Customer Help & FAQs

Sh*thead is a fast, chaotic shedding card game, the classic backpacker favourite, now with its own dedicated deck. Rules are printed on every card, so no more arguing over house rules at hostels, braais, or road trips. It's locally made in South Africa and ships nationwide from shthead.co.za.

Yes, Sh*thead, Palace, Shed, and Karma are all names for the same folk card game. Travellers spread it globally in the 1990s, and every group invented their own nickname and house rules. Our dedicated deck standardises the rules so everyone plays the same way. Read the full alias guide →

Each player gets 9 cards (3 face-down, 3 face-up, 3 in hand). On your turn, play cards equal to or higher than the top of the discard pile, or pick up the pile if you can't. Use power cards like 2 (reset), 10 (clear), and Joker to mess with opponents. First to shed all cards wins; last player holding cards is the Sh*thead. Games take 15-30 minutes.

Read the full interactive rules guide → or beginner's walkthrough →

The product box recommends ages 16+ for 2-5 players. Many groups start from 14+ with adult supervision, the game involves mild irreverent humour in its name and the "losing player" title. It's a social party game, not a children's game.

One deck supports 2-5 players (the sweet spot is 3-4). For bigger groups of 5-6+, choose the Two Packs variant on the shop page. More decks = more chaos, which is usually a good thing.

Absolutely. Sh*thead works well with 2 players, rounds are faster and the strategy gets spicy. For the best energy, 3-4 players is ideal, but couples, flatmates, and travel buddies love the head-to-head version too.

Most rounds take 15-30 minutes, depending on player count and how ruthless your friends are. It's short enough for "one more game" syndrome but long enough to settle a score.

Our deck prints every rule on the card face. Key power cards:

• 2 (Reset): Play anytime, resets the pile
• 5 (Glass): Next player must beat the card underneath
• 7 (Lower): Next player can only play 7 or lower
• 8 (Skip): Skips the next player
• 10 (Clear): Burns the discard pile, you play again
• Joker: Beats everything, next player picks up the pile

See all power cards on the rules page →

Yes, that's the whole point. The power cards show what they do right on the card, so new players learn as they play. No more 20-minute rule explanations or hostel lobby arguments.

It's literally built for it. Sh*thead started as the ultimate hostel card game, compact, no batteries, works anywhere, and new players pick it up in one round (especially with rules printed on the power cards). Fits in a day bag, backpack, or carry-on. See our travel games guide →

Lekker yes. Sh*thead is perfect around the fire, quick rounds between chops, easy to teach mates who've never played, and loud enough to fuel friendly trash talk. Made in SA, for SA social culture. Grab a deck for your next braai or camping trip.

Both are portable, but Sh*thead wins for groups who want more strategy and chaos. UNO is simpler and more universal; Sh*thead has deeper tactics, power-card combos, and that classic backpacker energy. Our dedicated deck also solves the "everyone plays different rules" problem that plagues both games when played with standard cards.

Unlike UNO or Crazy Eights, Sh*thead is a shedding game with hidden cards, bluffing, and power-card chaos, closer to President/Asshole but with its own vibe. Our deck is the only one with rules built in. Compare travel card games →

Sh*thead is a brilliant SA-made gift, locally designed and produced, R199 for one pack, and perfect for braais, road trips, or flat-warming. It's fun, unique, and supports local creators Chels & Kirst. Pair it with wine, biltong, or a lekker playlist for the ultimate SA gift bundle. Full SA gift guide →

One of the best. At R199 it's under most Secret Santa budgets (often R200), it's a fun novelty that actually gets used, and it's small enough to wrap easily. Office parties, friend groups, and family Kris Kringle, sorted. Secret Santa gift ideas →

Yes, especially for couples who love game nights, braais, or travel. It's playful without being cheesy, works for 2 players, and beats another scented candle. Add a Two Packs if you're buying for a social couple who hosts a lot.

It's the classic traveller's game, now in a dedicated deck. Lightweight, rules printed on the power cards, and an instant icebreaker at hostels or campsites. If your friend is heading on a gap year, road trip, or festival season, this is the gift.

One pack is R199. Pack sale: Two Packs for R300 (was R398) or Five Packs for R600 (was R995). Orders over R300 get free shipping anywhere in South Africa.

We're stocked at these retailers:

• YBMV, Observatory, Cape Town
• LuluLala, Eden on the Bay (Cape Town) & Potchefstroom
• Good Riddance Cafe, Kommetjie, Cape Town

Don't see your area? Order online with R70 delivery, or message us and we'll point you to the nearest option.

R70 flat-rate delivery anywhere in South Africa. Orders over R300 get free shipping.

Buy directly from our official store, we ship nationwide for R70. In-person stockists include YBMV (Observatory), LuluLala (Eden on the Bay & Potchefstroom), and Good Riddance Cafe (Kommetjie). See Cape Town stockists or our wholesale page.

Yes. Orders over R300 ship free anywhere in South Africa. Under R300, standard delivery is about R49–R73 depending on courier at checkout.

Orders dispatch within 1-2 business days. Delivery typically takes 2-5 business days depending on your area and courier availability. You'll receive tracking once your order ships.

We currently ship across South Africa. For international wholesale or bulk enquiries, please get in touch and we'll see what we can arrange.

Once dispatched, you'll receive an email with courier tracking details. If anything looks off, email hello@shthead.co.za or WhatsApp us on 082 871 1149.

Contact us as soon as possible at hello@shthead.co.za. If your order hasn't been dispatched yet, we'll do our best to update or cancel it.

If your deck arrives damaged or defective, contact us within 14 days with photos and your order number. We'll replace it or refund you, no drama.

So sorry! Email hello@shthead.co.za with your order number and a photo of the damage. Kirsty or Chelsea will sort you out with a replacement.

Reach out immediately before dispatch if you can. Once shipped, we can't redirect parcels, but we'll help where possible.

Yes! We love working with boutiques, bars, hostels, gift shops, and event organisers. Submit a wholesale enquiry or WhatsApp us, we offer bulk pricing on Ten Packs and custom arrangements for retailers.

Absolutely. Our Ten Pack (R1592) is popular for events, corporate gifts, and stockists. For larger orders or ongoing retail partnerships, get in touch and we'll send trade pricing.