Formal List Of Rules Of Mao
Version 4.6: May 31st, 2020
The Beginning of the Game
-Before starting, each player is given 3+ cards depending on the number of players in the game. They may not look at or pick up the cards until the game begins or else they will be given a penalty card. A 3 card game is called a Blitzkrieg round. A 5 or 7 card game is usually the standard.
-The youngest player always goes first, and then the game proceeds in a clockwise direction.
-To start, the dealer, known as the Chairman, recites “The Game of Mao Has Begun”. At the end, the winner states “The Game of Mao Has Ended”
Determining the Chairman
-The player who is most genetically related to Mao Zedong is usually the chairman. However, if the most genetically related player does not know the rules well, then the most experienced player becomes the chairman.
-If the chairman determined by the rules above does not desire to be chairman, then this determined person is allowed to choose a player to be chairman.
-If the player who is most genetically related to Mao Zedong cannot be determined, then the player who knows the rules the best becomes chairman.
Gameplay
-It is played in the style of Uno and Crazy Eights, in which players go in sequential order where they must place down a card that is the same suit as the card before or the same number¹. The pile created from played cards is called the “play pile”.
-If you have no cards to play, you must knock on the table or other surface twice and take a card from the “take pile”. You will lose a turn unless you can play the given card. You cannot take more than 1 card. If you have a card which can be placed in the pile, it may be placed. If the card taken cannot be placed in the pile, then you may say “Go Fish” if desired.
-Though players usually place a card on the “play pile” if they have a card available, it is not required to do so, and players may take a card from the “take pile” if desired instead of placing a valid card onto the ”play pile”.
-A player has 1 minute, counted with a watch, to make a move or take a card from the “take pile” during their turn. If a player fails to do so in 1 minute, they receive a penalty card.
-If there are no more cards in the “take pile” then the top card² in the “play pile” is removed and a new “play pile” is instated with the top card. The rest of the played cards are shuffled and become the new “take pile”.
-If cards run out in the “take pile” then everyone must donate one card, and if they have one card left they may not donate that card. If a player has two cards and then donates one card, then the player must say “Mao” once the card has been donated.
-No speaking during a game of Mao (Except for Point of Orders). Exceptions are phrases such as “Merry Christmas” and “All hail the chairman”, etc.
-You cannot say the word “Mao” anytime during the game unless you have one card left
-In case of any emergency or urgency a pause can be declared by the Chairman by saying “The Game of Mao has been Paused” or “Pause”, players put down their cards and leave them alone until the pause ends. During a game pause, players are exempt from the rules of a Point of Order and may resume normal life. Once the pause has ended, the Chairman declares “The Game of Mao has been Resumed” or “Resume” and the game and all of the rules resume.
-If the direction and/or turn of a player in the game has been forgotten by all players, the game direction and turn restarts as youngest player and/or clockwise.
-A player can continue their turn during a “Point of Order” or “Pause” so long as the “Point of Order” or “Pause” was called during the turn of the player.
-If there is a time constraint while playing a game of Mao, the Chairman can decide on a specific time to end the game. The player at the end of the time to have the least amount of cards is considered the winner of the game.
¹ This rule isn’t used if the card placed down is a jack and the person beforehand changed the suit.
² See Replenishing the Take Pile section for more information.
Replenishing the Take Pile
-As mentioned before, the “take pile” is the pile of cards in which one card is removed if a player has no playable card.
-When there are no more cards in the “take pile”, the cards in the “play pile” are shuffled and become the new “take pile”, except for the top card in the “play pile”, which becomes the bottom of the new “play pile”.
-If there is 2, 3, or 4 cards on the top of the “play pile” which have the same number (Chauncey, Uno Dos Tres, or Illuminati Confirmed), then these cards are set aside and become the new bottom of the “play pile”, not just the top card. This is because the number of cards influences the rules which the players execute.
