How to Play Mau Card Game

Mau is a popular card game played in many parts of the world, especially among young adults and teenagers. The goal of the game is to be the first player to reach 50 points or more after completing all your hands. Each hand consists of drawing three cards from a deck and then playing one card at a time until you can no longer draw new cards. The cards have different values and suits, making it challenging for players to strategize their moves effectively.

How to Play Mau Card Game

Step 1: Setup

The game starts with each player receiving seven cards from the dealer. These cards are placed face down on the table as a “discard pile.” Players take turns drawing three cards from this discard pile during their turn.

Step 2: Draw and Play Cards

During each turn, a player draws three cards from the discard pile and plays one card at a time according to specific rules:

Draw Again: If a player has three cards that match the suit of their last played card (for example, if they drew a red heart), they must draw again before continuing to play.
Play a Higher Value Card: If a player’s current card beats the highest value card in their hand, they can play it without having to draw again. For instance, if a player holds a four and plays an ace, they can continue playing higher valued cards like fives and sixes.
No Suit Match: If a player does not have any matching cards, they must draw again unless they hold a trump card (a special card that cannot be beaten). Trump cards are worth double the normal point value.
Complete Hand: Once a player completes their hand by either running out of cards or unable to play another card due to lack of matching cards or being dealt a trump card, they pass the remaining cards to the next player clockwise.

Step 3: Winning the Game

Players aim to accumulate points by combining the values of their cards into pairs and sets. Pairs are worth twice the original value, while sets containing three cards of the same rank are worth triple the original value. Aces are considered high, so an Ace-7-9 set is worth nine times its original value.

Step 4: End of the Game

Once all players’ hands are complete, the total score is calculated based on the points accumulated. The player with the highest score wins the game. In case of a tie, the game may be decided by a series of additional rounds or through a random draw.

Tips for Playing Mau Card Game Effectively

Card Strategy: Focus on holding cards that can create multiple combinations or serve as trump cards. Avoid drawing cards unless absolutely necessary.
Combination Creation: Try to form sets and pairs quickly to maximize points. However, remember to also consider which cards will help you win later in the round.
Risk Management: Be cautious about playing cards that might force you to draw again, as these could hinder your ability to win future hands.
Practice Makes Perfect: Regular practice helps improve memory recall of cards and strategic thinking, which are crucial skills in Mau.

Conclusion

Playing Mau Card Game requires quick decision-making, strategic planning, and sometimes even luck. It’s a fun way to test your cognitive abilities and social skills. Whether you’re looking for a casual evening activity or a competitive challenge, Mau offers plenty of entertainment opportunities. So grab some friends, get ready to shuffle those cards, and start enjoying the thrill of Mau!