Play Macao

Macao is a game that looks, in part, like baccarat and twenty-one. It has four decks of 52 cards and they go in order of the card’s value and they represent points. Macau, or Makao, is a Hungarian version of Crazy Eights, where players play a single card in sequence in a manner similar to Uno. Unlike Uno, however, Makao is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Makao also involves bluffing so that the players do not necessarily have to play a card if they wish to save it for higher points later. Cheating is encouraged in the game, and it can make for a lively evening.

There are 2 or more players (up to 10) which are dealt 5 cards each; and the deck is then cut and the cut card becomes the first card in the discard pile. Play starts to the dealer's right. The next card played must be of the same suit or same value as the card on the top of the discard pile. If a 7 of spades was on the top of the discard pile, the player can play a 9 of spades or a 7 of clubs. Alternatively, an Ace or Joker can be played. If the player cannot play a card, he must draw from the deck. Cards can be played in runs, i.e. 5 of Spades, 6 of Spades, 7 of Spades, 7 of Hearts, 8 of Hearts, 8 of Clubs, 7 of Clubs.
When an action card is played, the player next in sequence must complete the action or add to it to pass in onto the next player in sequence. When down to a single card, a player must say "Macau!” If an opponent calls Macau before the player, the player must draw a card. The winner of the game is the first player to have no cards; in instances of more than 2 players, game play continues until only one player is left with cards.


The Ace is worth one point. Figures and ten do not count.  Nine is the maximum points that can be obtained. One by one, two cards are given to each player. (From right to left or left to right, either.)  If a 2 is played, the next player in sequence must pick up 2 cards unless they have a 2, in which case they can add this to the original 2 and the next player in sequence must pick up 4 cards and so on. If a 3 is played, the next player in sequence must pick up 3 cards unless they have a 3, in which case they can add this to the original 3 and the next player in sequence must pick up 6 cards and so on. If a 4 is played, the next player in sequence must miss a go, unless they have a 4, in which case they can add this to the original 4 and the next player in sequence miss 2 goes.

If a Jack is played, the player placing the Jack can call for a non-action card value, which they must hold - if they do not hold the value they are calling, they must call for 'any non-action card', the player in sequence must either play the card value called or place another Jack down and call a different value. If a King of Spades is played, the previous player in sequence must pick up 5 cards, unless they have a King of spades or hearts or queen of hearts, in which case they can add this to the original King and the next player in sequence must pick up 10 cards.

If a King of Hearts is played, the next player in sequence must pick up 5 cards, unless they have a King of spades or hearts or queen of hearts, in which case they can add this to the original King and the next player in sequence must pick up 10 cards. If a Joker is played, the sequence is reversed, i.e. clockwise play becomes anti-clockwise. If an Ace is played, the player playing the Ace must call a suit different what it is in play. They must hold a card of the suit they are calling, if not, they must call 'free suit' and the next player in sequence can play any suit other than that already in play.

Multiples action cards can be played, i.e. Player 1 plays three 2s and the next player in sequence must pick up 6 cards unless they have another 2. This is the same for 3's, 4's and Kings. When a player get down to 1 card they must say Macau or if another player catches them not saying Macau they must draw 5 cards

Macao is a development game, in which players need to plan their actions up to six rounds in advance. Players compete for goods which are shipped to distant countries as well as for development cards which steadily add new options turn by turn. Cards are bought individually and allow for powerful combos which you need in order to win the game.

At the end of the 17th century, Macao, the mysterious port city on the southern coast of China, was a Portuguese trading post in the Far East. The players take on the role of energetic and daring adventurers. Many exciting tasks and challenges await the players, whether they are a captain, governor, craftsman or scholar. Those who chose the wisest course of action, and have the best overall strategy, will earn the most prestige at the end. We see it in the way of playing. Whoever has the highest number of chips wins. (If the setting is composed of tokens.) This player must have completed the first nine points.