The key differences
- From 7 players on, only Crazy Mau works: it goes up to 8 players, Rummy only up to 6.
- Crazy Mau is quicker to learn than Rummy (explained in a minute vs. clear after one round).
- Crazy Mau is over sooner: usually 5–15 minutes, while Rummy takes 15–40 minutes.
- Rummy rewards skill more than Crazy Mau (skill and luck vs. lots of luck).
- Crazy Mau is louder than Rummy (lively vs. calm).
- Crazy Mau works from age 6, we recommend Rummy from 9.
- Crazy Mau has more interaction than Rummy (you react to each other vs. little contact).
At a glance
| At a glance | Crazy Mau | Rummy |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Card games | Card games |
| Players | 2–8 players | 2–6 players |
| Length of a game | 5–15 min | 15–40 min |
| Age | ages 6+ | ages 9+ |
| Luck or skill | lots of luck | skill and luck |
| Noise level | lively | calm |
| Learning curve | explained in a minute | clear after one round |
| Interaction | you react to each other | little contact |
| TV | not needed | not needed |
| Against the computer | yes | yes |
| Teams | no | no |
| Bluffing | no | no |
| Reading needed | no | no |
Which one suits you?
Crazy Mau
The classic card game with action cards: match suit or number, stack penalty cards and play your wild card at just the right moment. Quick to explain, quick to play, and mean enough to stay interesting.
Pick Crazy Mau when a mixed group wants to start right away and nobody wants to read rules.
Rummy
Collect sets and runs, lay down at least 30 points to open, then add to the table until your hand is empty. Whoever is still holding cards counts penalty points – and after each round you decide whether to play on or tally up.
Pick Rummy when you want a laid-back card game with some thinking that can fill an evening.
What they have in common
- Both work for 2–6 players.
- Both are Card games.
- Both also work without a TV, right on iPhone, iPad or Mac.
- You can play both against the computer.
- In both, everyone has secret information on their own phone.
- Both come free with Gather and need no account.