Old Maid Card Game: Strategic Moves & Tips for Fun Game Nights

You've probably heard of the Old Maid card game, right? It's a classic that's been around for ages, providing endless fun for both kids and adults. This timeless game, with its simple rules and engaging gameplay, has a charm that's hard to resist.

But what if you're new to Old Maid? Don't worry, you're in for a treat. This game, steeped in tradition, is easy to learn and quick to play. Whether you're planning a family game night or just killing time, Old Maid is a perfect choice.

In this article, we'll explore the ins and outs of the Old Maid card game. From its fascinating history to the strategies that can make you a winner, we've got you covered. So, let's get started, shall we?

Players 2 Players
Difficulty 2/10
Recommended Age 6+
Game Category Shedding
Playing the card game Old Maid
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Old Maid Game Overview

Old Maid is a classic card game that has been played for generations. It's a fun, easy-to-learn game that can be played with players of all ages. The object of the game is to avoid being the player left with the Old Maid card at the end of the game. This game is perfect for family game night or a quick game with friends.

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Objective of the Game

The objective of the game is to avoid being the player left with the Old Maid card at the end of the game. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, with one of the cards removed. The removed card is typically the queen of clubs, but it can be any card that the players agree upon. The remaining cards are dealt out to the players, and they take turns trying to make pairs with their cards. The player left with the Old Maid card at the end of the game is the loser.

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Materials Needed for Playing Old Maid

  • A standard deck of 52 cards
  • Optional: multiple decks if playing with more than 5 players

Cards Used

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. One card is removed from the deck, typically the queen of clubs, leaving 51 cards in the deck.

Other Supplies Needed

None

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How To Play Old Maid

  1. Remove one card from the deck to be the Old Maid card.
  2. Shuffle the remaining 51 cards and deal them out to the players, face down.
  3. Players look at their cards and discard any pairs they have (two cards of the same rank).
  4. The player to the dealer's left picks a card from the player to their left. If the card they pick makes a pair, they discard it. If not, they keep it.
  5. The game continues clockwise, with each player taking turns picking cards from the player to their left and discarding any pairs they make.
  6. The game ends when all the cards have been paired except for the Old Maid card. The player left with the Old Maid card at the end of the game loses.

Keeping Score

There is no scoring in Old Maid. The game is played for fun and the objective is simply to avoid being left with the Old Maid card.

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Related Games

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