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How to Play Mau-Mau
Mau-Mau is a shedding card game for 2-8 players and a close relative of Uno and Crazy Eights. Using a standard 52-card deck (or sometimes extended with jokers), the goal is to be the first player to discard all your cards. The game begins by dealing 7 cards to each player, with the remaining cards forming a draw pile and one card placed face-up to start the discard pile.
On each turn, a player must play a card that matches the top discard in either rank or suit. For example, if the discard shows a 7 of hearts, you can play any 7 or any heart. Special cards add action: Jacks (or sometimes 7s) allow the player to skip the next player's turn, and 2s force the next player to draw two cards and forfeit their turn.
If you cannot play a matching card, you must draw one card from the draw pile. If that card can be played, you may immediately play it; otherwise, your turn ends. Some variants allow "Mau-Mau" calls when holding only one card (a warning) with a penalty for failing to call.
The first player to discard all their cards wins the round. Points may be scored based on remaining cards in opponents' hands (face cards worth more), and multiple rounds can be played until a player reaches a target score (often 500 points).
Pro Tips
- Save action cards: Hold onto skip and draw-2 cards for when they matter most—using them when opponents are low on cards can be decisive.
- Watch opponents' card counts: Note when opponents draw (indicating they couldn't play) to gauge how many cards they likely hold and adjust your strategy.
- Call Mau-Mau immediately: As soon as you play your second-to-last card, call "Mau-Mau"—failing to do so typically results in drawing two penalty cards.
- Manage suits strategically: Try to end your turns with cards of the most common suit in play, making it easier to match when your turn comes.
Variations
Mau-Mau with Jokers
When jokers are included, they become wild cards that can be played on anything and allow the player to declare the next suit. This adds a strategic "suit calling" element to the game.
Speed Mau-Mau
In this fast-paced variant, players can play simultaneously rather than taking turns, racing to empty their hands first. The first to shout "Mau-Mau" wins if their hand is empty.
French Mau-Mau
The original French version uses different special cards: 7s allow a player to call "Mau-Mau" (forcing others to draw), and 8s reverse direction. The game traditionally ends at 101 points.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Mau-Mau and Uno?
Uno is essentially an Americanized, commercially-produced version of Mau-Mau with similar mechanics but a proprietary card design. Mau-Mau uses standard playing cards and has more regional rule variations.
Can you play a card that doesn't match?
No, you must match the top discard by either rank or suit. The only exception is if you're using wild cards (like jokers) which can be played on anything and allow you to change the active suit.
What happens if the draw pile runs out?
When the draw pile is exhausted, the discard pile (except the top card) is shuffled and turned over to form a new draw pile. The game continues without interruption.