How to Play UNO cards: Learn the Rules and Dominate the Game

Written by: Kaushik Jethva

Last Updated: May 25, 2023

group of friends playing uno cards
Group of friends playing UNO Cards

UNO is a classic game of matching colours and numbers known for its fast-paced gameplay. The UNO deck comprises 108 cards divided into four colours: red, green, blue, and yellow. Each colour has numbered 0 to 9, action cards (reverse, skip, and draw two) and wild cards (wild and wild draw four).

Playing UNO is a great way to spend time with family and friends, and it is a game that is easy to learn but difficult to master. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the rules on how to play UNO cards and the gameplay of UNO so that you can start playing and enjoying this classic card game. Whether a beginner or an experienced player, this guide will provide all the information on how to play UNO cards and have fun. So, let’s get started!

1 A step-by-step guide on How to Play UNO Cards

Setting Up the UNO Cards Game

To set up the game, follow these simple steps:

  1. Shuffle the UNO deck of cards thoroughly to ensure that the cards are randomised.
  2. Each player draws a card from the deck. The player with the highest number card becomes the dealer. The dealer is responsible for reshuffling the cards.
  3. The dealer reshuffles the cards to ensure that the cards are randomised and then deals seven cards to each player, one at a time. The cards should be dealt face down, and players should not reveal their cards to each other.
  4. The remaining cards are placed face down on the table to form the draw pile. Make sure to leave enough space for a discard pile next to it.
  5. The top card from the draw pile is flipped over and placed face up next to the draw pile to start the discard pile. If the first card is a special card, Wild or Wild Draw Four, the dealer should keep flipping cards until a non-special card is drawn. The first non-special card becomes the starting card for the discard pile.
  6. The dealer then announces the colour of the card that starts the discard pile, and play begins with the player to the left of the dealer.

2 The UNO Cards Gameplay

Be the first player to get rid of all cards in UNO. To do so, you must match the colour or number of the top card on the discard pile. You must draw one card from the draw pile. If you cannot play, your turn ends, and the next player goes.

  1. The player to the dealer’s left goes first, and the play continues clockwise.
  2. The first player must match the colour or number of the top card on the discard pile. For example, if the top card is a blue 5, the player must play either a blue card or a card with the number 5. The player can also play a Wild or Wild Draw Four card at any time, even if they don’t match the colour or number of the top card.
  3. If a player cannot play a card, they must draw one from the draw pile. If they can play the card they drew, they may do so. Otherwise, they must keep the card and end their turn.
  4. If a player plays a special card, the following rules apply:
    • Reverse: Changes the direction of play. If the game went clockwise, it now goes anti-clockwise, and vice versa.
    • Skip: Skips the next player’s turn.
    • Draw Two: The next player must draw two cards from the draw pile and skip their turn.
    • Wild: The player can choose the colour that continues play, and the next player must play a card of that colour.
    • Wild Draw Four: The player can choose the colour that continues play, and the next player must draw four cards from the draw pile and skip their turn.
  1. If a player has only one card left, they must say “UNO” out loud. If they fail to do so and another player catches them, they must draw two cards from the draw pile.
  2. The game continues until one player gets rid of all their cards. Then, that player is the winner.

Additional Rules for UNO Cards Gameplay

There are a few additional rules to keep in mind when playing UNO:

  • If a player plays a Wild Draw Four card, the next player can challenge it if they think the player didn’t have a matching card in their hand. If the challenge is successful, the player who played the Wild Draw Four must draw four cards instead of the next player.
  • If the draw pile runs out of cards, shuffle the discard pile (except for the top card) and use it as the new draw pile.
  • If a player forgets to say “UNO” when they have one card left, and another player catches them, the player who failed to say “UNO” must draw two cards from the draw pile as a penalty.
  • If a player cannot play a card but draws a card they can play, they must play it immediately. They cannot save it for later.
  • If a player plays a Draw Two card and the next player has a Draw Two card of the same colour, they can play it, and the next player must draw four cards and skip their turn.
  • If a player plays a Skip or Reverse card, and the next player also has a Skip or Reverse card of the same colour, they can play it, and the turn will be skipped, or the direction will be reversed twice.
  • If the game ends in a tie, the players with the same number of cards left in their hands must continue playing until a winner is determined.
  • You can not put draw four and draw two cards together. Do not punish the person sitting next to you.😆

3 Wrapping Up

Playing UNO is a great way to spend time with family and friends, and it is a game that players of all ages and skill levels can enjoy. UNO is easy to learn but challenging to master, making it a great game for beginners and experienced players.

By following the rules and paying attention to the cards, you can improve your gameplay and become a skilled UNO player. Always be strategic and watch your opponent’s moves to gain an advantage. Communication is also key in UNO, so announce when you have one card left and say “UNO” out loud.

Most importantly, have fun while playing UNO! The game’s fast-paced and exciting gameplay can lead to some memorable moments and friendly competition. With practice, you can become a skilled UNO player and enjoy this classic card game for years.

So, gather your family and friends, shuffle the cards, and start playing UNO!

If you want a change of game, read our fun blog on how to play business game. Happy gaming!

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About This Article

Kaushik Jethva
Written by: Kaushik Jethva author

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Updated: May 25, 2023
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