Uno

Designed by: Merle Robbins

Uno is a simple card game that has been around since 1971 and is a light game for youngsters or a family.

The deck is made up of a bunch of numbered cards, some of which have symbols on them: skip, reverse or draw 2. There are also wild cards. Everyone is dealt seven cards and play begins. On your turn you simply play a card to the discards; the only rule being that either the number or colour must match (or you can play a wild). If you can’t play a card, you pick up instead – if you can play the new card, you may do so. But you can choose not to play and add it to your hand.

The first player to be rid of all their cards wins – but when you only have one card left, you must (loudly) say “Uno” to forewarn your opponents.

There are numerous variations and house rules you can play: win a certain number of rounds, score points… but that’s the basic game.

 

Sam says

It's a nice simple game to wean kids off snap or pairs, but for me Uno wears out its welcome quite quickly. The basic game is pretty much all luck, so there's no great satisfaction from an activity that is to some degree, played out for you rather than by you.

The guru's verdict

  • Take That!

    Take That!

    You can be hit by the special cards, so there's a combative element.

  • Fidget Factor!

    Fidget Factor!

    Low. It's a fast-playing game.

  • Brain Burn!

    Brain Burn!

    Low - play a card, if you can.

  • Again Again!

    Again Again!

    Cards come out randomly, but outside of that Uno doesn't have a huge amount of variation.