-During the shuffling of the “take pile”, an automatic pause is assumed without the Chairman declaring a pause. When the pile has been shuffled, the Chairman will resume play to indicate the end of the automatic pause. Players may not put any cards onto the “play pile” during this automatic pause, and the cards must be face down, touching the table.
Point of Orders
-Any player can call a point of order by simply saying “Point of Order”.
-All players put down their cards, and general discussion is done exclusively in the third person. Any personal pronouns³ or inability to use third person results in a penalty card.
-The phrase ”put down their cards” refers to the player either placing their cards face down on the table or having some of the cards’ surface touching the table while holding some of the cards’ surface. The players have 3 seconds to put down their cards.
-Any player who fails to put down their cards during a Point of Order is dealt a penalty card. A player must state “Cards during Condition” if any player fails to put down their cards.
-During a Point of Order, the words “Point of Order” may not be used except to state the end of one. Furthermore, it cannot be abbreviated in any form or way.
-A point of order is ended when any player says “End point of order”.
-Excessive use of the Points of Orders or unnecessary use of them can result in either a penalty card being given, losing the ability to call a Point of Order, or even a disqualification from the game.
-If there is any serious business, such as emergencies or things that must be dealt with immediately, there is no “Point of Order” or “Pause” required to be called, and the players can talk normally. After this session, the Chairman will resume the game.
-Players are allowed to discuss another player’s cards or other strategies during a “Point of Order”.
³ Personal pronouns are defined as first or second person pronouns (I, you, we, you all, me, my, your, our, us, yours, etc.) The phrase “Thank you” is exempt from this rule and is allowed to be said.
Substitution
– In the Game of Mao, there are two different ways that a player can be substituted for another.
- All players except one are present, so the Chairman decides to allow another player to substitute in for the missing player. When the missing player returns, the substitute must give the missing player their seat and cards back.
- One player, with the consent of the Chairman, allows another player to take their place in the game. The new player assumes all cards, penalties, etc., from the original player. The original player is ejected from the game, and is considered to be a spectator while the new player is an official member of the game.. The new player has no obligation to return to the original player their cards and spot as they now have ownership.
– If a substituted player wins, both the new and original player get credit for the win equal to how much work they spent in it.
– In the first scenario, if the substitute is purposefully taking penalty cards or if they do not know how to play, it may result in a forceful ejection and expulsion of that spot from the game.
Card Rules
-Some cards have certain rules that must be followed when placed down.
Card Number Related Rules
When a certain card is placed down, regardless of color or suit, the following rules exist.
| # | Rule to be Followed |
| Ace | Skippy
An Ace skips the next player. In a 2-player game, the Ace gives the player who put down the Ace another turn. |
| 2 | Deuces
A Two requires everyone to touch their middle and index fingers to the table. The last player to do so draws a penalty card. The touching of the fingers must be noticeable. A player cannot keep only their middle and index fingers on the table at all times, but can keep their hand on the table, so long as during the rule, only the middle and index fingers are touching the table. If a player keeps only their middle and index fingers on the table at all times, they will receive a penalty card. |
| 6 | Holidays
A six requires the player to say “Merry Christmas”, “Happy Hanukkah”, “Happy Holidays”, or another holiday name depending on a number of factors including religion and time of year. |
| 7 | Consideration
If a player places down a 7, they must state, “Have a Nice Day”. The next person will receive a penalty card (and say “Thank You”) then resume with their turn. If the next card is a 7, the next player will take two cards and say “Have a Very Nice Day” with a respective “Thank you Very Much”. If the third is a seven, the next player will draw three cards and add another Very to each statement, etc. |
| 8 | Switcheroo
An eight requires the order to be switched (clockwise to counterclockwise and vice versa/versa vice). Even if the previous player put down an ace to skip the next player, if the player after the skipped player puts down an eight, the order switches and it becomes the skipped player’s turn. |
| 9 | Rhymefest
