FAQ
Questions from the tavern
How many players can play Crown Shuffle?
Crown Shuffle is for 2–8 players, and it's best with 5–8. There are special rules for 3–4 players and a separate two-player mode, so it works as a strategy duel as well as a loud party game.
How long does a game take?
About 15 minutes a round. Short enough to play “just one more”, long enough to completely ruin friendships. If you play to 10 points, plan on several rounds.
Is it like President or other ranking card games?
It shares the classic climbing and ranking idea from games like President (also known as Scum), but adds the Crown wild cards, ability cards, the sequence rule and card trades between Kings and Peasants. A familiar foundation with several twists, plus much better art.
Is Crown Shuffle beginner-friendly?
Yes. You can learn the rules in a few minutes. The strategy, bluffing and betrayal is where it gets interesting.
Is Crown Shuffle like The Great Dalmuti?
They're cousins. The Great Dalmuti is a commercial version of President with its own deck. Crown Shuffle comes from the same family, but adds two Crown wild cards, the sequence rule and secret ability cards for the two players at the bottom. In Dalmuti the Peasants mostly suffer. Ours get to fight back.
Does it work for big groups, like 8 players?
Yes. Crown Shuffle is a card game for 2 to 8 players, and it's at its best with 5 to 8, when the table is loud and alliances are short. With 3 or 4 players you take two ranks out of the deck, and there's a separate mode for 2.
Is it a party game or a strategy game?
Both. It has the fast pace of a party game with real decisions underneath. Play it casually, or take the throne very, very seriously.
Is it a good party game for adults?
That's what it's made for. It's rated 14+, so teens can join in, and the humour is cheeky rather than filthy. Expect bluffing, grudges and at least one person demanding a rematch.
What's in the box?
72 cards: 56 playing cards (four sets of 14 roles, ranked 1 to 14), 14 ability cards (7 useful, 7 rather pointless) and 2 Crown wild cards. Plus the rulebook.
Is Crown Shuffle the same game as Kings & Peasants?
Yes. Kings & Peasants was the working title while we developed the game. Same game, same characters, new name.
When and where can I buy it?
Not quite yet. The game is finished and a small preview edition is being printed right now. Crown Shuffle launches on Kickstarter in early 2027. Join the VIP list to hear the launch date before the internet does. The list also gets the early-bird deal first.
Where can I read the full rules?
On the rulebook page. It's the same page the QR code in the printed rulebook opens.
Something missing? Read the full rules or email game@crownshuffle.com.