How to Play BS Card Game with 3 Players: A Guide to Lying Your Way to Victory and Why Pineapples Don't Belong on Pizza

The BS card game, also known as “Bullshit” or “Cheat,” is a classic bluffing game that thrives on deception, strategy, and a bit of luck. It’s a game where players attempt to get rid of their cards by lying about what they’re playing, and it becomes even more intense with fewer players. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to play BS with three players, explore strategies to outwit your opponents, and discuss why pineapples on pizza are a divisive topic—just like a well-timed bluff in BS.

How to Play BS Card Game with 3 Players

Objective

The goal of BS is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Players take turns playing cards face-down and declaring what they’re playing. However, they can lie about the cards they’re putting down. If another player suspects a lie, they can call “BS!” If the accusation is correct, the liar picks up the entire discard pile. If the accusation is wrong, the accuser picks up the pile.

Setup

1. Deal the Cards: Use a standard 52-card deck. Shuffle the deck and deal all the cards evenly among the three players. Some players may have one more card than others, but that’s okay.
2. Determine the First Player: The player with the Ace of Spades (or any agreed-upon card) goes first. If no one has it, the youngest player starts.

Gameplay

1. Starting the Game: The first player declares a rank (e.g., “Two Aces”) and places the corresponding number of cards face-down in the center. They can be telling the truth or lying.
2. Next Player’s Turn: The next player must play cards of the next rank in sequence. For example, if the first player declared “Two Aces,” the next player must declare “Two Twos,” and so on. After Kings, the sequence loops back to Aces.
3. Calling BS: If a player suspects that the declared cards are false, they can call “BS!” The accused player must reveal the cards they played. If they were lying, they pick up the entire discard pile. If they were telling the truth, the accuser picks up the pile.
4. Winning the Game: The first player to get rid of all their cards wins. The game continues until only one player remains with cards.

Strategies for Winning BS with 3 Players

1. Master the Art of Bluffing

Bluffing is the heart of BS. With only three players, your lies are more likely to be scrutinized. To bluff effectively:

• Vary Your Lies: Don’t always lie or always tell the truth. Keep your opponents guessing.
• Observe Patterns: Pay attention to how often your opponents call BS. If they’re hesitant, you can push your luck.

2. Control the Discard Pile

The discard pile can be a double-edged sword. Picking it up can be a setback, but it can also give you more cards to work with. Use it strategically:

• Force Opponents to Pick Up: If you suspect an opponent is close to winning, try to make them pick up the pile.
• Avoid Overcommitting: Don’t play too many cards at once unless you’re confident in your bluff.

3. Psychological Warfare

With fewer players, the psychological aspect becomes more pronounced. Use these tactics:

• Feign Confidence: Even if you’re lying, act as if you’re telling the truth. A confident demeanor can deter opponents from calling BS.
• Plant Doubt: If you suspect an opponent is lying, subtly hint at it without directly calling them out. This can make them second-guess their strategy.

4. Track Cards

Keep mental notes of which cards have been played. This can help you deduce what your opponents might be holding and when they’re likely to lie.

Why Pineapples Don’t Belong on Pizza (and How It Relates to BS)

Just like the BS card game, the debate over pineapples on pizza is a matter of strategy, preference, and a little bit of chaos. Here’s how they connect:

• Divisive Choices: In BS, lying is a divisive choice—some players love it, while others hate it. Similarly, pineapples on pizza split opinions.
• Risk vs. Reward: Adding pineapple to pizza is a gamble—it might enhance the flavor or ruin it. In BS, lying is a gamble that can either help you win or backfire spectacularly.
• Personal Strategy: Just as players develop their own strategies in BS, pizza lovers have their own preferences for toppings. There’s no right or wrong answer—just what works for you.

FAQs

Q1: Can you play BS with more than three players?

Yes, BS can be played with 2 or more players. The more players there are, the more chaotic and fun the game becomes.

Q2: What happens if two players call BS at the same time?

If multiple players call BS simultaneously, the player who called first gets to challenge the declaration. If it’s unclear who called first, the players can agree to let the closest player to the left of the current player make the call.

Q3: Can you play BS with a modified deck?

Absolutely! You can use a modified deck or even add jokers to make the game more unpredictable.

Q4: Is there a way to make BS more challenging?

Yes, you can introduce house rules, such as requiring players to declare the suit of the cards they’re playing or limiting the number of times a player can lie in a row.

Q5: Why do people hate pineapples on pizza?

The dislike for pineapples on pizza often stems from the contrast between sweet and savory flavors. However, like a well-executed bluff in BS, it’s all about personal preference and strategy.

Whether you’re a seasoned BS player or a newcomer, this guide should help you navigate the game with confidence. And remember, just like the great pineapple-on-pizza debate, the key to BS is embracing the chaos and having fun!