A nine causes the person who played it to say a word and all other players must say a rhyming word in turn without stating a previously said word. If a player says a non-rhyming word, or says a previously stated word, or cannot say a rhyming words within 20 seconds, they draw a penalty card. If a player says a phrase with the same last word(s) as another player, they draw a penalty card. However, if the previously stated word is part of a well-known phrase or compound word, it is acceptable as a rhyme. Slant rhymes are acceptable (orange -> doorhinge) if there are no rhymes for the word. Homonyms are also allowed. A penalty card may be put on hold if a rhyme is questionable but the players want to see if any other players can come up with better rhymes. If another player does so, the penalty card is dealt, and vice versa. If a player states a slant rhyme, however players believe there may be an existing exact rhyme, then players are allowed to look up a list of rhymes once everyone has rhymed. If there are enough exact rhymes for each player, then the slant rhyme is nullified and the player who stated the slant rhyme receives a penalty card. If a rhyme is stated that players do not know exists, a penalty card is put on hold. Once all players state their rhymes, the questionable rhyme is looked up. If this rhyme exists, then the player is not penalized, and vice versa. |
| Jack | Jack Madden
A Jack allows the person who placed it to change suits (wild card). The next player is required to place down a card of that suit, or they can place down another Jack. Jess’ Clause: When a player places down a Jack, the player is not required to state a suit change. If a suit change is not stated, then the suit stays the same. |
| King
Queen |
Royalty
A King/Queen requires a player to say “All Hail the Most Honorable⁴ Chairman/Chairwoman, King/Queen of ________”, the player filling in the blank with the suit of the card⁵. After the phrase has been said, players are allowed to put their hands together and then lower their face and hands in a prayer to Mao. |
⁴ If the card is a King of Diamonds, the player is allowed and encouraged to say “All Hail the Shining Chairman/Chairwoman, King/Queen of Diamonds” or “All Hail the Most Honorable Chairman/ Chairwoman, King/Queen of Diamonds. May He/She Shine Bright”. This is due to the ‘Shine On’ Rule.
⁵ The phrase does not need to be followed exactly (“Honorable” is not necessary, etc.)
Sequential Order Rules
When a certain order of cards are placed down, the following rules are to be followed.
| # | Rule to be Followed |
| 666 | Devil’s Advocate
Three sixes require all players to say “Hail Satan”. The last player to do so is dealt one penalty card. If a Bible is available, a Bible is placed under the cards and gameplay resumes. If a Bible is not available, then a phone with a Bible on the phone is used. If the ‘Devil’s Advocate’ occurs again, the cards are placed on the page of Revelation 13:18, the Bible verse which includes 666. If the ‘Devil’s Advocate’ occurs a third time, a cross necklace or other religious object must be placed on the open Bible. With a necklace, the necklace must be placed around the cards. If there is no object, a picture of a cross or other religious object/symbol are to be used. For every following occurence, another religious object must be placed near the cards. |
| KKK | Ku Klux Klan Konfirmed
Three kings require all players to say “Ku Klux Klan Konfirmed”. The last player to do so is dealt one penalty card. If the game is played in public, alternate phrases, such as “Kool Kids Klub Konfirmed” and “Dominic Spinella Konfirmed” are to be used. |
| 2 Identical Cards | Chauncey
If two identical cards are played in sequential order, all players must say “Chauncey”. The last player to do so gets a penalty card. |
| 3 Identical Cards | Uno Dos Tres
If three identical cards are played in sequential order, the chauncey rule is ignored and instead, all players must say “Uno Dos Tres”. The last person to do so gets a penalty card. |
| 4 Identical Cards | Conspiracy
If four cards that are the same are played in sequential order, the chauncey rule is ignored and instead, all players must say “Illuminati confirmed”. The last to do so is dealt a penalty card. |
| A43 | James Ofori
If an Ace, 4, and 3 are placed in sequential order, all players must say “Ofori Confirmed”. The last player to do so is dealt one penalty card. |
| All Cards of a suit in Sequential Order | The Ghost of M*o
If all cards of a particular suit are played in sequential order, as below: A 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 J Q K or K Q J 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 A, Mao’s ghost is assumed to be present and is dealt enough penalty cards to enter him into the game. Or, the game instantly restarts. Or, the person to put down the K or A has to hang themselves. Or, all players suspiciously and quietly get up from their seats and walk away, never to return. They assume new lives in a different, yet similar town, each to never see each other and to be sure to never speak again. |
– Because many of the rules require that the last player to state a phrase is dealt one penalty card, if there are 2+ players who said the phrase at the same time, they may resolve the dispute with rock, paper, scissors. The loser receives the penalty card.
