Old Maid
Match pairs and pass cards. Don't get stuck with the Old Maid! Classic children's game.
What You'll Need
About This Game
Match pairs and pass cards. Don't get stuck with the Old Maid! Classic children's game.
How to Play
**Setup:** Remove one Queen from deck (or use Old Maid deck). Deal all cards evenly.
**Gameplay:**
- Players remove and set aside any pairs from their hands
- One player fans their cards face-down to the other
- Other player draws one card, makes pairs if possible
- Alternate who offers cards
**Winning:** When all pairs are made, player holding the remaining Queen (Old Maid) loses.
History & Background
Old Maid dates back to at least the 17th century in Europe, where similar games existed under various names. The game reflects historical attitudes toward unmarried women, with the "Old Maid" card being something to avoid.
The game came to America with European settlers and became a staple children's game by the 19th century. Special Old Maid decks with colorful characters became popular, making the game accessible to pre-literate children.
Old Maid's popularity persists because it's one of the first card games children can fully understand. The matching mechanic is simple, and the element of trying to pass the Old Maid adds social excitement.
Modern versions often replace the Old Maid with less gender-specific characters (like "Old Boot" or a funny monster), reflecting changing attitudes. The game mechanics have remained essentially unchanged for centuries.