Game Rules
Mau-MauThe German shedding classic
Matching suit or matching value – and a Jack can change everything. Mau-Mau is Germany's most-played shedding game.
Players2 – 6
Time10 – 15 min
Deck52 cards
LevelEasy
I · The Idea
Match it or
play a Jack
I
Mau-Mau is explained in seconds: play a card that matches the suit or the value of the top discard. If you have no matching card, you draw.
What spices up the game are the special cards. Seven, Eight and Jack actively intervene – turning simple shedding into a small tactical duel.
II · Setup
Before the
game begins
II
1
Shuffle the cards
52-card deck. With 5–6 players, a second deck is recommended.
2
Deal the hands
Each player receives 5 cards – face down, for their eyes only.
3
Start the discard pile
The top card of the remaining stack is turned over and starts the discard pile.
4
Draw pile
The rest stays face down – supply for later.
Before you start
Whoever draws a Seven, Eight or Jack first can gain an immediate edge. Watch closely who opens with which card.
III · Card Values
What each
card does
card does
III
7
Draw two
7
The next player must draw two cards – unless they play a Seven themselves and pass it on.
8
Skip
8
The next player misses a turn. Several Eights in a row accumulate.
J
Wild card
Jack
Fits any suit. Whoever plays it freely chooses the next suit.
A
Skip
Ace
In some groups also played as a skip card – agree on it beforehand.
IV · Gameplay
Round by
round
IV
1
Discard a card
Play a matching suit or matching value onto the discard pile.
2
No move possible
Draw one card from the draw pile. If it fits, you may play it right away.
3
Special card takes effect
Seven, Eight or Jack trigger their effect on the next player.
4
Announce your last card
Call “Mau” on your second-to-last card – or you get a penalty card.
5
Mau-Mau!
Whoever plays their last card and calls “Mau-Mau” wins the round immediately.
V · Variants
House Rules
V
Mau-Mau is played slightly differently from family to family – these variants are widespread.
9
Nine swaps
Whoever plays a Nine swaps one hand card, face down, with their neighbour.
K
King blocks
The King can only be topped by another King.
2×
Double Seven
Two Sevens in a row force the next player to draw four cards.
∅
No Jack wish
Jacks only match their own suit – no free choice of suit.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the right deck
Mau-Mau plays best with cards that sit comfortably in the hand. Our decks are made for that.
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