The Psychic
Effect: Must play 5 cards for the hand to score. Playing fewer cards uses a hand and scores zero.
The Psychic in Balatro: Must play 5 cards for the hand to score. Playing fewer cards uses a hand and scores zero. Counter strategies and which jokers beat it.
Eligible antes: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
Threat level: Low
Strategy
Always select 5 cards even for smaller hands. Unscored cards satisfy the requirement.
Strategy Tip
Pad your hand with low-value cards. Only the scoring cards matter: non-scorers still count for the 5-card requirement.
How to counter The Psychic
Danger Tier: C
Group: Hand rules (Fewer options or restrictions on what scores)
Counter: Add spare cards to reach five without changing your intended hand type.