BS Card Game: Online 3-Player Guide

by Jhon Lennon 36 views

Hey guys! Ever get that itch to play a good ol' game of BS (also known as Cheat), but you're short on players or stuck at home? Well, fret no more! This guide is your ultimate resource for diving into the world of online BS with three players. We'll cover everything from the basic rules to advanced strategies, and even point you towards some awesome online platforms where you can get your bluff on. Get ready to become a BS master!

Understanding the Basics of BS

Before we jump into the online realm, let's make sure everyone's on the same page with the rules of BS. BS, at its heart, is a game of deception and quick thinking. The primary goal is to get rid of all your cards by any means necessary, even if it involves a little (or a lot) of fibbing.

The Deck and Dealing

A standard 52-card deck is used. With three players, the entire deck is usually dealt out as evenly as possible. Some players might end up with one more card than others, and that's perfectly fine. No peeking at anyone else's cards, though! That's a cardinal sin in the game of BS.

Gameplay

The first player (usually determined by dealing a card face up – lowest card goes first, or by agreement) starts by placing one or more cards face down in the center of the table, claiming they are a specific rank (e.g., one or more Aces). The rank called must follow the sequence. The first player can declare any card to start. The next player must play the next card in the sequence. The card order goes: Ace, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, and back to Ace.

For example, if the first player puts down two cards and says, "Two Aces," the next player must play "Two 2s". They place their cards face down on top of the previous player's cards. This continues around the circle. Players can play 1 or more cards. Remember, you don't actually have to play the rank you're declaring! That's where the "BS" comes in.

Calling "BS"

At any point, if a player suspects that the person who just played is lying about the rank of the cards they played, they can yell "BS!" (or "Cheat!" or whatever your preferred term is). The cards that were just played are then revealed. If the player who was called out was indeed lying (i.e., at least one of the cards was not the rank they declared), they have to pick up the entire pile of cards in the center. However, if they were telling the truth (i.e., all the cards were the rank they declared), the player who called "BS" has to pick up the entire pile. Nobody wants to pick up the pile; it puts you that much further away from getting rid of all your cards!

Winning the Game

The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game. It sounds simple, but the game can get incredibly tense and strategic, especially when you're trying to decide whether to bluff or not. Successfully bluffing is an art form, and knowing when to call someone else's bluff is equally important. BS is a game of nerve, memory, and a little bit of luck.

Playing BS Online with 3 Players

Now that we've refreshed the rules, let's talk about playing BS online with three players. The beauty of online BS is that you don't need to be in the same room as your opponents. You can play with friends across the country or even across the globe!

Finding Online Platforms

Several websites and apps offer online BS games. Some popular options include:

  • CardzMania: This website offers a clean interface and various card games, including Cheat (BS).
  • Online Card Games: A straightforward website with a focus on classic card games.
  • Apps: Search your app store (iOS or Android) for "BS card game" or "Cheat card game." You'll find several options, some with single-player modes to practice your bluffing skills.

When choosing a platform, consider the following:

  • User Interface: Is the interface clean and easy to understand?
  • Multiplayer Options: Does the platform support three-player games?
  • Customization: Can you customize the rules or game settings?
  • Community: Does the platform have an active community of players?

Setting Up a Game

Once you've chosen a platform, setting up a game is usually pretty straightforward. Most platforms will allow you to either create a private game (where you can invite specific friends) or join a public game (where you'll be matched with random players).

To play with friends, create a private game and share the game code or link with them. Make sure everyone understands the rules beforehand to avoid any confusion or arguments during the game.

Communication is Key

One of the challenges of playing BS online is the lack of face-to-face interaction. It's harder to read your opponents' expressions and body language when you're staring at a screen. That's why communication is key!

Many online platforms have built-in chat features that allow you to communicate with other players. Use this to your advantage! You can try to subtly (or not so subtly) influence your opponents' decisions. For example, you might say something like, "I definitely don't have any Kings," even if your hand is full of them.

However, be careful not to give away too much information. The best bluffers are masters of deception and misdirection. Practice your poker face (or your poker typing, in this case) and learn to control your tells.

Adapting Your Strategy for Online Play

Playing BS online requires a slightly different strategy than playing in person. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Pay Attention to Patterns: Online opponents often fall into predictable patterns. Pay attention to how they bet, how often they call BS, and what they say in the chat. Use this information to your advantage.
  • Be More Aggressive: Online, it's often harder to gauge whether someone is bluffing. As a result, players tend to be more conservative. Try being more aggressive with your bluffs to throw your opponents off balance.
  • Use the Chat Strategically: The chat can be a powerful tool for deception. Use it to spread misinformation, create doubt, and influence your opponents' decisions. However, don't overdo it, or you'll become too predictable.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Call BS: If you have a gut feeling that someone is lying, don't be afraid to call BS, even if you're not 100% sure. The worst that can happen is you pick up the pile. The best that can happen is you catch someone in a lie and gain a significant advantage.

Advanced Strategies for 3-Player BS

Want to take your BS game to the next level? Here are some advanced strategies to help you dominate the competition:

Card Counting (Sort Of)

While you can't know exactly what cards your opponents have, you can keep track of which ranks have already been played. This can help you make more informed decisions about whether to bluff or call BS.

For example, if you know that all four Aces have already been played, you can be pretty confident that someone claiming to play an Ace is lying. However, remember that card counting in BS is more about probability and inference than precise calculation. It's about giving yourself a slight edge, not guaranteeing victory.

The Art of the Small Bluff

Sometimes, the best bluffs are the smallest ones. Instead of claiming to play four of a kind when you have nothing, try claiming to play one card when you have none. This can be surprisingly effective, especially if your opponents are expecting you to make a bigger bluff.

The key to a successful small bluff is confidence. Act like you have the card you're claiming to play, and don't hesitate. The more confident you appear, the more likely your opponents are to believe you.

The Double Bluff

The double bluff is a risky but potentially rewarding strategy. It involves calling BS on someone when you know they're telling the truth. The goal is to create confusion and doubt in your opponents' minds. By making them question your judgment, you can make them more likely to believe your future bluffs.

However, be careful when using the double bluff. If you do it too often, your opponents will catch on, and you'll lose all credibility. Use it sparingly and only when you think it will have the maximum impact.

Mastering the Poker Face (or Poker Typing)

Whether you're playing in person or online, a good poker face is essential for success in BS. You need to be able to control your emotions and avoid giving away any tells. This is especially important when you're bluffing.

Online, your poker face translates to your typing. Be careful about the words you use and the tone you convey in the chat. Avoid using exclamation points or other expressions of excitement when you're bluffing. Instead, try to remain calm and neutral.

Reading Your Opponents

Even though you can't see your opponents' faces online, you can still gather information about their playing style and tendencies. Pay attention to how they bet, how often they call BS, and what they say in the chat. Over time, you'll start to develop a sense of when they're bluffing and when they're telling the truth.

Conclusion

So there you have it – a comprehensive guide to playing BS online with three players! With a little practice and the right strategy, you can become a master of deception and dominate the online BS scene. Remember to have fun, stay sharp, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed bluff. Now go out there and start stacking those wins!