Who’s the Ass?

About this board game

Who’s the Ass? is an exciting card game for 3–12 players, with a playing time of around 30 minutes. Created by Wolfgang Kramer and released in 2004, it challenges players to get rid of their cards as quickly as possible.

The central goal is simple: be the first to empty your hand. Once a player succeeds, all other players score negative points, giving everyone a strong reason to keep playing carefully and look for the right opportunity to shed their cards.

There is one especially unwelcome complication: the ass. Just when victory seems close, the ass can appear and leave a player stuck with a hand full of cards again. The game’s playful warning is clear—watch out for the ass, and do not feel sorry if it ends up sticking on you.

• Players: 3–12
• Playing time: approximately 30 minutes
• Type: card game
• Objective: get rid of your cards as fast as possible
• Consequence: once a player is done, the other players score negative points

Designed for both large and small gaming groups, Who’s the Ass? combines an easy-to-understand objective with an entertaining twist that can disrupt an apparent win. The tension comes from trying to finish first while avoiding the card or situation that leaves you holding cards again.

Who’s the Ass? was re-implemented by Ochs & Esel in 2008 and Das GROSSE und das kleine A in 1996. With its simple aim, lively theme, and capacity for up to twelve players, it is built for social card-game sessions where a promising lead can quickly turn into a troublesome setback.