Mau Mau Card Game: A Guide to Rules, Winning Strategies, and Play Instructions
Introduction
Mau Mau, a card game originating from Germany, is easy to learn but offers a lot of strategic depth. It’s played with a standard deck of 52 cards and can be played by 2 to 6 players.
Quick Tip for Mau Mau
Always remember, the key to winning Mau Mau is to get rid of your cards as quickly as possible. So, play your highest cards first!
Rules for playing Mau Mau
- The game begins with each player being dealt 7 cards.
- The remaining deck is placed face down, with the top card turned over to start the discard pile.
- Players must match the top card of the discard pile by number, color, or symbol.
- If a player cannot match the top card, they must draw a card from the deck.
- The first player to get rid of all their cards is the winner.
These are the basic rules, but house rules can add more fun and complexity to the game.
The Deal for Mau Mau
The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 7 cards to each player. The remaining deck is placed in the center of the table, and the top card is flipped over to start the discard pile.
How to Play Mau Mau
Setup
After the deal, players look at their cards and plan their strategy. The player to the left of the dealer goes first.
Gameplay
Players take turns matching the top card of the discard pile. If they cannot match it, they must draw a card. The goal is to get rid of all your cards.
End of the Game and Scoring
The game ends when a player has no cards left. That player is the winner. There is no scoring in Mau Mau, it’s all about winning!
How to Win at Mau Mau
Winning at Mau Mau requires a balance of strategy and luck. Play your highest cards first, and try to keep a variety of colors and numbers in your hand for flexibility.
Mau Mau, similar to UNO, that can be enjoyed by all ages. The game is fast-paced and relies on quick decision-making and strategic thinking. Here’s how you can increase your chances of winning at Mau Mau:
1. Know the Rules: The first step to winning any game is understanding the rules. In Mau Mau, the objective is to get rid of all your cards before your opponents do. You can do this by matching the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile.
2. Practice: The more you play, the better you’ll get. This game requires quick thinking and rapid decision-making. With practice, you can improve these skills and increase your chances of winning.
3. Pay Attention: Keep a close eye on what cards other players are laying down. This can give you a sense of what cards they might have left.
4. Strategize: Save your special cards for when you most need them. For example, in most versions of Mau Mau, 7s force the next player to draw two cards and Aces change the playing direction. Use these to your advantage.
5. Be Adaptable: Mau Mau is a game that can change quickly. You might be ahead one moment, and behind the next. Stay adaptable and be prepared to change your strategy as the game progresses.
6. Play the High Cards First: If you have high-value cards, like Kings or Queens, get rid of them as soon as possible. This is because, if another player ends the game before you do, these high-value cards will contribute more to your score, which you want to keep as low as possible.
7. Act Fast: As Mau Mau is a fast-paced game, you need to think quickly and act fast. The faster you can get rid of your cards, the better.
8. Control the Game: If you have the opportunity to control the game’s direction or make the next player pick up cards, seize it. This can disrupt their strategy and give you an advantage.
9. Keep Track of Played Cards: Try to remember what special cards have already been played. This will help you predict what might come next and plan your moves accordingly.
10. Enjoy the Game: Lastly, remember that Mau Mau is a game. The main objective should be to have fun. Even if you don’t win every time, enjoy the process of playing and learning.
Best Strategies for playing Mau Mau
One of the best strategies in Mau Mau is to play your special cards wisely. These can change the direction of play or force other players to draw cards, giving you an advantage.
The strategies for playing Mau Mau can vary depending on the number of players and the specific rules you’re playing with, but here are some general strategies that can help you be more successful:
1. Keep Track of Cards: Pay attention to the cards that have been played and try to remember them. This will help you anticipate what cards your opponents might have left.
2. Save Special Cards: If you have any 7s, 8s, Jacks or Aces (depending on your rules), try to save them for later in the game when they can have a bigger impact. These cards can allow you to change the direction of play, skip a player’s turn or force them to draw cards.
3. Play High Cards First: It’s generally a good idea to play your high cards first. This is because if the game comes down to a point count, you want to be holding as few points as possible.
4. Watch Your Opponents: Pay attention to your opponent’s reactions. If they hesitate before playing a card, they might be running out of good options.
5. Maintain a Balanced Hand: Try to keep a balanced hand in terms of suits. This will give you more flexibility and increase your chances of being able to play a card on your turn.
6. Play Strategically: If a player is about to go out, consider if you can play a card that would force them to draw or skip their turn.
7. Control the Game: If possible, try to control the suit that is being played. If you have a lot of cards of one suit, try to play cards that will keep that suit in play.
These strategies are not guaranteed to make you win every time, but they can increase your chances of winning and I can say they have worked for me in practice. And remember, the most important thing is to have fun!
Game Variations
There are many variations of Mau Mau, including Crazy Eights and Uno. These games have similar rules but add unique twists, like special cards with unique effects.
Scenarios for Mau Mau
Imagine you’re down to your last card, but it doesn’t match the top card of the discard pile. Do you draw a card and hope for a match, or do you play a special card to change the game? These are the strategic decisions that make Mau Mau so exciting.
Frequently Asked Questions about playing Mau Mau game
- What happens if the deck runs out of cards? If the deck runs out, shuffle the discard pile to create a new deck.
- Can I play a special card even if I have a matching card? Yes, you can play any card from your hand during your turn.
- What is the best strategy for winning? Try to get rid of your highest cards first, and use your special cards strategically.
External Links
For more information on the history and variations of Mau Mau, check out this Wikipedia article.
A digital native around since the early days of online gaming communities around 2001. An early contributor to the cult gaming site ClanTemplates, Adam has spent years giving free gaming resources to the community. With BoardCards, Adam is most experienced and commonly writing the articles on Strategy multi-player games like Settlers of Catan and Avalon. His first introduction to board games was via Mancala, an Egyptian-origin stone game and one of the oldest known games still played worldwide. Contact me via email
