Game guide · BJTENGYUE
Understand the basics 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction. 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.
A small practice goal
A careful first move helps you understand the round. On your turn choose one face-down card from the computer’s hand.
Your goal
Read the position before choosing your next action. Make matching-rank pairs and avoid being the player left with the last queen.
Step by step
- 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.
Input guidance
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.
A useful example
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Notice this detail
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Read these answers for extra help
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.
On this page, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
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.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
When I start, which card is removed before dealing?
The queen of diamonds, leaving an odd number of queens in the deck. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Do I remove pairs myself?
No. Equal-rank pairs are removed automatically after the deal and after each draw. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, can two queens form a pair?
Yes. There are three queens in the 51-card deck, so one queen eventually remains unmatched. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, does the computer choose by looking at my hidden cards?
Its draw chooses a face-down position, not a card value. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
