Bullshit is one of the most beloved bluffing card games ever created, and when you add drinking rules, it becomes an absolute powerhouse of a party game. Known by many names — Cheat, I Doubt It, BS, Bluff, and Liar — this game has been a staple at college parties and game nights for decades. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a complete beginner, this guide covers everything you need to know about playing Bullshit as a drinking game.
What is the Bullshit Card Game?
Bullshit is a card game built entirely around deception. Players take turns placing cards face down in the center and claiming those cards are a specific rank. Other players must decide whether to believe the claim or call “Bullshit!” If the challenger is right, the liar picks up the entire pile. If the challenger is wrong, they pick it up instead. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins.
History and Origins
Bullshit became widely popular in North America during the mid-20th century, spreading through college campuses and military barracks. The drinking version naturally evolved at universities, where adding alcohol penalties to any competitive game is practically a tradition.
Also Known As: Cheat, I Doubt It, and BS
In the UK and Australia it’s commonly called “Cheat.” In polite company it goes by “I Doubt It” or “BS.” Other names include “Bluff,” “Liar,” and the Spanish “Mentiroso.” Regardless of the name, the rules remain the same.
What You Need
Cards and Decks
You’ll need at least one standard 52-card deck. For groups of 5 or more, use two decks shuffled together to add complexity. Remove the jokers unless playing a wild card variation.
Players
Bullshit works best with 3 to 6 players using a single deck, or up to 10 with two decks. The sweet spot for the drinking version is 4 to 6 players.
Drinks
Every player needs their drink of choice. Beer and mixed drinks work great since penalties add up quickly. Keep water available for hydration.
How to Set Up Bullshit
Dealing the Cards
The dealer shuffles thoroughly and deals the entire deck face down to all players, one at a time, going clockwise. It’s fine if some players end up with one more card than others. Players organize their cards by rank without showing anyone.
Who Goes First
The player to the left of the dealer goes first, and play proceeds clockwise. The first player must play aces (or claim to), and play progresses through the ranks from there.
How to Play Bullshit
Step-by-Step Gameplay
Step 1: Play cards face down. On your turn, place one or more cards face down on the center pile. Since nobody can see them, you can play anything.
Step 2: Announce your play. State how many cards and what rank — e.g., “Two kings.” The required rank follows a set order: aces, twos, threes, and so on through kings, then repeats.
Step 3: Challenge or accept. Other players can call “Bullshit!” If no one challenges, the next player goes.
Step 4: Resolve the challenge. Flip the played cards. If the player was lying, they pick up the entire pile and drink. If truthful, the challenger picks up the pile and drinks.
Step 5: Continue. Play continues clockwise through the ranks until one player empties their hand and wins. Everyone else takes a penalty drink.
What Happens When You Get Called Out
Getting called out when the pile is large is devastating — you’re suddenly holding a massive hand and facing a heavy drinking penalty. Smart players sometimes let suspicious plays slide early, waiting for the pile to grow before challenging.
Official Rules
Core Rules
- Deal out the entire deck evenly to all players.
- The first player places aces (or claims to) face down, announcing the count.
- Play continues through the ranks: aces through kings, then repeats.
- Each player MUST play at least one card — no skipping.
- Players may play 1 to 4 cards per turn, all announced as the same rank.
- Anyone can call “Bullshit!” before the next player’s turn.
- Correct accusation: the liar picks up the entire center pile.
- Wrong accusation: the accuser picks up the entire center pile.
- Only the most recently played cards are checked.
- First player to empty their hand wins.
Important Clarifications
If a player puts down their last cards, others can still call Bullshit before the win is official. Only one person can call Bullshit per play (first to speak gets priority). You are always allowed to play truthfully — bluffing is never required when you hold the right rank.
Drinking Rules
The drinking rules transform Bullshit into an unforgettable party experience. If you enjoy card drinking games, you’ll also love Fuck the Dealer and Ride the Bus.
Basic Drinking Penalties
Whoever picks up the center pile drinks. A common formula is one sip per 3 to 5 cards — so a 15-card pile means 3 to 5 sips. The last player holding cards finishes their drink as the ultimate penalty.
