Wondering how to play UNO? You’re in the right place.
Although millions worldwide play UNOUNO is played by millions across the world, sometimes we need a refresher on how to play. We’ve compiled a list of rules for the famous card game, including commonly asked questions and house rules you can use to switch up your play.
The instructions below are specific to the original UNO card game, compared to variations such as UNO Flip or UNO Extreme.
What is the UNO game?
UNO is a popular card game whose objective is to be the first player to get rid of all the cards in their hand. Players take turns drawing and playing cards, aiming to match the colour or number of the top card on the discard pile or to play a wild card. When a player has only one card left, they must yell, "UNO!".
What is UNO’s age rage? How many players can play the Uno card game?
The standard UNO card game is generally recommended for 2 to 10 players aged seven and up.
For younger players, themed UNO options such as UNO Stitch may appeal to them.
1. How to set up UNO?
Each player starts the game with seven cards dealt face down. The remaining cards should be placed in a draw pile, face down too. To start the game, flip the top card of the draw pile over to create a discard pile. If you turn over a wild card, put this to the back of the draw pile and flip the next card.
How many cards are in UNO?
In one standard UNO deck you’ll find 108 cards:
25 cards of each colour (green, red, blue and yellow).
- 19 number cards (1 zero and 2 of each number up to 9)
- 2 UNO reverse cards.
- 2 UNO skip cards.
- 2 UNO draw two2 cards.
- 4 UNO wild draw four4 cards.
- 4 UNO wild cards.
2. Match your UNO cards to the discard pile
To start and work clockwise, choose either the player to the left of the dealer or the youngest player.
When it’s your turn, inspect the card on the top of the discard pile and see if any of your cards are playable. You can play a card when it matches either the colour or number of the card, or if you have any wild cards.
You must draw a card from the draw pile if you have no playable cards. The aim of UNO is to be the first player to eliminate all their cards so you’ll want to avoid picking up cards as best you can. If you have to draw a card, you can play it immediately if it is playable; otherwise your turn ends.
If you use all the cards in the draw pile and no one has won, reshuffle the discard pile to continue playing.
3. UNO card meanings
In UNO, you’ll find cards that don’t have basic numbers on them - these special cards can help you win the game, so use them wisely!
UNO Reverse card
This card reverses the direction of play; from clockwise to anticlockwise. You can prevent someone from winning first by using this card tactically.
UNO Skip card
This card simply skips the next player’s turn.
UNO Draw 2 card
A draw 2 card forces the next player to pick up two cards and makes them skip their turn. Since the game aim is to get rid of all of your cards, playing a +2 card can be a clever strategy to prevent your opponent from winning.
UNO wild card
The wild card has all 4 card colours on it and allows a player to pick which colour they want the round to move on with. After playing a wild card, you should say aloud which colour you want the play to change to. You can pick the same colour as the current card to eliminate your wild card. If you’re holding many cards in one particular colour, the wild card can help you to get rid of these.
Wild card draw 4
Like the standard wild card, playing this card means you can dictate which colour should be played next. The difference, however, with this card is that the next player must pick up four cards from the draw pile and miss their turn.
You might be surprised to hear that there are only certain circumstances when this card can be played. You can only play the draw four wild cards when you don’t have a card in your hand that matches the card's colour on the discard pile.
If the player who has to pick up four cards wants to, they can challenge you if they suspect you’ve played the card illegally. With this, you must show your hand to the player who has accused you and if they are correct in their suspicion you must draw four cards. If they are incorrect, the challenger must draw the four cards plus two additional cards.
4. How to win UNO
When you only have one card, you must say ‘UNO’ aloud before the play moves to the next player. If you don’t say UNO in time and another player catches you, you must pick up four cards from the draw pile. On the other hand, if you do not get caught before the next player makes their move you do not have to draw extra cards.
Once a player has placed their last card they have won this round! It’s time to score…
How to score in UNO?
If you are the first player to get rid of all of your cards, you get points for the cards in other players’ hands. Each card is worth:
- Number cards - the number written on the card.
- Draw 2 - 20 points.
- Reverse - 20 points.
- Skip - 20 points.
- Wild card - 50 points.
- Wild card draw 4 - 50 points.
The player who first reaches 500 points wins the overall game. Alternatively, you can score the game by each player totalling the points in their hand; then when one player reaches 500 points, the player with the lowest points wins.
What are the UNO rules?
Aside from the standard UNO rules, popular house rules can be incorporated into your gameplay.
Can you stack cards in UNO?
There was widespread surprise around the game on Twitter in 2019, where players were shocked to find that stacking is not a standard part of UNO rules. This house rule is suggested to alter the game so that players can prevent themselves from picking up cards by forcing the next player to pick up unless they have a +2 or +4 card to continue the play.
Seven-O
This rule changes up your usual gameplay. Every time a seven is played, the player who used this card can trade their cards with a different player. Every time a zero is played, all players should pass their hand to the player next to them in order of play.
Jump-in
If a player has a matching card in colour and number to the top card visible on the discard pile, they may play it immediately. This means they can play their card even when it’s not their turn, making the game continue as if it were just their go.
UNO FAQs
- What happens if you don’t say UNO
You are required to pick up four cards if you fail to say UNO
- How many cards do you start with in UNO?
In the game of UNO, each player begins with seven cards. The remaining cards are placed in a draw pile, face down, and the top card is flipped over to create the discard pile.
- Do you pick up a card every time in UNO?
You don’t need to pick a card up. If you can’t go, pick up a card from the draw pile. You may also be required to pick up cards if your opponent uses a Draw 2 or Draw 4 card on you.
- Can you finish on a wild card in UNO?
Yes, you can end the game with an action card. With this, the next player must draw 2 or 4 cards depending on what’s played and this will add to their point total.
- Can you hold a wild card in UNO?
Yes, you can! UNO rules state that you can draw a card even if you have one that could have been played.
- Can you play two identical cards at once in UNO?
In the official UNO rules, stacking is not permitted. You could, however, add this rule as part of your house rules. In ‘Doubles’, players can play two identical cards together, for example a pair of red 4s could be played if the card is red or is a 4.
- What does shuffle hands mean in UNO?
When the 'Shuffle Hands' card is played, the player who played the card must take everyone's hand and shuffle them together. Then they distribute them evenly among all players.
Where to buy UNO?
UNO remains one of the most beloved and accessible card games in the world, and for good reason. Its simple rules, fast-paced turns, and strategic twists make it perfect for players of all ages. Whether you're stacking Draw Twos, reversing the direction at the last second, or holding out for that game-winning Wild card, every round of UNO brings fresh excitement.
Contact our friendly team today if you want further advice about the UNO game.
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