Game guide · CXCWGS
Rules, controls and help for Old Maid
Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. The queen of diamonds is removed from a standard deck, leaving 51 cards. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Two-player free game. Pairs are identified by rank, regardless of suit. Computer choices do not inspect the face-down card values.
Something to practise
A careful first move helps you understand the round. On your turn choose one face-down card from the computer’s hand. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
What the game asks you to do
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap one of the face-down cards marked with a question mark. Your remaining unpaired cards are shown below. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
See the idea in action
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. If you hold 6♣ and draw 6♥, both cards leave your hand as a pair. A queen can also pair with another queen. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
One detail worth checking
Check the rule below as you play. The last queen is not always the queen first seen in your hand; queens can be exchanged and paired during play. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Answers about the rules and controls
For this game, what is the aim of Old Maid?
Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
On this page, 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.
When I start, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, which card is removed before dealing?
The queen of diamonds, leaving an odd number of queens in the deck. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, do I remove pairs myself?
No. Equal-rank pairs are removed automatically after the deal and after each draw. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, can two queens form a pair?
Yes. There are three queens in the 51-card deck, so one queen eventually remains unmatched. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Does the computer choose by looking at my hidden cards?
Its draw chooses a face-down position, not a card value. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