Shots vs. Sips
Sips of beer or mixed drinks work best since penalties stack up fast. Reserve shots for special moments: getting caught on your last card, picking up 20+ cards, or losing the game.
Progressive Penalties
Track how many times each player gets caught. First offense is one sip, second is two, third is three, and so on. This creates a feedback loop — the more you get caught, the more you drink, which makes you worse at bluffing.
Custom and House Rules
- Waterfall Bullshit: Getting caught with 15+ cards triggers a waterfall starting with the offender.
- Social Drink: Every time the rank cycles back to aces, everyone drinks.
- Double Down: Caught bluffing twice in a row? Penalty is doubled.
- Mercy Rule: Picking up 25+ cards lets you split the penalty with another player.
- Victory Lap: The winner assigns 5 bonus drinks to any player(s).
- Finish Your Drink: Last player holding cards finishes their entire drink.
Strategy and Bluffing Tips
Bullshit is a game of psychology as much as cards. Players of Asshole and other bluffing games will find these tips translate well.
When to Bluff
Bluff early when the center pile is small to minimize risk. Also bluff right after someone else got caught, since players are less suspicious after a successful challenge. Single-card plays are hardest to doubt.
Reading Opponents’ Tells
Watch for tells that get amplified as drinks flow: avoidance of eye contact, changes in card-placement speed, voice pitch shifts, nervous laughter, or fidgeting. Establish baselines during early sober rounds.
Card Counting
With four of each rank in a standard deck, if you hold three kings and someone claims two kings, they’re lying. Track your own cards and what others claim throughout the round.
Managing Your Hand Size
Play as many legitimate cards as possible each turn. Be suspicious when opponents play three or four at once. When someone is down to their last few cards, the whole table should be vigilant about calling Bullshit.
Advanced Bluffing Techniques
The Reverse Tell — act nervous when truthful to mask your real tell. The Confidence Bluff — play fake cards boldly and dare people to call you. The Sacrifice Play — get caught early on a small pile to build trust for a bigger bluff later.
Popular Variations
Here are the most popular Bullshit variations — many pair well with other party games like Sociables.
Double BS
False accusers drink double the normal penalty. This makes players hesitant to challenge, so piles grow larger and busts hit harder.
Reverse BS
Ranks go backward — kings down to aces, then cycling back. Some groups reverse direction every time someone gets caught.
Wild Card BS
Jokers stay in as wilds that represent any rank. Flipping a joker during a challenge still costs a drink.
Speed BS
Players have 5 seconds per turn — exceed the limit and you pick up the pile and drink. The time pressure creates a frantic, mistake-heavy atmosphere.
Teams BS
For 6+ players, split into two teams in alternating seats. The first team to collectively empty their hands wins; losers finish their drinks.
Strip BS
Picking up the pile means removing an article of clothing instead of (or in addition to) drinking. Only for groups where everyone is comfortable and consenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play Bullshit with 2 players?
Technically yes, but it’s not recommended. With only two players you always know roughly what the other person holds.
What if multiple people call Bullshit simultaneously?
The first person to say it gets the call. If truly simultaneous, the player closest clockwise gets priority.
Can you play more cards than you claim?
Some groups allow it, others require exact counts. Clarify this house rule before starting.
What if I don’t have the required rank?
You must still play, which means you must bluff. This is the core mechanic that makes the game work.
How long does a typical game last?
A single game takes 15 to 30 minutes. A full night of multiple rounds runs 1 to 2 hours.
Can I skip my turn?
No. You must play at least one card every turn.
Is Bullshit fun for non-drinkers?
Absolutely. Substitute water, soda, or snack penalties. The core game is fun regardless.
Related Drinking Games
If you love Bullshit’s bluffing and social deception, try these other card-based drinking games.
- Asshole — A classic card game where rank and power determine who drinks.
- Kings Cup — The centerpiece of party games with a unique rule for every card drawn.
- Ride the Bus — A high-stakes card guessing game that piles on drinks fast.
- Sociables — The ultimate card drinking game with communal rules and group interaction.
- Fuck the Dealer — A wild card drinking game where the dealer tries to stump players.
- Red or Black — A simple color-guessing drinking game, perfect as a warm-up.
