About Palace
Discover the history and origins of Palace, one of the world's most beloved shedding card games.
Play Now!What is Palace?
Palace is a shedding-type card game where players race to be the first to get rid of all their cards. Known for its simple rules yet strategic depth, Palace has become a favorite among casual players and card game enthusiasts alike.
The game is also known by other names, including Shed, Shithead, Karma, and Ten-Two Slide, depending on where you play.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck and works best with 2-4 players. Each game typically lasts 5-15 minutes, making it perfect for quick entertainment or extended gaming sessions.
History & Origins
Palace belongs to the family of "beating" or "shedding" card games that have been played for centuries across different cultures. While the exact origins are unclear, games with similar mechanics have been documented in various forms:
Traditional Roots
Shedding games have existed in various forms across Europe and Asia for hundreds of years. The core concept—getting rid of cards by playing higher values—is found in many traditional card games.
Modern Development
The specific rules of Palace as we know it today likely evolved in the late 20th century, spreading through word of mouth among friend groups, college campuses, and gaming communities.
Digital Age
With the internet, Palace gained wider recognition and standardized rules emerged. Online versions helped codify the game and spread it globally.
Names Around the World
Palace goes by many names depending on where you play:
Palace
The most common name, referring to the loser being stuck in the "palace" (or sometimes having to do a forfeit)
Shed / Shithead
A popular name in the UK and Australia, referring to the loser
Karma
Used in some regions, reflecting the game's element of luck and fate
China Hand
Another regional variation name
Ten-Two Slide
Named after the special cards in the game
Idiot
A less polite name used in some circles
Rule Variations
One of Palace's charms is its adaptability. Different groups play with different house rules. Here are some common variations:
Special Card Variations
- 7s as "lower than": The next player must play equal to or lower than 7
- 8s as "skip": Skip the next player's turn
- Jokers: Some versions include Jokers as wild cards
- Different bomb cards: Some play with cards other than 10 as the "clear" card
Gameplay Variations
- Multiple decks: For larger groups, two decks can be combined
- Trading phase: Some versions allow trading cards between players before play
- Blind swap: Players must choose face-up cards without seeing their hand first
- No swap: Some hardcore versions don't allow the initial swap
Why Palace Endures
Palace has remained popular for several reasons:
Easy to Learn
New players can understand the basics in under 5 minutes, making it accessible to everyone.
Luck & Skill Balance
While strategy matters, the luck element keeps games exciting and gives newcomers a chance to win.
Quick Games
Short game length means you can play multiple rounds or fit a game into a busy schedule.
Social Fun
The game creates memorable moments—dramatic comebacks, lucky draws, and close finishes.
About This Site
This website was created to share the joy of Palace with players around the world. Our goals are simple:
- Free forever: No ads, no payments, no registrations
- Clear rules: Comprehensive documentation for learning the game
- Instant play: Jump into a game right in your browser
- Accessible: Works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices
Whether you're a seasoned Palace veteran or a curious newcomer, we hope you enjoy playing!
Ready to Experience Palace?
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