UNO Stacko is an exciting twist on the classic UNO game, blending the strategy of UNO with the fun of a stacking tower game. If you’re a fan of UNO and enjoy games of skill and balance, UNO Stacko is a must-try! In this version, players must not only match colors and numbers like regular UNO but also carefully stack blocks to build a tower while trying to avoid knocking it over. This guide will break it all down for you!
What is UNO Stacko?
UNO Stacko is a unique combination of UNO and Jenga games. It uses special UNO cards alongside stacking blocks, creating a game that requires both strategy and dexterity. The goal is still to get rid of all your cards, but you’ll have to balance your moves carefully as you add blocks to the tower after each turn. If the tower falls, the game ends in a fun way! The mix of strategy and physical skill makes UNO Stacko a perfect game for family gatherings or competitive game nights.
How to Set Up UNO Stacko?
Setting up UNO Stacko is easy, and it requires both the deck of UNO cards and a tower of stacking blocks. Here’s how to get started:
- Unbox the Game: Open your UNO Stacko box, which should include a deck of UNO cards, a set of colorful stacking blocks, and instructions.
- Build the Tower: Stack the blocks in a 10 x 10 arrangement to form the base of the tower. Make sure the blocks are stacked evenly to prevent the tower from falling prematurely.
- Deal the Cards: Shuffle the deck of UNO cards and deal 7 cards to each player. Place the remaining deck face down in the center as the draw pile.
- Choose a Starting Player: The player to the left of the dealer goes first. Play will continue clockwise.
What Makes UNO Stacko Different?
UNO Stacko adds a creative twist to the traditional UNO rules. In addition to matching colors and numbers, players must also pull blocks from the tower and place them on top without causing it to collapse. Here are the key differences:
Stacking Blocks
Instead of drawing a card or playing an action card, players must remove one block from the tower after each turn. The block must be placed on top of the tower, and it can only be taken from the levels above the completed row of blocks. The tower gets taller and more unstable with each turn, making the game more tense as players try not to knock it over.
Special UNO Action Cards
UNO Stacko includes standard UNO action cards, like Skip, Reverse, and Draw Two. These cards have their usual effect on the game, but they also influence how you play with the tower:
- Wild Card:
When you play a Wild card, you can choose the color of the game, just like in regular UNO. After playing the card, you must still take a block from the tower and place it on top. - Reverse Card:
The Reverse card changes the direction of play, just like in regular UNO. After playing this card, the next player must still remove and stack a block. - Skip Card:
When you play a Skip card, you skip the next player’s turn. However, they still must take a block from the tower if it’s their turn. - Draw Two Card:
If you play a Draw Two card, the next player must draw two cards and also take a block from the tower.
Tower Collapse
The most exciting part of UNO Stacko is the tower itself. The game’s tension grows with each turn as players try to add a block to the top without toppling the tower. If a player causes the tower to fall, they lose the game! The remaining players keep playing until one person is crowned the winner.
UNO Stacko Game Basic Rules
UNO Stacko combines the traditional UNO rules with new elements involving the stacking tower. Here’s a summary of how the game is played:
- Match the Color or Number: Players take turns playing cards that match the color or number of the top card on the discard pile, just like in regular UNO. If they can’t play a card, they must draw one from the deck.
- Take a Block from the Tower: After each turn, players must remove one block from the tower and place it on top. The block can be from any level above the completed row.
- Special Action Cards: The action cards like Skip, Reverse, Draw Two, and Wild still apply, but they also add extra challenges related to the tower. Use them strategically to change the direction of play or force others to draw cards while still focusing on building the tower.
- UNO Call: As in regular UNO, when a player has only one card left, they must shout “UNO!” If they forget and another player catches them, they must draw two penalty cards.
- Winning the Game: The last player standing, who successfully avoids toppling the tower and gets rid of all their cards, wins the game. If a player causes the tower to fall, they lose immediately.
Special Rules in UNO Stacko
UNO Stacko includes a few rules that make the game more exciting:
Block Removal and Placement
Players must only remove blocks from levels above the completed row. Thus makes it more difficult as the tower grows taller. However, the block that you remove must be placed on top of the tower. This increases the tower’s height and makes it more unstable as the game progresses.
Tower Collapse Penalty
If the tower falls during your turn, you lose the game. However, if you’re not the one who causes the tower to fall, you continue playing until only one player remains.
No Two Hands on the Tower
Players are only allowed to use one hand to remove a block from the tower. Using two hands is not allowed and could result in a penalty.
Draw Two Penalty
If a player has to draw two cards due to an action card, they must also take a block from the tower. It’s a challenge that adds extra tension to the game.
Strategies for Winning UNO Stacko
UNO Stacko isn’t just about luck – it requires careful planning and steady hands. Here are some tips to help you win:
- Pay attention to the structure of the tower and think ahead. Try to remove blocks from the most stable parts of the tower to reduce the chance of collapse.
- Action cards like Reverse or Skip can give you a strategic advantage by throwing off your opponents’ plans. Use them at the right time to increase your chances of winning.
- Be patient when adding blocks to the tower. Rushing could make you lose your balance and cause the tower to fall.
- As the tower grows taller and more unstable, it’s easy to get nervous. Keep a steady hand and think before you make each move. Panicking can lead to disaster!
Conclusion
UNO Stacko brings a fresh, exciting twist to the classic UNO game by adding elements of skill and strategy. With its mix of card matching and tower stacking, the game keeps everyone on edge as the tower grows taller with each turn. It’s a game of nerves and strategy. So, grab your UNO Stacko set, start building your tower, and get ready for a fun-filled game where strategy, balance, and a little bit of luck are the keys to victory!
Check out the Uno Game Variations & Special Editions guide to explore all the exciting game variations of UNO
FAQ
What happens if I use two hands to remove a block?
Using two hands is not allowed. If you do, you could be penalized, or your turn could be skipped.
Can I play a Skip card during my turn?
Yes, playing a Skip card will skip the next player’s turn, but they still need to remove a block from the tower.
How do I remove blocks from the tower?
You must remove a block from any level above the completed row and place it on top of the tower. The more blocks you add, the taller and more unstable the tower becomes.
Can I play multiple cards in one turn?
No, in UNO Stacko, you can only play one card per turn, just like in traditional UNO.
What happens if the tower falls during my turn?
If the tower collapses during your turn, you lose the game.
