How to Play Pelmanism

Pelmanism is a popular kids' card game that was originated by the Pelman Institute in London in the 19th century. Originally it was used as part of a mental education program to improve memory. It is still played today by kids of all ages.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Shuffle the deck well and place all the cards face down into rows or any pattern you choose onto a flat surface.
2. Decide who goes first in this game. The youngest player in the group of kids typically goes first or the player to the left of the dealer. Go around the table clockwise taking your turn.
3. Pick a card from among all the face-down cards. Turn it face up so that all players can see the card when it is your turn. Do the same with another card on the table.
4. Take both cards if they match regardless of suit. Place the matching cards in front of you.
5. Take another turn if you find a matching pair. Keep all your matching cards separate so your "books" of cards can easily be counted at the end of the game.
6. End your turn if you turn over two cards that do not match. Turn these cards back over again face down. The player to your left now takes a turn.
7. Keep going in this manner until there are no more cards on the table. Win the game if you have captured more cards than the other players.
8. Reshuffle and play again. The player to the left of the last dealer is the new dealer and the winner of the last game goes first in the next game.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also play this game free online.
• Play Pelmanism as a solitaire game if you don't have someone to play with.