Mus signals: list and meanings
Signals are the secret language of the pair in Mus: gestures to tell your partner what cards you hold without the opponents seeing. Here are the traditional signals, what each one means and how they work on Naipera.
Practise the signals by playing Mus
The traditional signals
These are the signals listed in the rules of the Asociación Navarra de Mus. Other regions and tables have variations; it's best to agree on them before playing.
| Signal | Gesture | What it says |
|---|---|---|
| Two kings | Bite your lower lip | You have two kings. |
| Two aces | Stick out the tip of your tongue | You have two aces. |
| Medias | Twist your mouth to one side, lips closed | You have three of a kind. |
| Duples | Twist your mouth to both sides | You have two pairs or four of a kind. |
| Juego o 29 | Raise your eyebrows | You have Juego (but not 31) or 29 for Punto. |
| 31 o 30 | Wink | You have 31, the best Juego, or 30 for Punto. |
| Blind | Close both eyes | You have nothing to signal. |
Signals on Naipera
At the online table, signals are made with a button and appear as a flash next to whoever makes them. Your partner always sees them; your opponents only if they catch them by tapping in time. The computer also makes signals and catches yours.
- Two kings. I have exactly two kings (threes count as kings).
- Three kings. I have three kings: good Grande and Medias of kings.
- Two aces. I have two aces (twos count as aces): good Chica.
- Three aces. I have three aces: very strong Chica and Medias of aces.
- Medias. I have three of a kind.
- Duples. I have two pairs (or four of a kind).
- 31. I have 31, the best Juego.
- Blind. I have nothing: neither Pares nor Juego.
Frequently asked questions
Are signals allowed in Mus?
Yes, they're part of the game in Mus in pairs. Tournament rules set which ones are valid. What isn't allowed is talking about your cards or making up signals.
What happens if the opponents see a signal?
They've “caught” it: they know what you have and can use it. That's why signals are made quickly, when the opponents are looking elsewhere. On Naipera, the signal appears for an instant and opponents only see it if they tap it in time.
How many signals can you make in one hand?
It depends on the rules of each table or tournament. On Naipera you can make up to two per hand, and they always have to be true: you can only make the ones your cards match.