How to Play UNO Cards & Basic Rules

(Last Updated On: July 14, 2023)

UNO is a popular card game enjoyed by people of all ages. It’s a fun and exciting game that can be played with family and friends. Whether you’re new to UNO or looking for a refresher on the rules, this article will guide you through the basics of how to play UNO cards.

Introduction to UNO Cards

UNO is a fast-paced shedding-type card game that was invented in 1971. It has gained worldwide popularity due to its simple yet engaging gameplay. The game is designed for two to ten players, making it suitable for small gatherings or large parties.

Objective of the Game

The main objective of UNO is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards. Points are scored by the remaining cards in other players’ hands. The ultimate goal is to reach 500 points, although this can be adjusted based on personal preferences.

Components of the Game

To play UNO, you’ll need a deck of UNO cards. A standard UNO deck consists of 108 cards, including four colors (red, blue, green, and yellow) with numbers from 0 to 9, action cards (Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two), and wild cards (Wild and Wild Draw Four).

Setting Up the Game

To set up the game, shuffle the deck thoroughly and deal seven cards to each player. Place the remaining cards face-down to form a draw pile. Flip the top card of the draw pile face-up to create a discard pile.

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Basic Rules of UNO Cards

Starting the Game: The player to the left of the dealer goes first. They must match either the color or the number of the top card in the discard pile. If a player doesn’t have a playable card, they must draw a card from the draw pile.
Playing Cards: Players take turns clockwise, playing one card per turn. They can either play a card that matches the color or number of the top card in the discard pile or play a wild card.
Matching Colors and Numbers: When playing a card, it must match the color or number of the previous card played. For example, if the top card is blue, the next player must play a blue card or a card with the same number.
Special Cards: Action cards such as Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two have special effects. When a player plays a Skip card, the next player’s turn is skipped. A Reverse card changes the direction of play. If a Draw Two card is played, the next player must draw two cards and skip their turn.
Draw Cards: If a player cannot play a card, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card can be played, the player may choose to play it immediately. Otherwise, their turn ends, and the game continues to the next player.
Skipping Turns: If a player plays a Draw Two or Draw Four card, the next player must draw the designated number of cards and skip their turn. However, if the next player also has a Draw Two or Draw Four card, they can play it, forcing the subsequent player to draw more cards and skip their turn.
Reverse Cards: When a Reverse card is played, the direction of play changes. For example, if the game was progressing clockwise, it will switch to counterclockwise.
Wild Cards: Wild cards can be played at any time, even if the player has a playable card. When playing a Wild card, the player gets to choose the next color to be played. Wild Draw Four cards not only change the color but also force the next player to draw four cards and skip their turn.

Strategies and Tips for Winning

Mastering UNO requires both strategy and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to increase your chances of winning:

Pay Attention to the Discard Pile: Keep an eye on the cards in the discard pile. This will give you an idea of which colors and numbers are in play, helping you make better decisions on which cards to play or hold onto.
Use Action Cards Strategically: Action cards can be game-changers. Save them for crucial moments or when you want to disrupt your opponents’ plans. Timing is key when playing Skip, Reverse, or Draw Two cards.
Keep Track of Other Players’ Cards: Observing what cards other players are picking or discarding can give you valuable information. It can help you anticipate their moves and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Plan Your Moves Carefully: Avoid playing all your high-value cards early on. Instead, aim to get rid of low-value cards first to minimize the points scored by your opponents.

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Variations of UNO

UNO has several variations that add unique twists to the gameplay. Some popular variations include UNO Attack, UNO Spin, and UNO Dare. These variations introduce new rules, action cards, or interactive components to make the game even more exciting.

UNO Card Game for Kids

UNO also offers a simplified version of the game called UNO Junior, specifically designed for younger players. UNO Junior features colorful and playful card designs, making it easier for kids to understand and enjoy the game.

FAQs About How to Play UNO

How many players can play UNO?

UNO can be played with 2 to 10 players.

How do you deal cards in UNO?

In a standard UNO deck, there are 108 cards. The dealer should shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards to each player, one at a time, in a clockwise direction.

What is the objective of UNO?

The objective of UNO is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards.

How do you start a game of UNO?

To start a game of UNO, the player to the left of the dealer goes first. They must play a card that matches the color, number, or symbol of the top card on the discard pile.

What are the special cards in UNO and what do they do?

UNO has several special cards:

Reverse: Reverses the direction of play.
Skip: Skips the next player’s turn.
Draw Two: Forces the next player to draw two cards and skip their turn.
Wild: Allows the player to choose the next color to be played.
Wild Draw Four: Allows the player to choose the next color to be played and forces the next player to draw four cards and skip their turn.

Can you stack Draw Two or Draw Four cards in UNO?

No, you cannot stack Draw Two or Draw Four cards. If a player plays a Draw Two card, the next player must draw two cards and skip their turn. They cannot play another Draw Two card on top of it. The same rule applies to Draw Four cards.

What happens if a player doesn’t have a playable card in UNO?

If a player does not have a playable card, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card is playable, they can choose to play it, but if not, they must keep it and their turn ends.