonly used interchangeably with “Screw the Dealer.” It often adds a casual, laid-back vibe to the game, making it feel more spontaneous and informal. The variation is primarily in name and the atmosphere it creates.
How many players do you need for Fuck the Dealer?
Fuck the dealer is the best card game for 3 players. With fewer than three players, the drinking penalties can become overwhelming and may lead to excessive consumption. Three or more players help distribute the drinking more evenly, promoting a safer and more enjoyable experience.
What is the high-low drinking game?
The High-Low drinking game is a card-based drinking game where players guess whether the next card will be higher or lower than the previous one. Two popular variations of this game are Irish Poker and Death Box. In Irish Poker, players go through 4 rounds, guessing card attributes like color, value and suit. In Death Box, players select a card from the table and predict if the next card’s value will be higher or lower.
What is Screw Your Neighbor Euchre?
“Screw Your Neighbor Euchre” is a variation of the traditional Euchre card game. In this version, players can strategically undermine their neighbors by playing disruptive cards. This adds an element of betrayal and mischief to the game, making it more unpredictable and engaging.
What are the rules for Screw Your Neighbor Euchre?
In “Screw Your Neighbor Euchre,” each player receives five cards. The top card of the remaining deck is turned up to establish the trump suit. Players take turns either passing or declaring to play the hand with the revealed trump. The game proceeds as a regular Euchre, but players can choose to disrupt their neighbor’s strategy with their plays.
Is Fuck the Dealer appropriate for beginners?
Yes! Fuck the Dealer is beginner-friendly because the rules are straightforward, and the gameplay relies more on luck than skill. However, beginners should take it slow and focus on observing how others play. If you’re new, start with conservative guesses to avoid drinking too much early in the game. Also, familiarize yourself with the optional rules to maximize your fun!
Can I play Fuck the Dealer without alcohol?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt Fuck the Dealer into a non-drinking game. Instead of drinking penalties, substitute them with fun alternatives like:
– Doing 5 push-ups or sit-ups for penalties.
– Eating a piece of candy or a snack.
– Taking a dare or answering a truth question.
Using the above ways, the game remains fun and engaging, even without alcohol.