UNO has been one of the world’s most popular card games for several decades now. It’s both fun and easy to play. Whether you need to learn how to play UNO for the first time or you’re simply in need of a reminder of what the rules are, this guide is for you.
If you do not own physical UNO playing cards, fear not, as this NZ website about UNO delivers in-depth guides on how to play UNO Online, ensuring that you won’t be missing out on any of the fun that UNO has to offer.
An overview of the game
Before going into more detail about the game of UNO, here is a simple overview of how the game should proceed:
- Players start their turn by matching the top card of the discard pile with a card in their hand by either number, colour, or word.
- If a player cannot match a card, they must draw a card from the draw pile and play the newly drawn card if possible. If they cannot play the card, the play moves on to the next player.
- A round ends when a player plays their last card. Points are then tallied based on the value of the cards left in the hands of the other players. Thereafter, a new round can begin.
- The first player to reach 500 points wins the game.
Setting the game up
Each player should draw a card from the deck. The player with the highest point value card will be the dealer. Next, the dealer must shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards to each player.
The remaining cards will form the draw pile and should be placed face down. Draw the top card and place it face up in order to create the discard pile. If this card is a Wild Draw 4 card, place it back into the deck and draw another card.
Winning a round
If a player is able to play all of the cards in their hand, they win the round. Bear in mind that players must say “UNO” after playing their second to last card to signify that they are down to their final card. Failing to do so will result in having to draw four cards from the draw pile. It’s also important to remember that saying “UNO” when playing your second-to-last card does not mean that you win the round. You must successfully play your final card in order to win. If you cannot play your final card because it does not match the card played by the previous player, you must draw a card from the draw pile.
What do the special cards do?
Skip card
The next player will miss their turn or be “skipped”. This card can only be played on a matching colour or another Skip card.
Reverse card
The direction of play will be reversed. This card can only be played on a matching colour or another Reverse card.
Draw 2 card
The next player must pick up 2 cards from the draw pile. This card can only be played on a matching colour or another Draw 2 card.
Wild card
Change the colour that is currently being played to any colour of your choosing. A Wild card can be played at any time.
Wild Draw 4 card
Change the colour of the play, and the next player must pick up 4 cards. This card can only be played, however, if you do not have any other matching cards in your hand.
How does the scoring work?
The winner of each round will obtain points based on the value of the cards that remain in the hands of their opponents. The value of each card is as follows:
- Number cards equal the same amount of points as their face value. For example, a number 3 card is worth 3 points.
- Skip, Reverse and Draw 2 cards are worth 20 points.
- Wild and Wild Draw 4 cards are worth 50 points.
If, for example, one of your opponents ends the round with a hand containing a number 7 card, a number 3 card, a Reverse card, and a Wild card, you would score 80 points. Remember that you will also score points based on the remaining cards of every other player.
The first player to reach 500 points wins the game.