Quick Rules
Idiot is a lively shedding game: everybody races to get rid of their cards, and nobody wants to be the last one left holding some. That player is the Idiot until the next deal, which makes for plenty of good-natured teasing around the table.
- The deal. Each player gets three cards face down on the table, three face up on top of them, and three in the hand. The rest of the deck is the stock.
- The swap. Before play starts you may swap hand cards with your face-up cards. Strong cards are good to keep on the table for later.
- Your turn. Play one or more cards of the same number that are equal to or higher than the top of the pile. Twos are low and Aces are high.
- Special cards. A 2 goes on anything and starts the pile again. A 10 goes on anything and burns the pile, and you play again. Four of the same number in a row burn the pile too.
- Can't play? Pick up the whole pile. While the stock lasts, draw back up to three cards after you play.
- The end. With your hand and the stock empty, play your face-up cards, then your face-down cards blind. The first player out is safe; the last player holding cards is the Idiot.
How to Play on This Page
At the start, tap a card in your hand and then one of your face-up cards to swap them, and tap Done Swapping when you are happy. During play, the big panel in the middle of the table always says what you may play, for example Play a 9 or higher, a 2, or a 10. The cards you can play are raised and outlined; the rest are shaded.
Tap a raised card to play it. If you hold two or more of that number, tap each one and then tap Play. When nothing fits, tap the big Pick Up the Pile button. The other players' face-up cards are always on show, with a count of their hand and face-down cards. Tap Hint for a suggestion, and Why? beside a computer play to read its reason.
Tips for Winning
- Put strong cards face up. Aces, Kings, 2s and 10s on the table will rescue you at the end, when you can no longer choose from a full hand.
- Play low. Get rid of your smallest cards first and keep the high ones for when you need them.
- Save your 2s and 10s. They fit on anything, so keep them for the moment nothing else will do.
- Play equal cards together. Three 5s in one turn is two fewer turns to worry about.
- Watch the face-up cards. If the player after you is down to a 4 and a 6, a 7 or higher will make them pick up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idiot free to play here?
Yes. Play as many games as you like for free, with no account, no download and no ads over the game.
Why is the game called Idiot?
Because the last player still holding cards gets teased as the Idiot until the next game starts. It is all in good fun. Some families call the game Palace or Shed instead; the rules are much the same.
What do the 2s and 10s do?
Both can be played on any card. A 2 starts the pile again, so the next player may play anything. A 10 burns the pile: the whole pile is taken out of the game and you play again. Four cards of the same number in a row also burn the pile.
What happens if I can't play?
Tap Pick Up the Pile. The whole pile goes into your hand and the next player starts afresh. You may also pick up the pile when you could play, if you would rather keep your cards.
When do I play my table cards?
Only when your hand is empty and the stock has run out. First you play your three face-up cards, then your three face-down cards one at a time without looking. If a face-down card does not fit, you pick up the pile with it.
Can I play several cards at once?
Yes, if they are the same number. Tap each of them and then tap Play. Playing the fourth card of a number in a row burns the pile, so watch for three of a kind on top.
Does the computer cheat?
No. A computer player sees only its own hand, the pile, everyone's face-up cards and how many cards everyone holds. It never sees your hand, the stock or anyone's face-down cards, not even its own. On Hard it remembers the cards it saw you pick up, just as a sharp player at a real table would. Tap Why? beside any computer play to read its reason, and after each game you can open Show All Hands or replay the same deal number.
Does the game save my progress?
Yes. Your game is saved in your browser after every move, so you can close the page and continue later on the same device.
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