In UNO, action cards introduce unpredictable twists with their distinct features. A variety of action cards, including skip cards, reverse cards, and Draw Two cards add special effects to the game that change the game’s direction, block an opponent’s turn, or add extra cards to the opponent’s hand. In this article, we’ll explore the types of action cards in UNO, their functions, and how to use them strategically to boost your chances of winning.
What Are Action Cards in UNO?
Action cards are special cards in UNO that add special twists or challenges to the game when played. There are 24 action cards in total in a classic UNO deck which come in four colors: red, green, blue, and yellow. These cards are specially used to control the game and disrupt the opponents’ progress.
In a standard UNO deck, there are three types of action cards:
- Skip Card
- Reverse Card
- Draw Two Card
Each action card has its own rules and strategic effects that influence the game diversely, especially in the final stages of the game. We’ll explore them in detail in the following section.
Types of Action Cards and Their Functions
Let’s go through each type of action card and see how it works:
1. Skip Card
The Skip card in UNO stops the next player’s turn. It has a circle with a slash on it. You can play a Skip card if it matches the current color in the discard pile. You can also play it on another Skip card if the rules allow it.
This card blocks the next player from playing and can mess up their game plan. You can use it to target players who are close to winning. It’s especially useful when there are only two players because it gives you an immediate turn.
2. Reverse Card
The reverse card in UNO reverses the direction of the game. If the game is moving in a clockwise direction, a reverse card will change it to counterclockwise. Similar to the Skip card, it must match the current color or another reverse card on the discard pile when played (if the rules allow).
This card gives you a chance to target a specific player. It can be useful to avoid a strong opponent who’s about to win. In a two-player game, the Reverse card also gives you an extra turn to play.
3. Draw Two Card
The Draw Two card in UNO adds extra cards to the opponent’s hand and blocks their turn. To play this card, it must match the current color or another Draw Two card if the rules allow. When you play a Draw Two card, the next opponent has to take two cards from the draw pile and lose their turn to play.
It’s best to save your Draw Two cards for important moments, like when a player is close to winning or has only a few cards left.
Understand how Draw Cards can completely change the course of a UNO game.
Tips for Using Action Cards in UNO
Following are some powerful tips for using action cards in UNO:
- Avoid playing action cards too early unless necessary.
- If your game rules allow, consider using action cards for stacking. For instance, playing a skip card after a Draw Two card can quickly defeat the next player.
- Focus on players who are close to winning and play Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two cards as necessary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Action Cards in UNO
Some common mistakes to avoid when playing an action card in UNO:
- Playing action cards randomly can lead to severe mistakes. Always consider your game status before making a move.
- Ignoring your opponents’ skipping patterns or color changes can lead to losing the game. Stay focused on these details.
Conclusion
To conclude, action cards are crucial in UNO for making each round exciting and unpredictable. Mastering the use of action cards can help you block your opponents, control the game, and ultimately secure a victory.
To learn more details on all the card types, visit our Card Types in UNO guide.
FAQs
How many UNO action cards are there?
There are 24 action cards in a standard 108-card UNO deck. These are divided into three different types: Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two. These types are available in four colors: red, blue, green, and yellow. Each type includes 2 cards per color, resulting in a total of 8 cards.
What is the role of the action cards in gameplay?
Action cards in UNO play a pivotal role in making the game more exciting and strategic. These cards empower players to alter the game’s direction, skip turns, or force opponents to draw additional cards from the draw pile. For instance, the Skip card halts the next player’s turn, whereas the Reverse card flips the game’s direction. Meanwhile, the Draw Two card marks opponents draw two more cards which delays their chances to win.
Can action cards be stacked in UNO?
No, officially, action cards can’t be stacked in UNO. It means you can’t use a Draw Two card on top of another to make the next player draw more cards. However, in some house rules or casual play, you can stack action cards just for fun.
Are action cards included in all versions of UNO?
Yes, action cards are included in all versions of UNO. However, their types and designs can look different based on the game’s version or theme.
Can we end UNO with an action card?
Yes, you can end UNO with an action card. If your last card is a Skip, Reverse, or Draw Two card that meets the game’s conditions, you can play it and win UNO.
