What are the basic rules of Mau Mau?

Play a card matching the discard's suit or rank. If you cannot play, draw one card and either play it or pass. Special cards: 7 makes the next player draw two cards (stackable). 8 skips the next player. Jack is wild - play anytime and call a new suit.

Regole di Mau-Mau - Come si gioca

Obiettivo

Be the first to discard all your cards. Say 'Mau' on your second-to-last card and 'Mau Mau' on your last.

Panoramica

Mau Mau is a popular German card game similar to Crazy Eights but with action cards. Certain cards force opponents to draw extra cards, skip turns, or reverse play direction. Players must announce 'Mau' when down to one card.

Preparazione

Use a 32-card deck (7s through Aces) for authentic rules, or a standard 52-card deck. Deal 5-6 cards each. Place the deck as a draw pile and flip one card to start the discard pile.

Come giocare

Play a card matching the discard's suit or rank.
If you cannot play, draw one card and either play it or pass.
Special cards: 7 makes the next player draw two cards (stackable). 8 skips the next player. Jack is wild - play anytime and call a new suit.
When you have two cards left and play one, you must say 'Mau.'
When you play your last card, say 'Mau Mau.'
Forgetting to say 'Mau' results in drawing penalty cards.
The round ends when someone empties their hand correctly.

Vincere la partita

The first player to correctly discard all cards and say 'Mau Mau' wins. Remaining players count their cards against them for scoring.

Consigli strategici

Save your Jacks for when you need to change suit.

Stack 7s if possible to force massive draws onto the next player.

Remember to say 'Mau' - forgetting costs you penalty cards.

Watch the number of cards opponents hold - slow down if they're close to winning.

8s (skip cards) are powerful when an opponent is about to go out.

Storia

Mau Mau originated in Germany and became popular across Europe. The game likely developed in the early 20th century. It's known by many regional names with slightly varying rules.