Learn to Play Mao: Rules & Tips

Players 3 Players
Difficulty 6/10
Recommended Age 10+
Game Category Bluffing
Playing the card game Mao
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Mao Game Overview

Get ready to learn how to play Mao, a card game that will keep you guessing and on your toes. This exciting game is perfect for anyone who loves a challenge and wants to have fun with friends and family. The rules are simple, but the game is anything but easy. You'll need to pay attention, think fast, and be ready to adapt to changing situations. Are you up for the challenge? Let's get started!

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Objective of the Game

The goal of Mao is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. However, the catch is that the rules are constantly changing, and players are not allowed to discuss them. The only way to learn the rules is by playing the game and figuring them out as you go. This makes Mao a game of strategy, memory, and quick thinking.

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Materials Needed for Playing Mao

  • Standard deck of playing cards
  • Pen and paper for scorekeeping

Cards Used

Mao is typically played with a standard deck of 52 playing cards. Jokers are not used in this game.

Other Supplies Needed

None

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How To Play Mao

  1. Shuffle the deck and deal out the entire deck of cards to all players.
  2. The player to the left of the dealer goes first and plays a card face up in the middle of the table.
  3. The next player must play a card of the same suit or rank as the previous card played. If they cannot, they must draw a card from the deck.
  4. The game continues in this manner until a player has no cards left in their hand.
  5. However, the rules of the game are constantly changing, and players are not allowed to discuss them. The only way to learn the rules is by playing the game and figuring them out as you go.
  6. If a player breaks a rule, they must draw a penalty card.
  7. The first player to get rid of all their cards wins the game.

Keeping Score

Scorekeeping in Mao is simple. The winner of each round earns one point. The first player to reach a predetermined number of points (usually 10) wins the game.

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Related Games

If you enjoy playing Mao, you may also enjoy these similar card games: