Game guide · ZBHQK
Old Maid: instructions and practice
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
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.
Aim for this result
Check the rule below as you play. Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Making your moves
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Check the rule below as you play. Tap one of the face-down cards marked with a question mark. Your remaining unpaired cards are shown below. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
An example before you play
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. If you hold 6♣ and draw 6♥, both cards leave your hand as a pair. A queen can also pair with another queen.
Pay attention to this rule
The last queen is not always the queen first seen in your hand; queens can be exchanged and paired during play. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Clarifying the way this game works
When I start, what is the aim of Old Maid?
Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. No download or player account is required.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Which card is removed before dealing?
The queen of diamonds, leaving an odd number of queens in the deck. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, do I remove pairs myself?
No. Equal-rank pairs are removed automatically after the deal and after each draw. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can two queens form a pair?
Yes. There are three queens in the 51-card deck, so one queen eventually remains unmatched. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Does the computer choose by looking at my hidden cards?
Its draw chooses a face-down position, not a card value. The controls work with mouse or touch.