How Do You Play Cheat?

If you want a fast, social card game that’s half strategy and half keeping a straight face, Cheat (also called BS) is a perfect pick.

The rules are easy to learn, the rounds move quickly, and the fun comes from bluffing and catching other people bluffing. Here’s exactly how to play Cheat, plus a few tactics so you don’t get steamrolled.

What Is the Card Game Cheat?

Cheat is a multiplayer card game where the goal is to get rid of all your cards first. Players take turns placing cards face-down into a central pile and claiming what they played (like “two 7s”), but they’re allowed to lie.

Other players can call “Cheat!” if they think someone is bluffing. If the call is correct, the liar takes the whole pile. If the call is wrong, the person who made the accusation takes the pile.

What You Need to Play Cheat

• A standard 52-card deck
• 3 to 6 players (2 works, but it’s better with more)
• A table or floor space for a central pile

Optional:

• A jokers-in version (more chaos)
• A house rule sheet (because this game attracts debate)

How to Set Up Cheat

1. Shuffle the deck.
2. Deal all cards out as evenly as possible.
   • If some players have one extra card, that’s fine.
3. Players hold their cards in hand (don’t sort too obviously if you’re trying to look innocent).

How to Play Cheat Step by Step

1) Choose the Starting Rank

Most versions start with Aces. Others start with 2s. Pick one and stick to it.

Example: If you start with Aces, the ranks go:

• Aces → 2s → 3s → … → Kings → back to Aces

2) First Player Plays Cards Face-Down and Announces a Claim

The first player puts 1 to 4 cards face down in the center and says what they are supposed to be.

Example:

• They place two cards and say: “Two Aces.”

They might be telling the truth, or they might be lying.

3) Turns Continue in Order, Following the Rank Sequence

The next player must play cards and claim they are the next rank.

Example sequence starting with Aces:

• Player 1: “Two Aces”
• Player 2: “One 2”
• Player 3: “Three 3s”
• Player 4: “One 4”
  …and so on.

4) Anyone Can Call “Cheat!” After a Claim

After a player makes a claim, any other player can say “Cheat!” if they think the player lied.

When someone calls:

1. The face-down cards just played are revealed.
2. If the claim was a lie:
   • The liar takes the entire center pile into their hand.
3. If the claim was truthful:
   • The caller takes the entire center pile.

Important: Calls usually must happen immediately after the claim, before the next player plays. That keeps the game clean.

5) Winning the Game

You win by being the first person to get rid of all your cards.

Common ending rule:

• If you play your last card(s), other players still get a chance to call “Cheat!” right away.

Quick Example Round

• Rank is 7s.
• Jamie places three cards and says, “Three 7s.”
• Sam thinks Jamie is bluffing and calls “Cheat!”
• Cards flip over: a 7, a 9, and a Queen.
• Jamie lied, so Jamie picks up the entire pile.

Simple House Rules to Decide Up Front

Cheat is famous for arguments. These quick decisions prevent chaos:

• How many cards can you play? (Usually 1–4)
• Do you have to play if you can? (Most versions: yes, you must play at least 1)
• Can multiple people call Cheat at once? (If yes, who becomes the official caller?)
• What rank do you start on? (Aces or 2s)
• Do you allow “skips” if someone can’t play? (Usually no, you can always lie)

Strategy Tips for Playing Cheat Without Getting Caught

You don’t need to be a poker pro. These basics help a lot:

Bluff smart, not big

• Dropping 4 cards is tempting, but it screams “I’m lying.”
• Smaller bluffs look safer.

Track what’s been claimed

• If you remember that all four Kings were already “played,” anyone claiming Kings later is a great target for a call.

Use your face and timing

• People call Cheat based on confidence cues.
• Take your time, whether you’re lying or telling the truth, so your rhythm doesn’t give you away.

Call Cheat selectively

• Wrong calls punish you with a huge pile.
• Call when the claim feels impossible, or when you have a strong memory of the rank.

Get rid of “awkward” cards with believable lies

• If you’re stuck with high cards while the game is on low ranks, sprinkle in a believable bluff now and then.

Cheat Card Game Checklist

Before you start:

• Agree on starting rank (Aces or 2s)
• Agree on max cards per turn (1–4 is standard)
• Agree on when calls can happen (immediately after the claim)
• Decide if jokers are in or out
• Decide if you must play at least one card every turn

The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here

Now that you’re one step closer to being an expert at Cheat, check out some of our other guides on how to play card games!

Frequently Asked Questions