Mau-Mau is one of Germany’s most beloved and accessible card games, often passed down through generations. Simple to learn but endlessly replayable, it is a favorite at family gatherings, schoolyards, and casual pub nights.
Its influence is so significant that Mau-Mau even inspired international hits like UNO. If you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, and easy-to-learn game with deep cultural roots, Mau-Mau is a perfect choice.
History and Origins of Mau-Mau
Mau-Mau’s exact origin is uncertain, but it likely developed in Germany or Austria in the early 20th century. It shares roots with older shedding-type games from Europe and became especially popular after World War II due to its simplicity and minimal equipment needs.
Over time, Mau-Mau became a staple in German-speaking countries, with countless house rules and regional tweaks enriching the basic gameplay.
Equipment
Deck
A standard 32-card German or French deck (using cards from 7 to Ace).
Some variations use a full 52-card deck or even two combined decks for large groups.
Card Ranks and Suits
Standard suits:
Clubs (♣), Spades (♠), Hearts (♥), Diamonds (♦)
Ranks from lowest to highest:
7, 8, 9, 10, Jack, Queen, King, Ace
In Mau-Mau, there is no inherent card strength except for special effect cards.
Game Objective
The objective is simple:
Be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
Play matching cards (by number or suit) onto a discard pile faster than your opponents.
If you cannot play, you must draw cards — often leading to dramatic comebacks and reversals.
Seating and Deal
2–6 players is ideal, though more can play with multiple decks.
Dealer shuffles and deals 5 cards to each player (sometimes 6 or 7 by house rules).
Remaining cards form a draw pile; one card is placed face-up to start the discard pile.
Mau-Mau Gameplay and Rules
Basic Play
The player to the dealer’s left plays first.
On your turn, you must play a card that matches the suit or rank of the top discard.
If you cannot play, you must draw one card (or more, depending on house rules).
Special Cards
Certain cards trigger effects:
Card
Effect
7
Next player draws two cards (can stack).
8
Next player skips a turn.
Jack
Player chooses the suit.
Ace
Player can sometimes reverse play (optional rule).
House rules may add additional effects for other cards.
Winning
The first player to discard all cards wins the round.
In longer games, points can be awarded based on remaining cards in opponents’ hands.
Common Mistakes
Forgetting to say “Mau!” when you have only one card left (house rule in many regions).
Missing an opportunity to play a special card strategically.
Bidding and Declarations
Unlike Skat or Schafkopf, Mau-Mau has no formal bidding phase. However, certain house rules add declarations, such as:
“Mau!” when you are down to your last card.
“Mau-Mau!” when you play your final card to win.
Failure to announce can result in penalties (e.g., drawing additional cards).
Scoring System
In casual play, each round is self-contained: the winner is simply the first to empty their hand.
For point-based games:
Players receive penalty points equal to the values of cards left in their hand.
Jacks, Queens, and Kings may be worth 10 points; Aces 11 points; others face value.
Lowest cumulative score after several rounds wins the match.
Mau-Mau Variations
Mau-Mau is famous for its flexible house rules. Popular variations include:
Stacking 7s: If a 7 is played, the next player can add another 7, causing the next to draw 4, and so on.
Custom Action Cards: Some groups assign effects to cards like the 9 (reverse direction) or 10 (wild card).
Multiple decks: For games with more than six players.
Regional versions sometimes rename the game (e.g., “Neun Neun” or “Watten Mau”).
Mau-Mau Strategy Guide
Beginner Tips
Hold onto action cards like 7s and Jacks for emergencies.
Play high-numbered cards early to avoid being stuck with them.
Intermediate Tactics
Time your 7s and 8s to disrupt opponents’ momentum.
Use Jacks tactically to change suits at critical moments.
Expert-Level Strategies
Bluffing: Act as though you cannot play even if you can, to lure opponents into mistakes.
Suit tracking: Remember what suits opponents seem to lack based on their draws.
Where to Play Mau-Mau Today
Online Platforms:
Mau-Mau Palast
Mau Mau King
CardGames.io Mau-Mau
Casual Settings: Mau-Mau is a staple at family game nights, youth camps, school breaks, and informal pub gatherings.
Is Mau-Mau easy to learn? Yes! Basic rules can be learned in minutes, making it ideal for players of all ages.
Can Mau-Mau be played with a full deck? Yes. Especially for larger groups, a 52-card deck or two decks is common.
What happens if two players finish at once? House rules vary, but usually the player who discarded first wins.
Is Mau-Mau the same as UNO? UNO was directly inspired by Mau-Mau but uses special cards and branding.
Mau-Mau’s charm lies in its simplicity, speed, and infinite replayability. Whether you play casually with children, competitively with friends, or just to pass time in a café, Mau-Mau offers laughter, surprises, and strategic moments in every round.
Pick up a deck, shuffle the cards, and experience why Mau-Mau has been a beloved classic for generations!
