Playing Old Maid is a classic and enjoyable card game where the main goal is to avoid being the player left with the singular "Old Maid" card at the end. It's a simple game, often played by children, that involves matching pairs and drawing cards from opponents. The game you're asking about, "Old Mummy," is likely a regional or alternative name for Old Maid, as the gameplay principles are generally the same.
Game Objective
The primary goal in Old Maid is straightforward:
- Match pairs: Players aim to create and discard as many pairs of cards as possible.
- Avoid the Old Maid: The ultimate objective is to not be the player holding the unmatched "Old Maid" card (often a specific card like a Queen, or a Joker) when all other cards have been paired and discarded. The player left with this card loses the round.
What You Need to Play
To embark on a game of Old Maid, you'll need just a few simple items:
- A Standard Deck of Cards (52 cards): Or any deck with pairs.
- One Joker: As mentioned in the reference, a single joker is often used as the "Old Maid" card, making it distinct and unpaired. Alternatively, you can remove one card of a pair (e.g., one Queen) from a standard deck to create an odd card out.
- At least two players: The game is typically played with 2 to 8 players.
Setting Up the Game
Proper setup ensures a smooth start to your Old Maid game.
Preparing the Deck
- Create the "Old Maid" card: If using a standard deck, remove one card from a pair (e.g., one Queen of Spades) so that one Queen remains unpaired.
- Alternatively, use a Joker: The simplest method, as highlighted, is to take a standard 52-card deck and add one joker. This joker will serve as the "Old Maid" card, being the only one without a match. Shuffle the deck thoroughly after adding the joker or removing a card.
Dealing the Cards
- Deal evenly: Distribute all the cards one by one evenly to each player. This ensures everyone starts with a hand of cards, though not necessarily an equal number of pairs.
- Keep cards hidden: Players look at their own cards but keep them hidden from others. It's crucial not to reveal your hand to opponents.
Initial Card Sorting
- Sort and pair: Once dealt, players should sort through their cards immediately.
- Discard pairs: Identify any pairs in your hand (e.g., two 7s, two Kings, etc.). Place these matched pairs face-up in a discard pile in front of you. This process continues until no more pairs can be made from your initial hand.
Playing the Game
The game proceeds in a simple, turn-based fashion.
Starting Play
- First player: Usually, the player to the dealer's left begins the game, or players can decide using a random method.
- Drawing a card: On your turn, you will draw one card from the player to your immediate right. This is done without looking at their hand; simply fan out their cards face-down, and you pick one.
- Making new pairs: After drawing a card, check your hand for any new pairs you can form with this newly acquired card. If you find a pair, immediately place it face-up in your discard pile.
Gameplay Flow
- Continuous drawing: The game continues with players drawing one card from the person to their right, then checking for and discarding any pairs.
- Empty hands: Players who manage to discard all their cards, including the "Old Maid" card if they drew it and passed it on, are out of the round and safe from losing.
Keeping a Poker Face
- Conceal the "Old Maid": If you happen to be holding the "Old Maid" (joker) card, try to keep a neutral expression. Don't give away that you have it, as other players will try to avoid drawing it from you!
Winning the Game
Unlike most card games where there's a winner, Old Maid focuses on identifying the loser.
- The loser: The game ends when all possible pairs have been made and discarded, and only one card remains in play – the "Old Maid" card. The player holding this single, unmatched "Old Maid" card at the very end of the game is the loser.
- The winners: All other players who successfully discarded all their cards are considered to have won the round.
Strategies and Tips for Old Maid
While largely a game of chance, a few small strategies can enhance your play:
- Fan cards carefully: When it's your turn to offer a card, fan your hand widely and evenly to avoid subtly highlighting the "Old Maid" card.
- Observe opponents: Pay attention to how other players fan their cards or if they seem nervous. Sometimes, a player might accidentally make the "Old Maid" card more obvious.
- Quick discards: Always discard pairs immediately to reduce the number of cards in your hand. This helps you get out of the game sooner.
- Don't hold onto the Old Maid: If you draw the Old Maid card, aim to get rid of it as quickly as possible by hoping the next player draws it from you.
Common Variations
While "Old Maid" is the most widely recognized name, many similar card games exist globally, often with slight rule variations or different names. "Old Mummy" could easily be one such variation, maintaining the core mechanic of pairing cards and avoiding an unpaired "unlucky" card. These variants often stem from local traditions or translations.
Old Maid, or "Old Mummy," is a fantastic way to introduce young players to card games due to its simple rules and engaging, suspenseful gameplay.
