If you were to look at the most popular card games of all time, UNO would definitely be in the top 10.
In terms of influential games, there aren’t many others with the impact of this simple yet engaging card game.
It’s not hard to play either, but if you’re new or want the game explained in a different way, we’re here to help with this guide on how to play the Uno card game.
Table of Contents
Components Of The Uno Game
Deck of 108 cards, which include:
- 19 Blue numbered cards (0-9, duplicated except for 0)
- 19 Green numbered cards (0-9, duplicated except for 0)
- 19 Red numbered cards (0-9, duplicated except for 0)
- 19 Yellow numbered cards (0-9, duplicated except for 0)
- 8 Draw Two cards (2 each in blue, green, red, and yellow)
- 8 Reverse cards (2 each in blue, green, red, and yellow)
- 8 Skip cards (2 each in blue, green, red, and yellow)
- 4 Wild cards
- 4 Wild Draw Four cards
- Game instructions
Objective Of Uno
Be the first player to get rid of all their cards!
Other objectives may include:
- To be the first player to reach 500 points.
- When a player has only one card left, they must yell “Uno!” to indicate they are about to potentially win the game.
- If a player cannot play a card during their turn, they must draw a card from the draw pile.
- If a player is caught failing to yell “Uno!” when they’re down to their last card, they must draw two new cards as a penalty.
- Special action cards (Skip, Reverse, Draw Two, Wild, and Wild Draw Four) can be used to change the direction of play, force opponents to draw more cards, or alter the current color in play, adding an extra layer of strategy to the game.
How To Setup Uno
Uno is a classic card game played with a specially printed deck of 108 cards.
This deck is categorized into four different colors: red, yellow, green, and blue, and each color deck includes numbers from 0 to 9 and unique action cards like Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two.
There are also Wild cards and Wild Draw Four cards that are not attributed to any specific color until they’re played.
To set up Uno, follow these steps:
- Shuffle the deck: This helps to randomize the order and ensures a fair game. It’s always a good idea to give the cards a good mix.
- Deal the cards: Each player should be dealt seven cards from the shuffled deck. These will form each player’s initial hand.
- Set up the draw pile: Place the remaining cards facedown in the center of the playing area. This becomes the draw pile from which players will draw cards during the game.
- Begin the discard pile: The top card of the draw pile is flipped over and placed next to the draw pile face up. This starts the discard pile. If this card happens to be an action card, then the action must be taken as the game starts.
Now your Uno game setup is complete.
Remember, the primary aim of Uno is to be the first player to get rid of all of your cards, and when you’re down to one card, don’t forget to shout “Uno!”. The game continues until a player has no cards left.
The objective is to have fun, so enjoy the game!
Breaking Down The Special Cards In Uno
One of the best parts of Uno are the special cards.
These are your secret weapons in the game, the real game changers. Handle them wisely, and victory is just a “Uno” shout away.
The Mischievous Draw 2 Card
Ah, the Draw 2 Card! This card is like the little brother who, in the middle of your video game, gleefully unplugs your controller.
When you play this card, the next player has to draw two cards from the deck and, adding insult to injury, forfeit their turn.
A piece of friendly advice? Remember to wear your poker face because this card is as much about the surprise as it is about the effect.
The Plot-Twist Reverse Card
Just when you think the game is headed one way, the Reverse Card laughs in the face of predictability.
Playing this card instantly changes the direction of play. If the game was moving clockwise, it suddenly goes counter-clockwise, and vice versa.
The Timeout-Giving Skip Card
Think of the Skip Card as the “Simon says, sit this one out” of Uno.
When you play this card, the next player in rotation has to skip their turn. It’s a great way to prevent a player from playing that winning card when you see their victorious smirk.
Beware though, this card is best served cold and often results in temporary friendships on the verge of a freeze.
The Chameleon Wild Card
The Wild Card is Uno’s very own chameleon, blending in with any color you choose.
When this card comes into play, you get to choose the color that continues the game, offering a wild turn in your favor. It’s like your game genie granting you one color wish. Use it wisely!
The Bombshell Wild Draw 4 Card
The Wild Draw 4 Card is the true bombshell of Uno, a card so powerful it might as well come with a dramatic soundtrack. Like the Wild Card, you choose the color that resumes play.
But here’s the kicker: the next player has to draw four cards and lose their turn.
The Enigmatic Blank Card
The last in our list is the elusive Blank Card, your personal canvas in the game of Uno. Some Uno decks allow you to introduce a rule of your own when this card is played.
Yes, you heard right, Uno gives you a momentary godlike power. What’s the rule going to be? Only your devious, Uno-loving mind can decide!
