
UNO is a fun game that people of all ages can play and enjoy. The gameplay is easy to learn and offers an excellent opportunity to spend time with friends and family.
So, if you are looking for a card game that’s challenging and easy at the same time, this article is for you. From meaning and rules to the scoring system, we’ve covered everything you need to know.
What Is the UNO Card Game?
Uno, known as UNO, is an American proprietary shedding card game. The name means ‘one’ in Spanish and Italian. It was first created in Reading, Ohio, by Merle Robbins. At that time, Reading was home to International Games Inc., which was later bought by Mattel.
Uno is a popular multiplayer card game played with a unique deck. The game is based on the crazy eight. The objective is to be the first player to discard all your cards. Various versions have been launched since the game’s inception. You can even make your house rules.
The Objective
The primary objective in UNO online is to be the first player to discard all your cards. Before discarding your last card, the player must shout 'UNO'. If you're playing multiple rounds/games, the winner will be decided based on the scores.
History
Uno, based on Crazy Eight, was invented in 1971. Merle Robbins, the inventor of the game, was arguing with his son over the Crazy Eight game in his barber shop when the idea of UNO popped up. At first, he enjoyed playing the game with his family; later, he invited some friends, and they enjoyed the game too. After that, along with his family members, he collected $8000 and manufactured 5000 copies of the game.
He started selling the game from his shop and later sold the rights to a Joliet, Illinois, game maker for $50,000 and 10% of the game sold royalties.
Later 1990, Mattel, the famous children’s toy manufacturer, bought the game. Since then, it has been popular and played at almost all friends and family gatherings.
How to Setup UNO Card Game
Here are specific rules you need to know before setting up a table for UNO:
- Every player will draw a card from the deck, and the player with the highest value card will become the dealer.
- If any player draws a wild card or a particular card, it must be returned to the deck, and the player must draw a new one. Lastly, if two players have the same value card, both cards should be returned to the deck, and new cards should be drawn.
- The dealer will then shuffle the deck, giving every player seven cards.
- The remaining cards should be kept face down to create a draw pile, and the top card should be taken to create a separate discard pile. If the top card turns out to be a wild card, the same must be returned to the deck, and a new card should be drawn.
- The player present on the immediate left side of the dealer will start the game so that the game proceeds in a clockwise direction.
The Special Cards
Card Name |
Function |
---|---|
Reverse Card |
The Reverse Card in the UNO game online changes the order of play—either from left to right or right to left. Reverse cards should be colour-matched with the top card of the discarded pile. |
Skip Card |
The Skip Card will force the next player to lose their turn. Skip cards should also be colour-matched with the top card of the discarded pile. |
Draw 2 Card |
The Draw 2 Card will force the next player to take 2 cards from the discarded pile. |
Wild Card |
The Wild Card allows the player to change the colour of the discard card, and the next player will use that chosen colour to play. |
Wild Draw 4 Card |
The Wild Draw 4 Card forces the next player to take four cards from the discarded pile, skipping their turn. |
Uno Game Rules
- The game is played with 2 to 10 players, ages seven and above. Each player gets seven cards; to win, they must discard them.
- After distribution, the rest of the cards are placed face down in a draw pile. Next to it, there will be a place designated for a discard pile.
- The player sitting left to the dealer starts the game, and the gameplay follows a clockwise direction.
- You must match the discarded card by colour, number, or wild card. For example, if the Discard Pile has a Yellow 8, you must place either a yellow card or a card with the number 8. You can also play a Wild card.
- You will pick a card from the draw pile if you don't have any cards to match. If that card is a match, you can play it; otherwise, add it to your cards.
Penalties
- When you have one card left, you must yell ‘UNO’; otherwise, you’ll get a penalty and have to draw two cards from the pile.
- If you cannot match the discarded card, you must be careful before using a wild card. You will draw cards from the pile if you play a wild card and your opponent plays the same.
Two-Player & Four-Player Rules
In a two-player game, the reverse card works like a skip. If you play any wild card, like draw two or draw 4, your opponent will pick the number of cards, and the game immediately resumes on your turn.
