Uno Strategy

1. It is advantageous to play the highest valued cards first, to give any potential winner of the hand the least possible score.

EXCEPTION: The zero (0) card can be played out of sequence if it considered advantageous to lower the chances of the colour being changed at the present point in play. The chances of an opposing player holding a zero (0) are half that of a player holding any other number card.

2. If a player has just drawn, apparently because she has no cards matching the top discard, it can be advantageous to play a Reverse card. This is because it is likely that the only possible match that the player will have is a further Reverse card, in which case you will have the opportunity to play again. Remember that typically this will change the colour of play, so normally Reverses should be played when all number cards of the same colour in your hand have been played.

EXCEPTION: In two player games, Reverses operate as Skip cards. See 3.

3. It is often advantageous to hold onto Skip cards to prevent a neighbouring player from going out. This must be weighed against their value in scoring, so never hold too many.

EXCEPTION: In two player games, it is often advantageous to play Skip cards first, as they allow you to have another turn. Only play them if you can match on your next turn.

4. Don't play Draw Two cards too early, as it may incite your neighbours to play them. They are useful to prevent neighbouring players from going out, but remember to weigh this against their value in scoring. Playing Draw Two cards early may also give neighbouring players more action cards to use against you and others in future.

EXCEPTION: In two player games, Draw Two cards act very much like Skip cards, so can be used to advantage early in play. Weigh this against the bitterness factor though.

5. Have a colour plan. Visualize ways you can change the colour of the stock. It is usually best to play all cards of one colour, and then move onto another, until all cards have been discarded. Use Wild cards to allow you to control colour changes.

N.B. In two player games, Skip and Reverse (and Draw Two, but see 4) cards can be used to great effect to change the colour. e.g. If you have one Yellow card remaining, a Skip card, and a number of Green cards, including a Skip, play the Yellow Skip and then the Green and then one of the other Green cards. You have changed the colour and disposed of three cards at the same time.