Mau-Mau

Use a standard 52-card deck (add a second deck for 5+ players). Deal 5 cards to each player (7 cards for 2 players). Place the remaining deck face-down as a draw pile. Flip the top card to start the discard pile.

The first player to play all their cards wins the round. For scoring, remaining players' hands count against them (8s = 50, face cards = 10, others = face value). Play to a target score (often 100 or 500).

On your turn, play a card that matches the discard pile's top card in suit or rank. If you cannot play, draw cards from the pile until you can play (or the pile is exhausted). Eights are wild: play an 8 at any time and declare the new suit.

Save your 8s for when you really need them - they're your best cards. Watch what suits other players seem to be collecting or avoiding. If you're stuck drawing many cards, play something undesirable to opponents.

UNO is a commercial variant with special action cards. Mau Mau: European variant with different special cards. Some versions have additional special cards (2s make next player draw, etc.).