UNO game

The strategic Uno game is quite simple, yet very fun – it can be played by people of all ages – both children and seniors. In this short guide, you will find all the rules of the Uno card game and the gameplay.

uno-card-game

 

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UNO Rules (Traditional Version)

The colorful card game “Uno” was created by American barber Merle Robbins. The Uno game is still very popular both in Lithuania and throughout Europe.

The strategic game is quite simple but very fun – it can be played by players of all ages – children and seniors alike.

Number of Players

The Uno game is designed for 2 to 10 players (recommended for ages seven and up).

Game Requirements:

  • The game set consists of 108 colorful cards:
  • 19 blue cards – from 0 to 9 (only one card with 0)
  • 19 green cards – from 0 to 9 (only one card with 0)
  • 19 red cards – from 0 to 9 (only one card with 0)
  • 19 yellow cards – from 0 to 9 (only one card with 0)
  • 8 action cards “Draw Two” – 2 blue, green, red, and yellow each
  • 8 action cards “Reverse” – 2 blue, green, red, and yellow each
  • 8 action cards “Skip” – 2 blue, green, red, and yellow each
  • 4 action cards “Wild”
  • 4 action cards “Wild Draw Four”

Action Card Meanings

uno game-cards

Card “Draw Two” – when you use this card, the next player must draw two cards and skip their turn. This card can be placed on a card of the same color or another “Draw Two” card. All players can continue placing these cards until one player no longer has one.

It can happen that a player has to draw 8 or even more cards! If this card was the first card revealed at the start of the game, the same rules apply.

Card “Reverse” – when you use this card, the direction of play is reversed (if it was clockwise, it becomes counterclockwise or vice versa). This card can only be placed on a card of the same color or another “Reverse” card.

If this card was the first card revealed at the start of the game, the dealer starts the game, and the next turn is taken by the player to the dealer's right, not left.

Card “Skip” – when you use this card, the next player skips their turn and is called the “skipped player.” This card can only be placed on a card of the same color or another “Skip” card.

If this card is drawn at the start of the game, the player to the dealer's left skips their turn, and the game starts with the player to the left of the skipped player. 

Card “Wild” – when you use this card, you choose the color to continue the game (any color, including the one being played before using the special “Wild” card).

You can use this card even if you have another suitable card to play. If the special “Wild” card is drawn at the start of the game, the player to the dealer's left chooses the color to continue the game.

Card “Wild Draw Four” – this is the best and most useful card in the game, allowing you to turn the game in your favor. When you use this card, you can choose the color to continue the game; additionally, the next player must draw 4 cards from the draw pile and skip their turn.

The player with the “Wild Draw Four” card can use it at any time, but only during their turn. This card can be played even if you have a suitable card. If this card was the first card revealed at the start of the game, it goes back into the deck, and the next card is revealed.

Gameplay

Preparation

Each player draws a card – the player with the highest number is the dealer.

The dealer shuffles the cards and deals 7 cards to each player. Place the remaining cards on the table – this will be the draw pile.

The top card of the draw pile is flipped over to start the discard pile. Note! If the first discard card is “Wild Draw Four” (see its meaning in the rules section “Action Card Meanings”).

The player to the dealer's left starts the game. The card that the player wants to place on the discard pile must match in color, number, or action card symbol.

For example, if the top card of the discard pile is a red 7, the player must place a red card or any color card with the number 7. Additionally, the player can place action cards.

If the player does not have a suitable card to play, they must draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card is suitable, it can be played immediately on the same turn; if not, the player keeps it, and the turn passes to the next player.

The player can also choose not to play a card, even if they have a suitable one, and instead draw a card from the draw pile. If the drawn card is suitable, it can be played immediately on the same turn, but the player cannot draw any more cards after this draw.

If the draw pile runs out of cards and each player still has cards, the cards must be thoroughly shuffled, and the game continues.

When a player is left with only one card, they must shout “Uno.” If they forget to shout, the player must draw two cards from the “Draw” pile. However, this rule-penalty only applies if other players notice it (more penalties can be found in the rules section “Penalties”).