For a four-player or two-partner game, you will sit opposite to your partner, and the game will end when one of either partner has discarded their cards.
How To Play UNO?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing UNO:
Dealing
- You can decide the number of players before playing the game. The objective is to be the first player to discard all your cards.
- Each player gets 7 cards, but the number of cards can differ depending on the number of players playing.
Playing
- You play UNO by placing a card of a matched colour or number. For example, if the card in the middle is Yellow 6, you can put any yellow card or card with the number 6.
- If you cannot match either, you will draw a card. If the card you draw matches the requirement, you will play it or add it to your pile.
- You can even play any wild card, such as Wild 4.
Remember to Call UNO
When you are left with only two cards, remember to yell UNO before discarding the second last card, or you will face a penalty and will have to pick two cards.
Variations
There are many variations in UNO, such as Elimination UNO, Speed UNO, and Pirate UNO. Mattel released another variation called Spin-Off. The game is differentiated primarily by the centre row of the discarded pile. Here, you can only discard the pairs that add up to the sum of a card on the top.
The Scoring System
When a player gets rid of all the available cards in their hands, they will get points based on the cards left in their opponents' hands. The scoring system, when playing UNO online, is as follows:
Every Number Card |
The score is equal to the face value |
---|---|
Draw 2 |
20 Points |
Reverse |
20 Points |
Skip |
20 Points |
Wild |
50 Points |
Wild 4 |
50 Points |
The player who reaches 500 points first will win the game.
UNO Game Tips and Tricks
Here are a few strategies to win Uno:
Understand the Cards
Before playing, understand the different types of cards and their effects. You should know Skip, reverse, draw twos, and wild cards.
Save Wild Cards
Hold onto the wild cards as long as possible. They can change the colour to your advantage and even force your opponent into drawing cards.
Strategic Play
Pay attention to your opponents and the cards they are discarding. This may help you analyse their move, and you can develop strategies to win, such as holding cards that can be used later.
Use Action cards wisely
Play cards like reverse and skip strategically. This will help you control the game and avoid drawing yourself.
Time Your Challenge
Sometimes, players hide their cards to avoid the penalty of not shouting UNO or trick you into thinking they are left with only one card. If you suspect your opponent has only one card, challenge them.
UNO vs. Poker
The UNO game rules revolve around luck and chances. There's no skill involved. Furthermore, the game is directly aimed at children and is family-friendly, which is why there's no monetary compensation involved.
On the other hand, poker is a skill-based game that involves using real money. Moreover, playing poker games requires a lot of practice, research, and guidance. Even though the poker rules are easy to learn, the game is challenging to master. Hence, to be good at playing poker hands, you must spend time, effort, and money on them.
Besides, playing poker only gets old and exciting, unlike the UNO or Teen Patti game, because you get to meet new people and even use tactics like bluffing. Thus, it shouldn't come as a surprise to know that poker is easily the ideal card game to play out of the two and a much better option when compared to other money-earning games like Call Break or Three Patti. So, what are you waiting for? Start learning how to play poker today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if the last card in hand is a wild card?
When playing UNO online with friends, if your last card is wild, you should play it just as any other card after saying ‘UNO’.
How does the ‘reverse’ card work when two players are playing?
The reverse card will work as a skip card if two players play. Hence, you can play another card immediately after playing the reverse card.
How many players should ideally play UNO?
While it can technically be played with any number of players as long as there are at least two, the official rules suggest a range of 2 to 10 players for the best experience.
What are the rules of the UNO game?
You play the card when it matches the discarded card by colour or number.
What is the 7 rule in UNO?
The 7 rule allows you to swap your cards with any player.
What is the +4 rule in UNO?
Whenever someone plays a +4, the opponent has to take four cards from the pile.
What are the 4 colours of UNO cards?
Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, UNO is a fun card game to play online. The simplicity of the game makes it popular. The game is even popular at family gatherings and festivals. What are you waiting for? You’ve just learnt the rules and the gameplay; now, gather your friends and family and enjoy a game or two.