Game guide · XBZJZX
Read before your next round of Old Maid
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. The game area remains available above the explanation. The queen of diamonds is removed from a standard deck, leaving 51 cards. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Two-player free game. Pairs are identified by rank, regardless of suit. Computer choices do not inspect the face-down card values.
Practice with a purpose
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. On your turn choose one face-down card from the computer’s hand. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Understand the aim
Read the position before choosing your next action. Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A walkthrough of the rules
- The queen of diamonds is removed from a standard deck, leaving 51 cards.
- All cards are dealt between you and the computer. Opening pairs of equal rank are removed automatically.
- On your turn choose one face-down card from the computer’s hand.
- A new matching pair is removed automatically. The computer then draws one card from your shuffled face-down hand.
- The round ends when only the unpaired queen remains. The holder of that queen loses.
Keyboard and screen controls
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap one of the face-down cards marked with a question mark. Your remaining unpaired cards are shown below.
Try this example
Take a moment to check the current turn. If you hold 6♣ and draw 6♥, both cards leave your hand as a pair. A queen can also pair with another queen.
A mistake to avoid
A careful first move helps you understand the round. The last queen is not always the queen first seen in your hand; queens can be exchanged and paired during play. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
More answers before you play
During a round, what is the aim of Old Maid?
Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap one of the face-down cards marked with a question mark. Your remaining unpaired cards are shown below. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, can you show an example?
If you hold 6♣ and draw 6♥, both cards leave your hand as a pair. A queen can also pair with another queen. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, which mistake should I avoid?
The last queen is not always the queen first seen in your hand; queens can be exchanged and paired during play. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, what rules and limits are used here?
Two-player free game. Pairs are identified by rank, regardless of suit. Computer choices do not inspect the face-down card values. You can start a new round from the game controls.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, which card is removed before dealing?
The queen of diamonds, leaving an odd number of queens in the deck. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, do I remove pairs myself?
No. Equal-rank pairs are removed automatically after the deal and after each draw. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can two queens form a pair?
Yes. There are three queens in the 51-card deck, so one queen eventually remains unmatched. The game is played locally in your browser.
Does the computer choose by looking at my hidden cards?
Its draw chooses a face-down position, not a card value. Use the labelled controls for your next action.