Old Maid

How to play

Played with 51 cards — a standard pack with one black queen removed, so the other black queen can never find a partner. Everything is dealt out (uneven hands are fine) and every pair of the same rank AND colour is discarded immediately.

On your turn, draw one unseen card from the fan of the next player still holding cards; if it pairs with a card you hold, the pair is discarded too. Empty your hand and you're safe.

Play continues until one player is left holding the last card — the lonely queen. That player is the Old Maid and loses; everyone else wins.

Ways to play

• 🤖
  Against the computerPlay on one device against a computer opponent.
• 👪
  Play together, nearbyWith family and friends in the same room: up to 6 players, each on their own phone or tablet. No Wi-Fi or internet needed. In the Jambolaya app.
• 🎓
  Learn by playingA guided lesson on the real game teaches you the rules one step at a time.