How to Play Phase 10 Rules Guide
Check our how to play Phase 10 rules guide.
Players: 2 to 4 | Game duration from: 30 mins | Game Complexity: EASY How to play Phase 10 rules in simple steps [amazon box=”B07Y98T14Q”]
What is the goal?
Players compete to complete “phases” within the game.
Be the first player to finish all 10 phases, and you win.
Setting Up Phase 10 game
- Select a player to be the dealer.
- Dealer shuffles card deck and deals 10 cards face-down, one at a time to each player
- Players keep cards hidden in hand
- Remaining cards form the draw pile
- Turn over the draw pile’s top card and place next to it.
This is the 1st card of the discard pile. - Player on the left of the dealer begins the hand
How to play Phase 10 Rules in Simple Steps
How to play Phase 10 in quick, simple steps. The game is played over several hands (rounds). In each round, each player is dealt 10 cards, taking turns trying to complete their phase (card combination). Once a player completes their phase, they proceed to discard their cards. First player to discard all their cards wins the round, and players move on to the next round. The first player to complete all 10 phases is the winner.
Total Time: 45 minutes
Phase 10 turn play
Pick a card from the Draw Pile or Discard Pile.
Decide which card to keep and end your turn by discarding a card on the top of the discard pile. If you make a phase during your turn, lay it face-up on the table. When you have a completed phase, you will try to GO OUT by hitting your cards on existing phases or discarding your cards.
Completing a Phase on your turn
If you complete a phase (card combination) during your turn, lay it face-up on the table. There are 10 different phases and they need to be completed in order (e.g. all players attempt to complete Phase 1 (2 sets of 3) in the first round. In the 2nd round, players who completed phase 1 will attempt to complete phase 2). These are the 10 Phases:
1. 2 sets of 3
2. 1 set of 3 + 1 run of 4
3. 1 set of 4 + 1 run of 4
4. 1 run of 7
5. 1 run of 8
6. 1 run of 9
7. 2 sets of 4
8. 7 cards of 1 colour
9. 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 2
10. 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 3
The whole phase must be in hand before laying it down. You can lay down more than the minimum cards required for the phase as long it can be added to cards already in the Phase.
Discard Cards by Hitting a Phase
Once a phase is completed in a round, players can discard one or more cards by hitting the Phase. You can hit your own Phase or another player’s Phase. Only players who have completed a phase can hit a phase. Only cards that fit the existing phase can be discarded. For example, adding 1 or more 4s to the existing set of 4 or adding a 2 to an existing run of 3,4,5,6.
Going Out and End of Phase 10 Round
Once you lay down your Phase, try to GO OUT as soon as possible by removing your cards. You can discard your card during the turn or hit an existing Phase. The first player to go out wins the round, and the round ends. The round winner and those who completed their phases advance to the next phase. The round is scored, and a new round begins.
Scoring a Phase 10 round
Winner of the round scores zero
The remaining players score points against them for cards remaining in their hand as follows:
5 points for each 1-9 numbered card
10 points for each 10-12 numbered card
15 points for each “Skip” card
25 points for each “Wild” card
Winning Phase 10
1st player to complete the 10th phase at the end of a hand is the winner
If 2 or more players complete the 10th phase, the player with the fewest points is the winner. If tied, tied players play a hand to complete Phase number 10.
What are Phase 10 Phases?
It is a combination of cards made of sets, runs, cards of one colour or a combination of sets and runs.
What is a Set?
A set comprises two or more cards with the same number.
What are Runs?
A run comprises four or more cards numbered in order.
What are Cards Of One Colour?
The cards are all of the same colour.
Phase 10 Special Cards
Wild Cards
To complete a phase, a Wild card can represent any number card or any colour. Multiple Wild cards may be used as long as there is 1 natural card. Once played in a Phase, it cannot be replaced and used elsewhere. If the dealer starts the discard pile with a Wild card, the first player may pick it up.
Skip Cards
Skip Cards cause your opponents to lose a turn. Use it by discarding the card on your turn and choosing the player you wish to lose a turn.
- When drawing a Skip card, a player may discard immediately or save it for a later turn.
- You are not allowed to pick a Skip Card from the discard pile
- Only one Skip card can be used on each player per “round” (once round the table)
- If discard pile starts with a Skip card, the 1st player’s turn is skipped
Phase 10 FAQs
How many cards do you pick up in Phase 10?
In each round, each player is dealt 10 cards who then take turns trying to complete their phase (card combination).
Can you discard a Wild in Phase 10?
Wild cards can be discarded, used to complete a Phase or hit an existing Phase. Multiple Wild cards may be used as long as there is 1 natural card. Once played, it cannot be replaced and used elsewhere.
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