Play Gulam Chor (Old Maid) online free
Gulam Chor is the first card game many Indian children ever play. Gulam is the Hindi and Urdu name for the Jack, and chor means thief: one Jack is taken out before dealing, so its partner can never be paired, and whoever is left holding it is the chor. The rest of the world plays the same game as Old Maid. Play it free here with 3 to 6 players.
How to play Gulam Chor in five steps
- Take out one Jack. One Jack is set aside unseen.
- Deal everything. All 51 remaining cards are shared out.
- Throw away pairs. Everyone discards pairs of the same rank: two 5s, two Queens.
- Draw from your neighbour. On your turn, pick one card blind from the next player's hand. If it makes a pair, throw the pair away.
- Don't be the chor. Players who run out of cards are safe. The last one holding the odd Jack is the Gulam Chor.
What this table has
- Your neighbour's cards spread face down: tap one to draw it.
- A 🔀 button to shuffle your own cards, just like at a real table.
- The removed Jack is revealed at the end, with the order players got out.
- Stats: games, times safe, times out first and times you were the chor.
Questions
Is Gulam Chor the same as Old Maid?
Yes. Old Maid removes a Queen, Gulam Chor removes a Jack. Otherwise the game is the same: pairs, blind draws and one unlucky loser.
Why is one Jack removed in Gulam Chor?
With one Jack missing there are three Jacks in play, so one of them can never make a pair. That odd Jack is the 'chor' card.
Is Gulam Chor a game of skill?
Mostly luck, which is why it is perfect for small children. The only skill is keeping a straight face when someone reaches for the Jack.
How many players can play Gulam Chor?
Three or more with one pack. Cheettukali supports 3 to 6.
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🛡️ Free game · no real money, no betting, no prizes · Play responsibly