Phat (card game)

Phat is a shedding-type card game played primarily in parts of the Southern United States. The objective of Phat is to be the first player to get rid of all of their cards. It is a game of skill and luck, requiring players to strategize based on the cards they are dealt and the actions of their opponents.

Gameplay:

Phat is typically played with a standard 52-card deck. The number of players can vary, but generally ranges from 2 to 6. One player is designated as the dealer and shuffles the deck. The dealer then deals all the cards out to the players, face down, one at a time, until the deck is exhausted. Some variations include dealing one card extra, which is then immediately played as the opening play.

The player to the dealer's left typically leads the first play. The first play is usually a single card or a combination of cards of the same rank (e.g., a pair of 7s, a three-of-a-kind). The next player must play a card or combination of cards that is of higher rank and the same number of cards as the previous play. For example, if the first player plays a single 7, the next player must play a single card of rank 8 or higher. If the first player plays a pair of 7s, the next player must play a pair of cards of a rank higher than 7.

A player who cannot or does not want to play must pass. Play continues around the table until all players except one have passed. When this occurs, the player who made the last play collects all the cards in the center (called "the pot") and leads the next play.

Certain card combinations may have special rules or effects, depending on the specific variation being played. For instance, some versions designate a certain card (often the 2 of clubs) as the "phat" card, which can be played out of turn or to beat any other play. Other versions might include rules for straights (a sequence of cards) or flushes (cards of the same suit).

Winning:

The first player to get rid of all of their cards wins the game. Losers are often ranked in order of when they ran out of cards, with the last player holding cards being the biggest loser, sometimes known as the "goat".

Variations:

Numerous variations of Phat exist, with differing rules regarding special card combinations, passing, and scoring. Common variations alter the 'phat' card, change the starting player, or modify rules for clearing the deck. As such, it is essential to clarify the rules before beginning a game of Phat.