Overview
Old Maid is a pair matching card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Make and discard pairs while avoiding being left with the unmatched Old Maid card.
What You Need
- Old Maid deck or standard deck with one card removed
- 2–8 player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
Remove one Queen from a standard deck so one Queen cannot be paired, or use a dedicated Old Maid deck. Deal all cards. Each player removes matching pairs from their hand.
How to Play
- On your turn, draw one unseen card from the hand of the player beside you.
- If the drawn card makes a pair in your hand, place that pair down.
- Then the next player draws from the next hand.
- Continue until every possible pair is gone.
- The player left holding the unmatched Old Maid loses.
Scoring / Winning
Usually each round has one loser rather than points. For a series, mark wins or losses on the game sheet.
Worked Example
If you draw a 9 and already hold the matching 9, place the pair down immediately. The unmatched Queen remains dangerous until the end.
Strategy Tips
- Mix your hand so the Old Maid is not easy to identify.
- Remember which ranks have already been paired.
- Do not reveal your reaction when you draw the unmatched card.
Common Mistakes
- Removing non-matching cards as a pair.
- Showing card faces to the player drawing from you.
- Forgetting to remove starting pairs before play.
Variations & House Rules
Dedicated decks may use pictures instead of ranks; some groups track one point for each round won.
FAQ
Who loses?
The player holding the one card with no matching partner at the end.
Can more than one card be left?
Normally no; with the deck prepared correctly, all other cards can form pairs.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Old Maid Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.