– The Chairman, especially when there are many players, may negate the use of a penalty card if the last player to state the phrase is unclear, by shaking their hand in a negating manner.
– When the special custom combinations, including 666, KKK, and A43, come up during a game, often the players become excited and bow down on the table numerous times. No penalty card is dealt.
Other Card-Related Rules
When a certain card is placed down, regardless of color or suit, the following rules exist.
| Info | Rule to be Followed |
| 4 of Clubs | Musical Chairs
If there is a wide open area around the table, musical chairs is played when a four of clubs is drawn. The final player to sit down gets a penalty card. Otherwise, players will raise their hands. The last to do so gets a penalty card |
| Any Diamond | Shine On
If any card with a suit of a diamond is played, the person who played it must say “Shine Bright like a Diamond” |
| Any Spade | Check Yo Self
Spade Cards must be named when played. Ex: “Two of Spades” |
Other Rules
– A player must respond “Thank You” when dealt a penalty card. The “You” in “Thank You” is not considered to be a personal pronoun.
– Any cursing results in a penalty card. This includes putting up the middle finger.
– Since the Chairman usually gives out penalty cards, any player may give a penalty card to the Chairman if the Chairman is deserving of a penalty card and has not taken a penalty card.
– If it is unclear if a player should receive a penalty card or not, a democratic vote amongst the players is taken to see if the player should receive a penalty card.
– Wilkinson Lapse Clause: The next player’s turn begins when the next player’s card makes contact with the play pile, within reasonable assumption. Any contention is to be sorted out through a democratic vote. (For example, if the next player deliberately starts their turn while the current player is still in the process of going through the card rules, this is considered unreasonable. The next player receives a penalty card and the current player is allowed to continue their turn.)
– Saying required phrases or “Thank You” in other languages is allowed if at least one of the other players understands the phrase in the other language.
– Beating someone up without the consent of the Chairman results in three penalty cards for the first offense, 9 penalty cards for the second, 27 for the third, etc. etc. Once the number of penalty cards is more than half of the cards in play, the player is expelled from the game.
– If a player is rekt during the course of the game, (as determined by the most Honorable Chairman), the rekt player receives a penalty card. Self-defense from another player’s beating up (as determined by the most Honorable Chairman) does not result in penalty cards.
– If the players agree, the players are allowed to play with 2 decks of cards.
– Players may not explain the rules during gameplay of the game, unless a player needs a short refreshing on a certain rule.
– If a player forgets a rule, then the player receives a penalty card. If the forgotten rule requires other player participation, such as Rhymefest, the rule is not performed.
– Scangas’s First Law: Any player who misleads another player into saying a mistaken phrase receives a penalty card (such as saying “Chauncey” when “Chauncey” should not be said).
– Scangas’s Second Law: If a player receives a penalty card during their turn before placing a card on the “play pile”, the player cannot use the penalty card for their turn. Instead, the penalty card can only be picked up after the player places a card onto the “play pile” and/or takes a card from the “take pile”. The penalty card from “Have a Nice Day” from the previous player does not count with this rule.
– Scangas’s Third Law: Players cannot show their cards to other players during gameplay, even during Point of Orders or Pauses.
Spectators
– A Spectator is supposed to keep quiet about the game.
-If the spectator blocks gameplay access to any players, the spectator must move so that these other players can have easier access to gameplay.
– If the spectator interferes enough times, they may be asked to leave.
– If asked to leave and disobeys, it is up to the chairman to decide what to do. This may or may not result in a beating up of that spectator.
