What You Need To Know To Get Started Playing SHOW
Goal, Setup, & Basics
Setup:
2-5 players - single deck
6-10 players - both decks, combined
Each player gets 5 cards.
The remaining cards form the draw pile (face down).
Basics:
On your turn, you can either:
A. SHOW: If your cards add up to 5 or less, yell "SHOW!", OR
B. Discard and Draw: If your cards add up to more than 5:
1. Discard: Place a high-value card, or a pair, 3 of a kind, or 4 of a kind. Matching suits don’t count.
2. Draw: Draw ONE card from the draw pile (face down) or take the top card from the discard pile (face up), only the top card can be picked up.
HERO Card
Draw the top card from the draw pile. If it’s 6 or higher, it becomes the HERO. If it’s less than 6, return it randomly into the deck and draw again.
Repeat until the card is higher than 6.
The HERO card changes every round, so pay attention.
It’s valuable—hold onto it! if another player mistakenly discards the HERO card, grab it quickly!
Special Cards
- If a player tries to SHOW, another player can block them by playing a NO SHOW card.
- NO SHOW can be played out of turn.
- The player who plays the NO SHOW card must draw ONE card from the draw pile first.
- The blocked player must then discard a card and draw from the draw pile (since the NO SHOW card is on top of the discard pile, it can’t be drawn).
- Play continues with the next player, and the blocked player cannot SHOW on that turn.
- NO SHOW cards cannot be drawn once they’re in the discard pile.
- Player must discard the NO SHOW card before attempting to SHOW; it works against you if held too long!
DRAW 1 Card:
- Player with a DRAW 1 card can only use it on their turn.
- Discard the DRAW 1 card and draw like normal, then choose any player to DRAW 1 card from the draw pile.
- Player must discard the DRAW 1 card before attempting to SHOW.
CUT Rule
- Multiple players can CUT in sequence, as long as each one has the same or lower sum than the previous cutter.
- The player with the lowest sum after all CUTs wins the round.
Card Values
2-10 = Face Value
J = 15
Q = 20
K = 25
0 = 0
NO SHOW & DRAW 1 - must be discarded before attempting SHOW.
Tips, Tricks, & Strategies for Mastering SHOW
SHOW is more than just a card game; it’s a fast-paced, strategic battle of wits. While luck plays a part, a smart strategy can turn the tide in your favor.
Dive into these expert tips, tricks, and strategies to up your game and outplay your opponents.
General Gameplay Tips
1. Know Your Goal: Always aim to reduce your hand to a sum of 5 or less. Keep that objective in mind when discarding or drawing.
2. Pay Attention to the HERO Card:
• Identify the HERO card at the start of each round—it’s the game’s wild card, worth 0.
• Guard the HERO card if you draw it—it’s your greatest asset.
• Watch for other players mistakenly discarding the HERO card. If it’s in the discard pile, grab it quickly!
3. Discard Wisely:
• Focus on discarding high-value cards first to lower your hand’s sum.
• Form pairs, three-of-a-kinds, or four-of-a-kinds to discard multiple cards in one move.
• Avoid discarding cards that could help other players form pairs.
4. Monitor Your Hand: Shrink your hand as quickly as possible. A smaller hand gives you flexibility and keeps your opponents guessing.
Strategic Use of Special Cards
NO SHOW Card
• Block Effectively: Use the NO SHOW card (even out of turn) to stop an opponent from winning and disrupting their SHOW.
• Anticipate Blocks: If you suspect someone has a NO SHOW card, plan for an alternative play in case your SHOW gets blocked.
• Don’t Hold Too Long: Discard the NO SHOW card strategically before attempting to SHOW. Holding it too long works against you if you’re close to 5 or less.
DRAW Card
• Force Trouble: Use the DRAW card to target players who have a shrinking hand. Forcing them to draw increases their sum and disrupts their strategy.
• Plan Ahead: Remember, you must discard the DRAW card before attempting to SHOW. Time its use strategically.
Cut Rule Strategies
1. Stay Alert: When someone calls SHOW, be ready to CUT if your hand has the same sum or less.
2. Chain Cuts: If you see an opportunity to CUT, make your move quickly to block the SHOW and shift the advantage to yourself.
3. Disrupt the Game: The CUT rule adds chaos to the game. Use it to keep your opponents on their toes and prevent an easy win.
Discarding, Drawing, & Advanced Strategies
1. Watch the Discard Pile:
• Pay attention to what’s being discarded.
• Watch for cards that form pairs or multiples to reduce your hand size quickly.
2. Be Unpredictable:
• Avoid obvious plays that help others predict your hand or strategy.
• Throw in unexpected discards to confuse your opponents.
3. Draw Wisely:
• Only pick from the discard pile if it helps your hand significantly.
• Otherwise, stick to the draw pile to keep your strategy hidden.
4. Early Game:
• Focus on reducing your sum quickly by discarding high-value cards.
• Watch the discard pile for opportunities to form pairs or multiples.
5. Mid-Game:
• Begin shrinking your hand by discarding pairs, triples, or quads.
• Use special cards (NO SHOW or DRAW) to disrupt opponents.
6. Endgame:
• Prepare to SHOW by ensuring your hand is 5 or less.
• Anticipate opponents’ moves and be ready to CUT or block.
Reading Your Opponents & Psychological Tactics
1. Observe Behavior: Watch for patterns in discards and draws. If someone avoids certain cards, they might be forming pairs or multiples.
2. Predict Moves: Pay attention to how many cards your opponents have left. Players with fewer cards may be close to SHOWing.
3. Bluff Smartly: Keep a poker face. Make it hard for others to guess if you’re about to SHOW.
4. Fake Your Intentions: Discard cards that make others think you’re far from SHOWing.
5. Distract Opponents: Use casual conversation to shift their focus while you quietly execute your strategy.
6. Time Your Moves: Hesitate or make deliberate plays to create tension and force others into mistakes.
Key Reminders
• Every Card Counts: Use each card in your hand purposefully.
• Think Ahead: Plan your moves several turns in advance.
• Adapt Quickly: Be flexible and adjust your strategy as the game evolves.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you play, the better you’ll get at mastering the nuances of SHOW. Each round is a new opportunity to test strategies, learn from your mistakes, and improve your skills.
Ready to outsmart, outplay, and SHOW your hand first? Let’s go!
