Rules · strategy · table names
How to play Palace.
Match the rank or play higher. If you cannot, pick up. Power cards bend the rules; three levels make the ending unforgettable.
Palace in one minute
- Play the same rank as the top card or a higher rank.
- If you cannot make a legal play, pick up the pile.
- Use the Four of Hearts power cards: 2 resets, 7 requires lower, 8 is transparent, and 10 burns.
- Clear your hand, then your visible face-up cards, then the hidden face-down finale.
Simple strategy
Save flexibility for the end. Low cards can become traps; a 2 escapes almost anything; a 10 clears danger; and the cards everyone can see tell rivals how your finish may unfold.
Frequently asked questions
Is Palace a shedding game?
Yes. The goal is to shed every card across three levels before the other players.
Is Palace also called Shed?
Palace is part of a folk game family with names that vary by table and region. Shed, Karma, and China Hand appear in published rules references. House rules also vary.
Are these the only traditional power-card rules?
No. This site teaches the clear Four of Hearts rule set. Other tables may assign different powers or use different ranks.
How many people can play?
Palace is commonly taught as a small-group card game. Exact setup and deck use can vary by the number of players and local rules.