Objective of the Game

The goal of Old Maid is to get rid of all card pairs in your hand and not end up with an unpaired card, the "Old Maid," at the end.

Setup

1. Number of Players: This game can be played with a minimum of two players, but it is more exciting with more participants.
2. Card Deck: A standard deck of playing cards is used. At the beginning, one card is removed. This card becomes the "Old Maid" and should be a card that does not pair (e.g., a black queen).
3. Dealing: Shuffle the cards well and deal them evenly to all players. It isn't a problem if some players have one card more than others.

Rules

1. Forming Pairs: Players look at their hands and lay down pairs (two cards of the same rank) face up on the table.
2. Drawing Card: The player to the left of the dealer starts by drawing a card from their right neighbor without looking. If they form a new pair, they immediately lay it down.
3. Taking Turns: The next player then draws from their right neighbor, continuing around the circle.
4. Old Maid: The game ends when all pairs have been laid down and one player is left with the "Old Maid"—an unpaired card.

Winning and Losing

• The player left with the "Old Maid" is the loser.
• All other players win, as they have no cards left.

Strategic Tips

• Observation: Remember which cards have been drawn or played to better guess what your opponent might have.
• Defense: Always look for opportunities to form pairs as soon as they come up.

The game is more about luck than strategy, making it a fun and straightforward game for all ages. Enjoy playing Old Maid!