How to Play I Doubt It (& Have a Blast With Family and Friends)

Listen:

Finding a card game that everyone from your little cousin to your grandma enjoys at game night isn’t easy.

You know that. I know that. Everybody knows that.

But is it possible to find a game that spans generations and still brings heaps of laughter and fun?

Absolutely.

Stick with me. I’ll show you exactly why “I Doubt It” (a.k.a Cheat) is that game — from its simple rules to its hilarious bluffing dynamics — basically, everything you need to know to make it a hit at your next family gathering or get-together with friends.

So, You Wanna Play “I Doubt It” (a.k.a Cheat)? Buckle Up!

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. “I Doubt It” (also known as Cheat or Bluff) is a card game where lying is not just allowed, it’s encouraged.

The goal is to be the first to ditch all your cards. Sounds simple, right? Well, hold onto your hats because it’s a wild ride of deception and strategy.

Getting Your Act Together: Setup

Before you dive into the chaos, you need to set the stage. Here’s how:

1. Players: You need 2 to 10 players. But let’s be real, the sweet spot is 3 to 6. Any more, and it’s like herding cats.
2. Deck: Grab a standard 52-card deck. If you’ve got a crowd (more than six), throw in another deck. Double the cards, double the fun.
3. Dealing: Shuffle those cards like your life depends on it and deal them out evenly. Some folks might get one more card than others. Life’s unfair, deal with it.

The Nitty-Gritty: Basic Rules

Now, let’s get into the meat of it. Here’s how you play:

1. Turn Order: Clockwise, folks. The player to the left of the dealer kicks things off.
   
2. Playing Cards: On the first person’s turn, place one or more cards face down and declare their rank. Start with Aces, then Twos, Threes, and so on up to Kings, then back to Aces. Easy peasy.
   
3. Bluffing: Here’s where it gets juicy. Everyone has to play at least one card per turn, even if it requires bluffing. Got that?
   
   The rules are that you have to discard a card face down – in the appropriate ascending order – when it’s your turn. For example, if the person before you played the rank of eights, then you would have to play nines.
   
   But, what if you don’t have nines – or whatever the next ranking card is? Well, you bluff. Lie through your teeth. If you don’t have the required rank, bluff by playing different cards and announce them as the correct rank.
   
   Or if you just feel like bluffing to see if you can get rid of more cards, you can try doing that, too. Just don’t get caught. (More on this in a minute)
   
4. Challenging: If you think someone’s full of it, call them out with a hearty “I Doubt It” (or Cheat, or whatever floats your boat). The cards get revealed:

• If they were lying, they pick up the whole discard pile.
• If they were telling the truth, congrats, you just earned yourself the entire discard pile.

Winning the Game: The Sweet Taste of Victory

So, how do you win this thing? Simple: be the first to get rid of all your cards. But there’s a catch.

If someone challenges your final play and you were lying, you’re back in the game with a fistful of cards.

If you were telling the truth, bask in the glory of your victory.

Table of Helpful Information

Aspect	Details
Objective	Be the first to get rid of all your cards.
Players	2 to 10 (3 to 6 is ideal).
Deck	Standard 52-card deck (use two decks for more than six players).
Turn Order	Clockwise, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
Bluffing	Lie about the rank of the cards you play.
Challenging	Call “I Doubt It” if you think someone’s lying.
Winning	Get rid of all your cards. Challenge the final play to ensure it’s truthful.

Variants: Switch It Up for Extra Chaos

Look, the basic rules of “I Doubt It” are simple enough, but where’s the fun in that?

If you’re a true master of deception, you’ll want to spice things up with some variants. Trust me, these will separate the amateurs from the pros.

1. Same Rank Variant

Instead of playing the next rank each turn, all players must play (or claim to play) the same rank until someone calls “I Doubt It.” This adds an extra layer of mind games, as you’ll have a harder time keeping track of who’s lying and who’s telling the truth.

2. Truth or Dare

Add a twist of classic party games to your Cheat session. If someone calls “Cheat” and they’re wrong, they must choose between picking up the pile or completing a dare chosen by the group. This rule adds a layer of humiliation and hilarity, making every accusation a high-stakes gamble.

3. Wildcard Woes

Introduce a wildcard into the mix. Choose one card (say, the Joker) that can be played as any rank.

But, here’s the catch. If someone calls “Cheat” on a wildcard and they’re right, that player has pick up the entire discard pile and 1 card from each other player. This rule adds an extra layer of strategy and risk.

Strategies: Become a Master Deceiver

Alright, you’ve got the rules down, but do you have what it takes to outsmart your opponents? Here are some strategies to help you become a true “I Doubt It” mastermind:

1. Bluffing Techniques: Mix truth with lies like a seasoned con artist. If you always lie, you’ll get caught. If you always tell the truth, you’re boring. Find that sweet spot in between, and keep ’em guessing.
   
2. Challenging Strategies: Timing is everything. Don’t be that person who calls “I Doubt It” every turn. You’ll end up with a mountain of cards and a bruised ego. Pick your battles wisely.
   
3. Final Card Play: This is the moment of truth. Always challenge a player’s last card to prevent them from winning easily. But be careful, because they might be onto your game.

Tips and Tricks: Become a Cheat Master

Alright, let’s wrap this up with some final tips and tricks to help you dominate the game:

1. General Tips: Pay attention to the cards played, and don’t be afraid to call out those suspicious moves.
2. Advanced Strategies: For the seasoned pros, try some advanced techniques like card counting or psychological warfare.

Wrapping It Up

There you have it. “I Doubt It” (Cheat) is a game of strategy, deception, and a bit of luck. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie, remember to have fun and don’t take it too seriously. After all, it’s just a game. Or is it?

So, gather your friends, shuffle those cards, and let the bluffing begin. And remember, if you get caught lying, just own it with a smile. It’s all part of the game.

Want A Little More?

Check out the helpful guide below and get ready to play hard, laugh harder, and maybe—just maybe—win the bragging rights at your next family showdown!”

Game	What It’s All About
Spoons	Grab a spoon or get schooled! It’s a fast-paced game of matching, sneaky grabs, and trying not to be the last one standing without a spoon. Like musical chairs but with more sharp objects.
Slapjack	Get ready to slap or be slapped! It’s all about speed and sharp eyes. Watch for that Jack and smack it hard—if you’re quick enough. Last one with hands on top takes the pile, so no dozing off!
Crazy Eights	Think you’re slick? Try your hand at Crazy Eights, where the aim is to outwit and unload all your cards first by matching suits or numbers. Miss a match and draw the pile. It’s chaos in card form!

Your Turn

Do you have any questions about the rules of “I Doubt It” that weren’t clear in the post? Let’s clear up any confusion so you can start playing confidently!