Section 5: Scoring & Winning
Single-Round Play
The simplest game consists of one round. Every player who empties their hand avoids defeat, while the player left holding the Old Maid loses. Because Old Maid is traditionally an avoidance game, it does not require a separate point winner.
Multiple-Round Play
For a longer session, agree on the number of rounds before beginning. A common method gives the Old Maid holder one penalty point after each round. All other players receive zero penalty points. After the agreed number of rounds, the player with the fewest penalty points wins.
If two or more players share the lowest total, they may share the victory or play an additional round as a tiebreaker. When using a tiebreaker, continue until only one tied player finishes a round without receiving the decisive penalty.
Elimination Option
For elimination play, a player who accumulates an agreed number of penalties—commonly three—is removed from the series. Continue playing rounds among the remaining participants until only one player remains. This option works best with a larger group because eliminated players may otherwise wait a long time.
Recording Results
If the group records scores, note one penalty beside the Old Maid holder’s name after each completed round. Disputes should be resolved before the next deal. A round affected by an irreparable deck error, such as discovering a second unmatched card, should be canceled and replayed with the corrected deck.