Learn to Play Black Maria: Rules & Tips
| Players | 2-6 Players |
| Difficulty | 4/10 |
| Recommended Age | 12+ |
| Game Category | Trick-taking |
Black Maria Game Overview
Black Maria is a classic trick-taking card game that is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. The game is easy to learn and can be played by two to six players. The objective of the game is to avoid taking certain cards in tricks and to score the fewest points possible. Black Maria is a fun and fast-paced game that can be enjoyed by players of all skill levels.
Objective of the Game
The goal of Black Maria is to avoid taking the queen of spades, the jack of diamonds, and all hearts. At the end of each round, players score points based on the cards they have taken in tricks. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Materials Needed for Playing Black Maria
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards
- Paper and pen for scorekeeping (optional)
Cards Used
Black Maria is played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. No jokers are used in the game.
How to Play Black Maria:- Shuffle the deck and deal 13 cards to each player.
- Players look at their hands and pass three cards face down to the player on their left.
- The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick.
- Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card.
- The player who wins the trick leads the next trick.
- Players continue to play tricks until all 13 tricks have been played.
- At the end of each round, players score points based on the cards they have taken in tricks. The queen of spades, the jack of diamonds, and all hearts are worth one point each. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
At the end of each round, players count the number of points they have taken in tricks. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Other Supplies Needed
None
How To Play Black Maria
- Shuffle the deck and deal 13 cards to each player.
- Players look at their hands and pass three cards face down to the player on their left.
- The player to the left of the dealer leads the first trick.
- Players must follow suit if possible; otherwise, they can play any card.
- The player who wins the trick leads the next trick.
- Players continue to play tricks until all 13 tricks have been played.
- At the end of each round, players score points based on the cards they have taken in tricks. The queen of spades, the jack of diamonds, and all hearts are worth one point each. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Keeping Score
At the end of each round, players count the number of points they have taken in tricks. The player with the fewest points at the end of the game wins.
Other Supplies Needed:None.