Mao (game)

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Mao is a card game that can be described as "Uno for sadists". As many experienced players say, "The only rule I can tell you is this one."

IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO KNOW THE RULES, THEN PLEASE AVERT YOUR EYES.

Contents 1 The Rules 1.1 The Beginning 1.2 Allowed Cards 1.3 No Talking 1.4 Point of Order 1.5 Special Cards 1.6 Other Penalties 1.7 One Card Left 1.8 Winning the Game 1.9 The Next Game

[edit] The Rules

The point of the game is to get rid of all your cards, following specific guidelines. If you don't play correctly, other players are allowed to give you penalty card(s). Other than this, due to the secretive nature of the game, the rules vary widely. The following rules are not definitive; they are merely examples.

[edit] The Beginning

Players are dealt a certain number of cards, usually 5-7. The cards may not be touched until the dealer says "The game of Mao has now begun," and a card from the deck is placed in the center, similar to Uno.

[edit] Allowed Cards

You are allowed to play cards that are the same number or suit as the card below. Only one card can be played per turn.

[edit] No Talking

Except to give penalties, and during a point of order.

[edit] Point of Order

If you wish to speak, e.g. to argue a penalty, you must call a point of order. Cards may not be touched during a point of order. To end the point of order, the person who started it must say "End point of order."

[edit] Special Cards

• Clubs - if you place a club, you must say "(Face number) of clubs"
• Ace - the player order is reversed.
• 7 - you must say "have a nice day". If the next player also plays a 7, (s)he must say "have a very nice day" and so on.
• If playing a card such as a jack, queen, king, or ace on top of one another you must say "its in the blood"

[edit] Other Penalties

• Telling the rules to those who shouldn't know... oops.
• Giving a false penalty.

[edit] One Card Left

When you have one card left, you must say "Mao" or else you get a penalty of 5 cards.

[edit] Winning the Game

Once you win, you must say "I am the king/queen of Mao, I win." or face a 7 card penalty.

[edit] The Next Game

The winner becomes the dealer for the next game, and gets to make a new rule. After playing for a while with the same people there may be 10 or more new rules to remember!

Have fun! Be creative! And don't be too mean to the newbies!