UNO card game: rules and action cards explained
Also known as: Uno
UNO rules in short: match the colour or number, use Skip, Reverse and Draw Two cards, play wild cards and say UNO when one card is left. Scoring and tips.
- Type
- Card game
- Players
- 2–10
- Age
- Ages 7+
- First released
- 1971
- Designed by
- Merle Robbins
UNO is a shedding card game, which means the goal is to get rid of all the cards in your hand. Players match the top card of a discard pile by colour or by number, and special action cards make the next player skip a turn, reverse the order of play or draw extra cards. When a player has one card left, they must say "UNO", and forgetting to do so brings a penalty. The game was created by Merle Robbins in 1971 in the United States, and it has since become one of the most widely played card games for families. It is fast, colourful and easy to learn for children who know their colours and numbers.
Our verdict
UNO is a perfect game for mixed groups. Rules take a minute, rounds take a few minutes and children can win as easily as adults. The action cards create exciting swings and friendly revenge, and shouting UNO at the right moment adds a social element. It also helps young children practise colours, numbers and matching. Because a deck is small and sturdy, it is ideal for trips, waiting rooms and family evenings when nobody wants to read a rulebook.
What works
- Very easy to learn
- Works with large groups
- Portable and quick
What does not
- Luck dominates many rounds
- Popular house rules cause arguments
How to play UNO
Each player receives seven cards, and one card from the deck starts the discard pile. On your turn, play one card that matches the top card in colour, number or symbol. If you cannot or choose not to play, draw one card; if it can be played, you may play it at once. Action cards change play: Skip makes the next player lose a turn, Reverse changes the direction of play, and Draw Two forces the next player to draw two cards and lose their turn. A Wild card lets you choose the next colour. A Wild Draw Four card lets you choose the colour and forces the next player to draw four cards; under the official rules, it may only be played when you have no card matching the current colour. When you play your second-to-last card, you must say "UNO". If another player catches you before the next turn begins, you draw two cards. The first player with no cards wins the round and scores points from the cards left in other hands.
Tips for new players
- Keep action cards for the moment when the next player is close to winning.
- Change colour with a Wild card toward the colour you hold most.
- Watch which colours other players fail to match; they probably lack them.
- Always say UNO when you play your second-to-last card.
Good for
UNO: common questions
Can you stack Draw Two cards in UNO?
Not in the official rules. Stacking is a common house rule; agree on it before you start.
How many players can play UNO?
UNO is designed for two to ten players.
What happens if you forget to say UNO?
If another player catches you before the next player begins their turn, you must draw two cards.
UNO belongs to its owners. Playdonya is not connected to them and does not sell this game; the cover is our own illustration.
