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Old Maid
Old Maid is a simple matching card game for children, played with a deck that has one unpaired card — traditionally a single queen left after removing the other three. Players draw and discard to form pairs, and whoever is stuck with the odd 'old maid' card loses.
Old Maid Rules
Remove one queen so the deck has 51 cards with exactly one card unable to be paired. Deal all the cards out; hands may be uneven, which is fine. Each player immediately lays down any pairs of matching rank from their hand.
Players take turns offering their fanned, face-down hand to the player on their left, who draws one card at random. If the drawn card forms a pair with a card already in hand, that pair is discarded.
Play continues around the table, with hands shrinking as pairs are made. Eventually all cards are paired except the lone old maid. The player left holding that single unmatched card at the end is the loser.
Old Maid Strategy & Tips
Don't telegraph the old maid
When holding the unmatched card, keep your reactions neutral and your hand evenly fanned. Any flinch tells the next player which card to avoid.
Shuffle your hand between turns
Rearranging your cards after each draw stops opponents from tracking where the old maid sits. Position memory is the main 'tell' in this game.
Watch where the odd card goes
Pay attention when you pass the old maid along — note who took it. Knowing who holds it helps you avoid drawing it back later.
Pair up promptly
Lay down matches as soon as you make them to shrink your hand. A smaller hand means fewer chances to be left holding the maid at the finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you lose Old Maid?
You lose by being the player holding the single unpaired card — the 'old maid' — when every other card has been matched and discarded.
What card is the old maid?
Traditionally one queen, since three of the four queens are removed or one is left without a partner. Any single unpairable card can serve as the old maid.
How many players can play Old Maid?
Usually two to four or more. With more players the hands are smaller and the game moves faster, but any number can play with one deck.
Is Old Maid a game of skill?
Mostly luck, with a little skill in not revealing which card is the old maid. Keeping a calm face and shuffling your hand are the only real tactics.