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Official Mao Rules

Mao is a fun and mysterious card game where the primary rule is that you cannot explain the rules! Players must figure out the rules through gameplay, which often involves penalties for infractions. The game requires a standard deck of cards and can be played with 3 or more players. Here's how to play:

Objective

The goal of Mao is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Players must follow the unknown rules and try to avoid penalties.

Setup

Players: Mao can be played with 3 or more players.


Dealer: Choose a dealer to shuffle and deal the cards. The dealer is often the person who already knows the rules.


Dealing: Deal 5 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face down to form a draw pile. Turn the top card of the draw pile face up to start the discard pile.

Gameplay

  1. Starting the Game:

    • The dealer begins the game by playing a card from their hand to the discard pile. Each card must be played following an unspoken set of rules.

    • Players take turns in a clockwise direction.

  2. Playing a Card:

    • On their turn, a player must play a card that matches the rank or suit of the top card on the discard pile.

    • If a player cannot play a card, they must draw one card from the draw pile. If they can play the drawn card, they may do so immediately; otherwise, their turn ends.

  3. Special Rules:

    • The unique aspect of Mao is that players must discover the special rules themselves. These rules are not explained at the start and must be learned through observation and deduction.

    • Common rules often include specific actions or phrases when playing certain cards, but these can vary between games.

  4. Penalties:

    • If a player breaks a rule (such as playing out of turn, failing to announce a special phrase, or asking about the rules), they receive a penalty. Penalties usually involve drawing one or more cards from the draw pile.

    • The dealer or any player who knows the rules can call out infractions and assign penalties.

Winning the Game

  • The first player to play all their cards wins the round.

  • The winner typically becomes the dealer for the next round and may introduce a new rule, which is not disclosed to the other players.

Common Rules (Examples)

(Note: These are not disclosed to players and should be discovered during play)

  • Eights: When playing an 8, the player must say "Have a great day."

  • Queens: When playing a Queen, the player must say "All hail the Queen."

  • Aces: When playing an Ace, the next player skips their turn.

  • Twos: When playing a Two, the next player draws two cards.

  • Jacks: Jacks can be wild cards and played on any suit. Observation: Pay close attention to what other players do and say when they play cards.

    Memory: Remember the actions and phrases associated with different cards to avoid penalties.

    Bluffing: Sometimes acting confidently can mislead other players and help you figure out the rules.

Mao is a game that is as much about deduction and memory as it is about playing cards. The fun lies in uncovering the rules and outsmarting your opponents without breaking the rules yourself. Enjoy the challenge and the mystery of Mao!

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