– Neil’s Rule: Spectators MAY NOT talk about gameplay that will interfere with other players, such as telling players which rules to follow, telling other players about one of the player’s cards, etc.
The End of the Game
There are two different ways to leave a game. The first is Expulsion, in which only one player is removed from the game, while the second is the end of the game.
Expulsion
– If the general consensus of the group agrees, a player can be forcefully ejected from the game. This can be because of many reasons, such as not taking the game seriously or not understanding the rules.
– If a new player makes 3 mistakes in a row before or during the game, or if any player is in possession of more than double the number of cards dealt⁶ or is in possession of 20 cards at any time during the game, they are expelled from the game.
– When expelled, the player’s cards are all absorbed into the deck.
– The expelled player is now considered to be a spectator. If the expelled player blocks gameplay access to any players, the expelled player must move so that these other players can have easier access to gameplay.
– When a player is expelled, the Honorable Chairman™ of the game must declare “[Name] has been EXPULSED from the game!”. Spitting on them is optional.
– If all other players except one are expulsed, the one player becomes the winner of the game. If the Chairman is expulsed from the game, the Determining the Chairman rules are used to determine a new chairman for the game.
⁶ For example, if a game is played in which the players were originally dealt 7 cards, if a player has 15 cards during gameplay, the player would be expelled. If a Blitzkrieg game is played, the rule does not necessarily apply.
The End of the Game
– When you have one card left, you must say “Mao”.
– Saying “Mao” can be combined with other rules, as long as “Mao” is only said once. (For example, “Happy Mao Day” for the Holiday rule is allowed.)
– If a player has won the game, the player must state “The Game of Mao Has Ended” and the game ends.
-The player must perform all required rules before stating “The Game of Mao Has Ended”. If the player states “The Game of Mao Has Ended” before executing all the required rules, the player will be dealt 3 penalty cards for: making a mistake, saying “Mao” during the game, and speaking outside of a ‘Point of Order’. Only 3 penalty cards are dealt, even if multiple rules were not executed.
Tips and Tricks
– If any of the players point at a player or rolls their hand in a motion which indicates that a person needs to say more, the players either need to say a certain phrase or “Thank You”.
– Players during the ‘Rhymefest’ will sometimes present a word which rhymes with “Mao” for the other players to rhyme with. Since saying “Mao” except having one card left is not allowed, it is a common way to get inexperienced players penalized.
– Players at times may try to anger another player during a ‘Point of Order’ in order to trigger the player into saying a personal pronoun. However, performing this too many times may result in the expulsion of the player trying to anger the other player.
– Players who look around outside the gameplay environment when it is their turn are most likely encountering the “Holidays” or “Rhymefest” rules.
-Any player who says “condition” during a ‘Point of Order’ is referring to the ‘Point of Order’ itself.
-During Mao Tournaments at the airport on Band Trips, it is advisable that players play 5-card games and limit the time with time constraints.
Hand Motions
– If any of the players point at a player or rolls their hand in a motion which indicates that a person needs to say more, the players either need to say a certain phrase or “Thank You”.
– If any of the players point to a specific part of a card on the “play pile”, such as the suit, symbol, or number, the players need to say a certain phrase related to the card.
– If the players clap their hands together and then bow down on the table, the players are praying to the chairman/chairwoman as part of the “Royalty” rule. If the players pray multiple times, it is most likely part of a special combination (666, KKK, A43) rule.
– If the players slam their hands on the table and count on their hands from 10 to 0, the players are counting down the last 10 seconds as part of the “Rhymefest” rule.
Notes on the Rules of Mao
– The rules stated above are the rules for the Official Lynnfield Version of the Game of Mao. Other groups and towns have different rules, and so not all of these rules apply to other players’ versions of Mao.
– If a player who plays one version of the Game uses their version in a Lynnfield Game, the player will still be penalized.
– Modifications to rules have originated from issues during gameplay. As more and more games of Mao are played, more modifications will be made to create a more organized and just game for all players.
Lynnfield Mao 