The selected variant is defined below; agree on changes before dealing.

← On a small screen, scroll the diagram horizontally. →

In the first deal, all 52 cards are shared four ways, 13 each. The centre holds the latest exposed single or equal-rank group; consecutive passes clear it for a fresh lead. Fans and piles are schematic; the rules specify card counts.
In the first deal, all 52 cards are shared four ways, 13 each. The centre holds the latest exposed single or equal-rank group; consecutive passes clear it for a fresh lead. Fans and piles are schematic; the rules specify card counts.

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History and selected rules

President is a climbing game, probably reaching Western countries through East Asian relatives. No exact inventor is established. Select the basic profile for 4–7 with a one-card exchange between first and last. Use 52 cards, no jokers. Suits are equal; ascending ranks 3–4–5–6–7–8–9–10–J–Q–K–A–2. There are no special bombs or rank reversals.

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Setup and deal

Choose the first dealer randomly. Deal the whole deck singly clockwise; unequal hand sizes are normal. Dealer’s left opens with any single or equal-rank set. In later deals the previous last finisher deals beginning with the president; players may sit clockwise in finishing order. Last gives the president their highest card, choosing any suit if tied; president returns any unwanted card. President then opens.

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Playing a hand

Clockwise, pass or play a strictly higher set of the same size. A triple or single cannot beat a pair; runs are illegal. You may split a larger group, keeping the other cards. Passing is always allowed and does not prevent returning later. Equal ranks never beat.

When all other active players pass consecutively, clear the table face down; last player opens freely. Empty hands leave, recording finishing order; the final set can still be beaten until everyone else passes. If the unbeaten set’s owner has already left, the next active player clockwise leads anew. Continue until one holds cards; that player finishes last.

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Complete scoring

First becomes president, second vice-president, others follow in order. These are game roles without real privileges or punishments. For a session score 2 for first, 1 for second, others 0. After a completed deal, reaching 11 or more ends the session; highest total wins, tied highest continue. Do not stop before identifying last, who determines the exchange.

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Worked example

On 7♣–7♥ play J♠–J♦, never a lone K♣. If all pass, the jack player may open a single 3♦. You cannot surrender an ace while keeping a two: the two is higher.

← On a small screen, scroll the diagram horizontally. →

Answer with a pair. Table: 7♣, 7♥. Hand fragment: J♠, J♦. Two sevens require a higher pair. Two jacks qualify; a lone king does not. Jacks on the table. Table: J♠, J♦. Previous play: 7♣, 7♥. Play both jacks. Every other active player then passes consecutively. A fresh lead. Table: 3♦. Discard: 7♣, 7♥, J♠, J♦. Clear the old round. Its winner may lead a single 3♦: the old pair size no longer applies. A pair of jacks beats sevens. Once every opponent passes, the jack player starts a new round with a single three.
A pair of jacks beats sevens. Once every opponent passes, the jack player starts a new round with a single three.

Common questions

May I return after passing?+

Yes, in this profile.