Ready to rule the Palace? This addictive shedding card game, also known as Shed or China Hand, will have you strategizing, bluffing, and outplaying your opponents to become the ruler of the card table. The goal is simple: be the first player to get rid of all your cards. But don’t let that fool you, there’s more to it than meets the eye. We’ll dive deep into the Palace card game rules, explore cunning gameplay strategies, and even uncover some fun variations to spice things up. Whether you’re a seasoned card shark or a complete newbie, get ready to learn the ropes and discover why Palace is a favorite among card game enthusiasts.
I. Essential Information Before Gameplay
Palace, also known as Shed or China Hand, accommodates 2-5 players using one deck (two for 3+). Ace reigns supreme, while 3 scrapes the bottom. Beware the game-changing 2 (wild card) and 10 (discard pile eliminator). The goal: be the first to empty your hand and palace. The catch? Fail to play, and you inherit the discard pile, adding strategic depth.
II. How to Play Palace
Each player receives three cards face-down (the Palace foundation), followed by six cards for their hand. Select three cards from your hand to place face-up on your Palace. The remaining cards become the draw pile, and a flipped card initiates the discard pile.
On your turn, play a card from your hand that’s equal to or higher than the top discard. Afterward, replenish your hand to three cards. Can’t play? Claim the discard pile!
Special cards add spice:
- 2 (Wild Card): Play on anything, resetting the discard pile.
- 10 (Pile Eliminator): Eliminates the discard pile, allowing a fresh start.
- Optional 7 (Reverse): Reverses play order, requiring lower cards.
Deplete your hand, then play your face-up Palace cards. Finally, play your face-down cards blindly. First to empty their hand and Palace reigns supreme!
III. Advanced Strategies
Now, if you really want to rule the Palace, you need to think like a monarch, not a court jester. Here’s where things get strategic:
Palace Building 101 – Don’t Be a Sucker
Remember those three cards you place face-up at the beginning? Think of them as the foundation of your Palace – you’ll be stuck with them for a while. Placing high cards might seem like a good idea, but it could backfire if your opponents can easily play on them, leaving you with a weaker hand later.
Let’s say you’re dealt two Queens and a King. It’s tempting to slap those powerful cards face-up, right? But what if an opponent starts the discard pile with a 2? You’ve just given them a free pass to reset the pile and potentially bury your strong cards under a pile of low cards. Instead, consider putting a Queen face-up and holding the King and other Queen back. This gives you more flexibility to control the discard pile later in the game.
Mastering the Art of the Discard Pile
The discard pile isn’t just a dumping ground for unwanted cards – it’s a weapon! A well-timed low card can force the next player to pick up a mountain of cards, potentially ruining their carefully crafted plans. Just be careful not to be on the receiving end of that strategy yourself!
Imagine the discard pile is getting hefty, and it’s your turn. You notice the player after you has only one card left in their hand, and they’re looking pretty smug. This is your chance to strike! Even if you have higher cards you could play, consider sacrificing a low card like a 4 or 5. If they can’t play on it, they’ll be forced to pick up the entire discard pile, giving you a good laugh and a strategic advantage.
Special Cards – Timing is Everything
Don’t just fire off your 2s and 10s like a kid who just found the fireworks. Holding onto a 2 until the discard pile is overflowing can be a glorious power move. And that 10? It’s most satisfying when used to obliterate a discard pile full of high cards, forcing everyone back to square one.
Picture this: the discard pile is a monstrosity, towering high with Jacks, Queens, and even an Ace. Players are hesitant to play anything, knowing a low card could spell doom. This is the perfect time to unleash your inner card shark. Slam down your 2, reset the discard pile, and watch as your opponents groan in frustration. You’ve just seized control of the game with a single, well-timed card.
IV. Palace Variations
Like any good card game worth its salt, Palace has spawned a few variations. Because who doesn’t love adding a little house rule chaos to spice things up?
Hand Size Hijinks
Some folks like to play with larger hands, dealing out four or even five cards at a time. This can make for longer, more strategic games, but be warned: picking up a massive discard pile with a hand full of cards can be painful!
Extra Special Cards
Remember the 7 we mentioned earlier? Some play that it reverses the play order, adding another layer of “what just happened?” to the game. You can even get crazy and designate other cards as wild or special, like making the 5 a “skip a player” card.
V. FAQs
1. Can you end on a special card?
Generally, no. It’s like trying to build a castle on a foundation of jelly – it just doesn’t work
2. What happens if the draw pile runs out?
No more drawing! You’re relying on your hand and your Palace to carry you to victory.
3. Are there scoring variations?
While Palace is usually about pure card-shedding glory, some players like to keep score over multiple rounds. You could award points based on the order of finishing or even get evil and assign penalty points for cards left in hand.
4. Does it have to go in order of the numbers, or could I put a 7 on top of a 3?
Absolutely! As long as the card you’re playing is higher than the one on the discard pile (unless a 7 has been played – then it’s reverse!), you’re good to go.