Uno Game Objective

To discard all your cards as quickly as possible and thus collect as many (1 point counting method) or as few points (2 point counting method) as possible.

How to Win?

To win the game and be the first to discard all cards, it is recommended to save action cards for the end. Especially powerful are the action cards “Choose Color” and “Choose Color and Draw 4 Cards,” as you can play the card on any color and change the color to your advantage.

Try to keep at least 2 cards of the same color – this increases the likelihood that the opponent will not have a card capable of changing the color.

The golden rule – don't forget to shout “Uno,” or you will have to draw additional cards.

Who Won UNO?

The player who first collects the agreed amount (e.g., 500) points wins, or the player who collects the fewest points (e.g., 100) wins.

UNO Game – Scoring

Method 1. You get points when you get rid of your cards before your opponents. For example, you agree to play up to 500 points, and the game is won by the one who first collects this amount of points. The player who is first left without cards gets points for all the cards remaining with their opponents.

Points are counted as follows: regular cards correspond to the number of points written on the card (from 0 to 9); “Draw 2,” “Reverse,” “Skip” cards correspond to 20 points; “Choose Color” and “Choose Color and Draw 4” – 50 points.

Method 2. Sometimes points are counted for the losing players, and the game is lost by the one who collects the most points, while the one who collects the fewest wins. The total points are a matter of agreement.

For example, you agree to play up to 100 points and play until that amount is reached. Points are counted only for the player who did not exit the game. The winner is the player who has the fewest points after all rounds.

Uno Game – Penalties

  1. If a player with one card in hand does not say “Uno,” they must draw two cards from the draw pile. The penalty is given when another player notices it before the next player has already played their card.
  2. A player who advises another player must also draw two cards.
  3. A player who plays an incorrect card must also draw two cards.

Uno Game Versions

Here are ten popular variations of the classic card game “Uno”

“Uno Attack” (Uno Extreme)

Instead of drawing cards from the deck, players use a card shooter to shoot out random cards. The number of cards it shoots can vary, making this method more exciting and unpredictable, as you never know how many cards you will have to draw.

Uno Flip

This deck version features a unique characteristic – it is double-sided. The light and dark sides are not the same and have different sets of special cards.

Players can use these cards to flip the entire deck and hands to the other side, thus changing the rules during the game. The dark side has more penalty action cards, which are powerful, making strategy an important part of this game.

Uno Dare

The set includes “Dare” cards, which present players with funny or challenging tasks, such as dancing, singing songs, or making silly faces. This gives “Uno” a party game feel, where everyone can join in and have fun together.

Uno ColorADD

For players who have difficulty understanding colors, this version of “Uno” uses symbols and colors on each card. This way, no one is left out and can enjoy the game. It becomes more inclusive and accessible to everyone, even those who cannot properly see certain colors.

Uno Spin

In this version, players use a spinning wheel to decide on certain actions instead of just playing cards. The wheel adds a fun and unpredictable aspect to the game. It can give different results that can change the course of the game.

Uno Roboto

Introducing the game master, called Roboto. This electronic figure randomly gives players instructions and tasks as they play the game.

The interactive Roboto feature adds spontaneity and enjoyment, as players must follow its instructions along with the usual “Uno” rules.

“Uno Wild” Jackpot

Includes a slot machine-like feature for obtaining special cards. By pulling the lever, players see what unique card or action they will get. This adds a casino vibe to the game and creates surprises with every turn, as you never know what you might get by pulling this lever!

Uno Dice

Instead of cards, dice are used. Players roll the dice to get the corresponding colors or numbers, which changes the game as they depend on what comes out in their rolls rather than drawing from a deck of cards.

Uno H2O

A waterproof “Uno” game with transparent plastic cards, perfect for playing in the pool, at the beach, or any other wet place.

Durable and waterproof cards ensure that you can enjoy the game without worrying about water damage.

Uno Super Mario

Mario Touch: (For Super Mario fans) This version features Mario-themed characters and action cards. Action cards can change the rules or add surprises based on the Super Mario world.

If you are a big “Super Mario” fan, this is a great choice to combine your love for the game with the traditional “Uno” game.

If you want to learn other card games, follow this link.