The History of Mose

Mose is not my game — it was taught to me from a friend, who learned it from a friend, who learned it from a friend, etc. I created this site because I haven't been able to find any mention of this great game anywhere else. As far as I can tell, it's a variation of a Rummy game.

The rules documented here are not the same as the rules I originally learned. The original rules caused constant disagreements and arguments over who played what, where and especially when. After awhile this grows quite tiresome (and doesn't contribute to the enjoyment of the game).

So, over the course of a few months and thousands of rounds dealt among a few friends, the rules were evolved to a point where the game is still as action-packed as it originally was, but with most arguments removed.

Thanks!

The following people were influential in helping get the game to where it is today:

• BS, for playing with compassion, even while clobbering the competition
• CY, for positive influences, regardless of the score
• DC, for inspiring the ‘No cards in mouth’ rule
• IJ, for providing time for us to think about our next play
• JC, for testing the practical limits of any rule
• MD, for illustrating our suffering, directly on the score sheet
• WC & SC, for teaching us the original version of the game

The Original Rules

For those interested in playing the game as I originally learned it (complete with arguments, disagreements and general bickering), these variations should get you there. Consider yourself warned…

• You cannot call Mose until all your cards are physically played down onto the table.
• You are not required to announce new sets or runs when you play them down. Feel free to quietly place them down close to you making sure barely anybody else even notices you played something.
• No 10 point penalty for false plays, so feel free to screw up — it doesn't affect you.
• Feel free to call Mose immediately after somebody has drawn a card or the discard pile — cheap tricks make everybody happy.

More Card Games

Before making this site, I tried to find any other mention of this game on the web. I found nothing! However, I did come across a great site documenting all kinds of card games. Go to pagat.com for more card games than you ever knew existed.