How to Play Sh*thead: Complete Guide for Beginners
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How do you play Sh*thead? Deal 9 cards per player, play equal-or-higher cards on the discard pile, use power cards to chaos your mates, and be the first to shed every card. That's the short answer — here's the full beginner's guide.
Sh*thead — also known as Palace, Shed, or Karma — is one of the world's most popular travel card games. If you've ever played with a standard deck at a hostel, braai, or road trip, you already know the vibe: chaotic, strategic, and wildly addictive. Our dedicated Sh*thead deck prints the rules on every card, so teaching new players takes minutes, not an hour.
What is Sh*thead?
Sh*thead is a shedding-type card game where the goal is simple: get rid of all your cards before anyone else. The last player holding cards earns the game's infamous title. It's a modern folk game that spread globally among travellers in the 1990s — every group invented house rules, which is exactly why we built a deck with standardised rules on every card.
Unlike UNO or Crazy Eights, Sh*thead uses hidden face-down cards, face-up table cards, and a hand — creating bluffing, memory, and last-minute reversals that keep every round unpredictable.
What you need to play
- 1 deck per 2–5 players (add a second deck for 5–6+)
- 2–5 players — 3–4 is the sweet spot
- 15–30 minutes per round
- Ages 16+ on the box (many groups play from 14+ with adult supervision)
One pack is R199 with free SA shipping on 4+ packs. See bundles →
Setup: how to deal
Each player receives 9 cards in three layers:
- 3 face-down (blind cards — no peeking!)
- 3 face-up placed on top of the blind cards
- 3 in hand
Before play begins, everyone may swap cards from their hand with their face-up cards. Put your strongest cards face-up — they'll matter in the endgame.
The remaining deck becomes the draw pile. Flip one card to start the discard pile.
Turn order: how a turn works
On your turn:
- Play one or more cards of the same rank, equal to or higher than the top card on the discard pile
- After playing, draw from the draw pile to maintain 3 cards in hand (until the pile runs out)
- If you cannot (or choose not to) play, pick up the entire discard pile
Important: You must always have at least 3 cards in hand while the draw pile exists. Every time you play, you draw back up.
Power cards summary
Power cards are where Sh*thead gets spicy. In our deck, the rule is printed on each card:
- 2 (Reset): Play anytime — clears the pile and lets you go again
- 5 (Glass): Next player must beat the card underneath the 5, not the 5 itself
- 7 (Lower): Next player can only play a 7 or lower
- 8 (Skip): Skips the next player's turn
- 10 (Clear): Burns the discard pile — you play again immediately
- Joker: Beats everything — next player must pick up the pile
Playing four-of-a-kind also clears the pile in our official rules. See every power card with visuals →
The endgame: face-up and blind cards
Once your hand is empty and the draw pile is gone, you play your face-up table cards. When those are gone, you flip blind cards one at a time — you must play whatever you flip, even if it's terrible.
First player to shed all cards wins. Last player holding cards? You're the Sh*thead.
Winning tips for beginners
- Save your 2s and 10s for emergencies — they're lifelines
- Put high cards face-up during setup
- Watch what power cards opponents have played
- Don't waste a Joker on a low pile — timing is everything
FAQ: quick answers
Can you play Sh*thead with 2 players?
Yes — it works well head-to-head. Rounds are faster and strategy matters more.
How long does a game take?
Most rounds take 15–30 minutes depending on group size.
Is Sh*thead the same as Palace?
Yes — Palace, Shed, and Karma are all aliases. Read the alias guide →
Where can I buy the official deck?
Shop at shthead.co.za — R199 per pack, free shipping on 4+ packs in SA.