Mus

(Public Domain), Heraclio Fournier, King Cards · Board game · 1745
Ludopedia 8.0 BGG 4 · best 4 10 min Weight 2.3/5
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rating Ludopedia
8.0 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Ideal for bluff lovers and team players, Mus is a centuries-old classic that thrives on pure strategic fun.

Highlights
  • Intense bluffing and betting
  • Fast and dynamic gameplay
  • Great for team play
Keep in mind
  • Hard to learn by just watching
  • Minimal physical card interaction
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Mus is a classic Spanish card game born in the Basque Country, with historical records dating back to 1745. Played in teams of two, it uses a 40-card Spanish deck (without eights, nines, or jokers). Matches are full of bluffing, betting, and verbal strategy, as cards are rarely shown during play. Each round features four types of bets: Grande (highest card combination), Pequeña (lowest combination), Pares (best pairs), and Juego (cards totaling 31 or more). The goal is to score points until reaching the agreed total (usually 30). The first team to win three 'vacas' (matches of three games each) wins. Mus is unique because almost everything happens through conversation — cards stay hidden until the end, making it more fun to play than to watch.

Rules videos

Learn by watching before you open the box

1 videos

Best player count

BGG community vote

4 players
4 BEST

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Categories

Families

Components: Traditional Playing Cards
Publisher (Public Domain), Heraclio Fournier, King Cards
Designer (Uncredited)

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

5 questions
How many players can play Mus?
Mus is strictly for 4 players, forming two teams.
How long does a game last?
Around 10 minutes per game, but a full match (best of three 'vacas') can take about 30 minutes.
Do I need a special deck?
Yes, a 40-card Spanish deck (without eights, nines, or jokers).
Is it hard to learn?
Rules are simple, but mastering bluffs and strategies takes time. Best learned from an experienced player.
Why is it called a 'cow'?
'Vaca' (cow) is the traditional term for a series of three games. Winning three vacas decides the match winner.

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