Uno Gameplay Rules Explained
How Each Turn Looks
An Uno turn is like the tick of a clock; it moves in a cycle, consistent and expected. And just as one wouldn’t put a minute hand on a second’s job, it’s important to know what you can do and when.
To start your turn, you’ll need to play a card from your hand that matches the discard pile’s top card in either color, number, or symbol.
If you’ve been blessed with a Wild card, congratulations! These special babies can match any card and also allow you to dictate the next color in play.
However, not all turns are sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes, you might not have a playable card. In that case, you’ll need to draw a card from the draw pile.
If the card you drew can be played, go ahead and release it into the wild – err, the discard pile. But if not, your turn ends faster than a hiccup, and play moves on to the next player.
Going Out
To “go out” in Uno isn’t about dressing up and hitting the town. It means playing your last card, and it’s the Uno equivalent of a victory dance. But don’t celebrate just yet, because there’s a catch!
Before you play your second-to-last card, you must yell out “Uno!” as a signal to others that you’re on the verge of winning. Failure to do so results in a penalty where you have to draw two cards. So, make sure your “Uno!” is loud and proud, like a rooster at dawn!
Scoring
Once a player goes out, it’s time to count those precious points. The game may end, but the fun of tallying begins!
All the cards left in the players’ hands get counted against them.
Numbered cards are worth their face value, while Draw Two, Reverse, and Skip cards are worth 20 points each. Wild and Wild Draw Four cards carry a hefty value of 50 points each.
Add up these points, and award them to the winning player. Yes, in Uno, others’ misfortune is your fortune!
Reneging
Reneging, in the world of Uno, is when a player doesn’t play a card they could have or should have played. While there’s no hard-set rule in the official Uno guide about it, different circles have different house rules.
Some folks see reneging as part of the game’s strategy, while others might brand you a rule-breaker. It’s always a good idea to clarify such matters before you start playing, just like checking if there are marshmallows before starting a campfire.
And there you have it! You’re now better equipped to dominate your next Uno game. Just remember, no matter how heated the game gets, it’s all about having fun and creating unforgettable memories. Happy gaming!
Clarifying The Most Commonly Incorrect “Rule”
I’m a nerd and follow Uno on Twitter (yes, I already said I’m a nerd). And it’s here that I heard an official rule clarification I never even considered I’d hear.
Draw cards cannot be stacked to build on top of each other!
Hard to believe, but true! I’ve been playing it wrong my whole life.
Sure, many of us understood you can’t stack a Draw Two on a Draw Four, but I know I’m not alone in believing that Twos could stack on Twos and Fours could stack on Fours.
Imagine this scenario: your grandmother chuckles maniacally as she lays down a Draw Two on you. You have to draw two and lose your turn.
But wait! You lay down your Draw Two, making the next person draw four and lose their turn.
Sadly, this isn’t officially legal! And the official owners of Uno confirmed it!
Of course, you can always play by your own rules, called house rules. Just make sure you clarify before the game starts.
You can even turn Uno into a drinking game! Check out the link for details.
Check Out Other Uno Games/Versions
Uno Classic is amazing by itself, but if you want some more Uno fun, there are a ton of variations out there.
A few of my faves include:
- UNO Flip: This version introduces a double-sided deck and a “flip” card that can switch the game between the “light” side and the “dark” side, each with their own unique action cards.
- UNO Attack: Also known as “UNO Extreme” in some regions, this version includes an electronic card shooter and special command cards. If you can’t make a play, you have to hit the launcher button, which could fire a stream of cards at any moment.
- UNO Dare: The traditional UNO game with a daring twist. If you draw a Dare card, you can either take the dare or draw two more cards.
- UNO Minecraft: In this version, the game is themed after the popular video game Minecraft, with special action cards like the Creeper card which forces the next player to draw three cards.
- UNO Harry Potter: Based on the globally acclaimed series by J.K. Rowling, this version adds a special rule with the Sorting Hat card that allows you to choose the house of the next color to be played.
- UNO Super Mario: This iteration features characters from the beloved Super Mario series. The special “Super Star” card can make your game quite interesting.
- UNO Emoji: Your favorite emojis are now on UNO cards. This version includes a special rule where, if you draw the Wild Emoji Card, the next player must make and hold an emoji face!
- UNO Wild Jackpot: This version adds a fun new twist to the classic game. Instead of a Wild card, there’s a Wild Jackpot card and a slot machine that can mix up the game in a hilarious way.
- UNO Spin: This version introduces a spin wheel that, when spun, could change the course of the game dramatically.
- UNO Splash: A waterproof version of UNO designed to be more durable and safe for playing at the beach or poolside.
For more ideas and deep look at a ton of other versions, check out our massive article the best Uno games to try.
