0 votes

All about the UNO game

What is Uno?

Uno is a fun and friendly card game designed to bring together players of all ages. Created in 1971 by Merle Robbins, it is based on simple rules and a clear objective: to be the first to get rid of all your cards.

The game uses a specific deck of cards, composed of numbered cards and special cards. The latter, such as “Reverse”, “Skip” or “+4”, allow you to spice up the games by changing the course of the game. Players must play a card of the same color or number as the one placed on the pile, or use a special card to surprise their opponents.

Uno is a game of strategy and luck, where every turn can change in an instant. Simple to learn, but full of twists and turns, it is perfect for sharing moments with family or friends.

History of UNO

Uno, a famous card game enjoyed all over the world, was born in the United States in 1971. It was invented by Merle Robbins , a hairdresser from Ohio, who wanted to create a simple and fun game based on a variant of Crazy Eights.

Robbins and his family often played this homemade version, and its success with his family prompted him to produce 5,000 copies of the game, which he sold to customers and in local stores. Soon, Uno’s potential exceeded his expectations. In 1981, he sold the rights to the game to a group led by Robert Tezak, an entrepreneur, for $50,000 and royalties.

Tezak was able to grow the success of Uno by distributing it nationally and then worldwide. In 1992, the game was acquired by Mattel, which continues to produce and market Uno to this day.

Today, Uno is played in over 80 countries, available in dozens of versions, and continues to bring together all generations around simple yet strategic rules.

The Rules of the Game of Uno: Complete Guide

uno
uno

Uno is a world-famous card game, loved for its mix of fun, strategy, and luck. Easy to learn, it is played by millions of people around the world, both with friends and family. Here is a detailed guide to its rules and how it plays to help you play Uno in the best possible conditions.

1. Presentation of the Uno Game

Uno is played with a special deck of 108 cards. These cards are divided into four main colors (red, blue, green, and yellow), numbered from 0 to 9, as well as several special cards that add twists to the game.

2. Objective of the Game

The main goal of Uno is to get rid of all your cards before the other players while scoring as many points as possible. Points are calculated at the end of each round based on the cards remaining in your opponents’ hands.

3. Uno Cards

a) Numbered Cards

Numbered cards (0 to 9) are the simplest. They are used to match the color or number of the previously played card.

b) Special Cards

  1. +2 Card : When a player plays this card, the next player must draw two cards and loses their turn. This card can only be played on a card of the same color or on another +2 card.
  2. “Reversal” card : Changes the direction of play. If play was clockwise, it changes to counterclockwise, and vice versa. It must match the color of the previous card or be played on another “Reversal”.
  3. Pass Card : The next player loses their turn. It can be played on a card of the same color or another Pass card.
  4. Joker Card : Allows you to change the current color. It can be played at any time, even if the player has other playable cards.
  5. “Joker +4” card : Allows you to change the color and forces the next player to draw four cards. However, this card has one restriction: it can only be played if the player has no other cards matching the current color. If an opponent thinks the card was played incorrectly, they can contest it.

4. Setting up the Game

  1. Shuffle the deck and deal 7 cards to each player.
  2. Place the remaining pile in the center to form the draw pile .
  3. Flip the top card of the draw pile to form the discard pile . If a special card is drawn first, apply its effects immediately:
  • +2, Pass your turn, or Reversal : The effect applies to the first player.
  • Joker or Joker +4 : Shuffle it into the draw pile and draw a new card.

5. Progress of a Game

Play proceeds clockwise, unless a “Reversal” card is played. Each player, in turn, must:

  1. Play a card that matches the color or number of the card on top of the discard pile. Special cards can also be played if they meet the conditions.
  2. Draw a card if no playable cards are available. If the drawn card can be played, the player may place it immediately. Otherwise, he keeps the card in his hand and his turn ends.

6. Special Rules

a) The Moment of “Uno”

When a player has only one card left in his hand, he must announce “Uno”. If an opponent catches him without him having declared “Uno” before the end of his turn, the offending player must draw two cards as a penalty.

b) Joker Challenge +4

If a player suspects that the “Joker +4” was played illegally (while the player had other playable cards), he can contest it. In this case:

  • If the dispute is justified, the player who placed the card must draw four cards .
  • Otherwise, the player who challenged the card must draw six cards .

c) Accumulations of Cards +2 and +4

+2 cards can be stacked. For example, if one player plays a +2 and the next player plays another, the next player will have to draw four cards . +4 cards, on the other hand, cannot be stacked.

7. End of the Channel

A round ends when a player discards his last card. At that point, the other players count the points of the cards they still have in their hands:

  • Numbered cards: their face value.
  • +2, Pass and Reversal cards: 20 points each.
  • Joker Card and Joker +4: 50 points each.

The player who finished the round scores the total points of the opponents.

8. End of the Game

The game can end in two ways:

  1. Preset Score : Players agree on a score limit (e.g. 500 points). The first player to reach or exceed this score is declared the winner.
  2. Number of Rounds : Players play a set number of rounds, and the one with the most points at the end is the winner.

9. Popular Variants

Uno, thanks to its popularity, has spawned many variations that bring new rules and different challenges to the classic game. Here are some of the most popular versions:

1. Uno Flip

In this version, the cards have two faces: a “light face” with classic rules and a “dark face” with more severe penalties. A special card allows you to switch from one face to the other, making the game unpredictable.

2. Uno Extreme (or Uno Attack)

This version introduces an electronic card dispenser. When a player needs to draw, they press a button: either no cards are drawn or a large number are dealt, adding suspense and tension.

3. One Dos

In this variation, in addition to playing cards that match the color or number, players can lay down two cards whose sum is equal to the central card. This adds a mathematical dimension to the game.

4. Uno All Wild

In this version, all cards are special cards, such as “Change Direction” or “Pass”, making each turn unpredictable and chaotic.

5. Uno Dare

This variation includes fun (and sometimes embarrassing) challenges for players to complete when they can’t play a card. Perfect for spicing up an evening with friends.

6. Uno Junior

Designed for children, this version simplifies the rules and uses illustrated cards to make it easier for younger children to understand.

7. Uno Online

Digital and mobile versions allow you to play Uno with friends or opponents from around the world. These platforms sometimes introduce exclusive modes or competitive tournaments.

10. Strategic Tips for Uno

  1. Save your special cards : Cards like “Joker” or “+4” are valuable in the late game. Use them wisely.
  2. Monitor opponents : Note how many cards they have and what colors seem to be giving them trouble.
  3. Mix up your strategies : Alternate between playing aggressively (laying down “+2” or “+4”) and defensively (saving cards for future combinations).
  4. Anticipate Colors : Try to lay cards to control the color in play, especially if you know your opponents are lacking that color.

11. The Spirit of the Game

Uno is primarily a friendly game. The rules are important to ensure a fair game, but the main goal is to have fun. Play fair, don’t cheat, and enjoy every round, whether it ends in victory or defeat.

In short, Uno is a simple yet dynamic game that offers hours of fun for players of all ages. Whether you play casually with family or competitively with friends, Uno is a classic that never disappoints. So, shuffle your cards, get ready to say “Uno,” and let the game begin!

Other card games: Rummy, Freecell, Pyramid Solitaire.

Find out more about the game Uno.