Phase 10 Rules
How to play Phase 10
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Welcome to our site dedicated to Phase 10 rules, the popular card game loved by many and played by even more. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, our site has everything you need to learn the game and improve your skills.
We provide clear and concise instructions on how to play Phase 10, including detailed explanations of the different phases and how to complete them. Our site also includes tips, strategies for winning the game, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Want to play Phase 10 but you don’t have the special deck? Read more about Phase 10 rules with regular cards here.
If you’re looking for Phase 10 card game rules information, you’ve come to the right place. Our site is your one-stop shop for all things related to the game, and we strive to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible. So, what are you waiting for? Dive in and discover the exciting world of Phase 10!
The official Phase 10 rules
Are you looking for the official rules of Phase 10? Look no further! We have everything you need to play the game right here on our site.
You can read the Phase 10 official rules online or download our PDF for easy access. Our rules are comprehensive and easy to understand, so you’ll be playing like a pro in no time.
Whether you’re new to the game or a seasoned player, our site has everything you need to learn the Phase 10 rules and improve your skills as well. We also offer tips and strategies for winning the game and answers to frequently asked questions. So, what are you waiting for?
Check out our official Phase 10 rules below and start playing today!
Phase 10 rules
- Ages: 7+
- Players: 2-6
Object
To be the first player to complete all 10 phases. In case of a tie, the player with the lowest score is the winner.
Contents
Reference cards (listing the 10 Phases) and one deck of 108 cards; 24 each of red, blue, yellow, and green cards numbered 1 through 12, four “Skip” cards, and eight “Wild” cards.
Before play
Choose one player to be dealer. The dealer shuffles the deck and deals 10 cards face down, one at a time, to each player. Players hold their 10 cards in hand so that the other player cannot see them. Place the remaining deck face down in the center of the play area to become the draw pile. Turn the top card of the draw pile over and place it next to the draw pile to become the discard pile.
Play
The player to the left of the dealer plays first. Play continues in a clockwise direction. On your turn, draw one card, either the top card from the draw pile or the top card from the discard pile, and add it to your hand. End your turn by discarding any one of your cards onto the top of the discard pile. During the play of the first hand, each player tries to complete Phase 1. A phase is a combination of cards. Phases are made of sets, runs, cards of one color, or a combination of sets and runs.
These are the ten phases:
- 2 sets of 3
- 1 set of 3 + 1 run of 4
- 1 set of 4 + 1 run of 4
- 1 run of 7
- 1 run of 8
- 1 run of 9
- 2 sets of 4
- 7 cards of 1 color
- 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 2
- 1 set of 4 + 1 set of 3
Each player can make only one Phase during each hand.
Definitions
Sets
A set is made of two or more cards with the same number.
EXAMPLE: Phase 1 is two sets of three, which could be three “7s” and three “10s”. The two sets could also be the same number, e.g., three “10s” and three more “10s”. The cards may be in any combination of colors.
Runs
A run is made of four or more cards numbered in order.
EXAMPLE: Part of Phase 2 requires a run of four, which could be 3,4,5,6. The cards may be in any combination and color of colors.
All one color
The cards are all the same color.
EXAMPLE: Phase 8 requires seven cards of one color, which could be seven red cards or seven green cards, etc. The cards do not need to be in numerical order.
Wildcards
A “Wild” card may be used in place of a number card or may be used as any color in order to complete a Phase.
EXAMPLES: A player wants to make a run of four but only has cards 3, 4, and 6. The player uses a “Wild” card as a 5 to complete the run. Or a player has 6 green cards and uses a “Wild” card as a green card to complete Phase 8.
- More than one “Wild” card may be used in completing a Phase. Players can use as many “Wild” cards as they want as long as they use one (1) natural card.
- Once a “Wild” card has been played in a Phase, it cannot be replaced by the intended card and used elsewhere but must remain as the card until the hand is over.
- If the dealer starts the discard pile with a “Wild” card, the card may be picked up by the first player.
Skip Cards
Skip cards have only one purpose: to cause another player to lose a turn. To use, simply discard the “Skip” card on your turn, then choose the player who will lose a turn.
- When you draw a “Skip” card, you may discard it immediately or save it for a later turn. A “Skip” card may never be used in making a Phase.
- A skip card may never be picked up from the discard pie.
- Only one “Skip” card against each player per round may be used.
- When someone is skipped, a “round” is once around the table.
- If the dealer starts the discard pile with a “Skip” card, the first player’s turn is automatically skipped.
Making a Phase
If, during your turn, you are able to make a Phase with the cards in your hand, lay the Phase down face-up on the table before discarding. For example, you’re trying to make Phase 1. You have 3 “5s” and 2 “7s” and you draw another “7”. Now you now have 2 sets of 3, and you may lay them down. In the next hand, you will be working on Phase 2.
- You must have the whole Phase in hand before laying it down.
- You may lay down more than the minimum requirements of a Phase, but only if the additional cards can be directly added to the cards already in the Phase.
EXAMPLES:
You lay down 3 “5s” and 3 “7s” to make Phase 1. You have two more “5s” in hand and can immediately lay them down with the 3 “5s” all in the same turn. Another player making Phase 1 lays down 3 “6s” and 3 “8s”.
The player also has 3 “10s” in hand but cannot lay them down because Phase 1 requires exactly 2 sets. Thus the player can only add more “6s” and “8s” to the Phase made of “6s” and “8s”.
- Only one Phase can be made per hand.
- If you successfully make a Phase, then you try to make the next Phase in the next hand. If you fail to make a Phase, you must try to make the same Phase again in the next hand. As a result, players may not all be working on the same Phase in the same hand.
- Phases must be made IN ORDER from 1 to 10. For example, a player trying to make Phase 4 (1 run of 7) lays down a run of 9 cards. This qualifies as 1 run of 7 for Phase 4 but cannot be used as credit for either Phase 5 (1 run of 8) or Phase 6 (1 run of 9).
- You receive credit for making a Phase as soon as you lay it down. You do not need to win the hand in order to receive credit for the Phase. Several players will often complete a phase in the same hands.
Hitting
Hitting is the way to get rid of leftover cards after making a Phase. You make a hit by putting a card directly on a Phase already laid down. The card must properly fit with the cards already down.
EXAMPLES: You may add one or more “4s” to a player’s existing set of “4s”. You may add a “2” to a player’s existing run of 3,4,5,6. You may also add a “7” and an “8” to this round if you have them. You may add one or more green cards to a player’s seven green cards in Phase 8. You may also add a “Wild” card of any color to any of these card situations.
Before you can make a hit, your own Phase must already be laid down. You may hit only during your turn. You may hit your own cards, another player’s cards, or both.
Going out / Finishing a hand
After laying down a Phase, players try to “go out” as soon as possible. To go out, you must get rid of all your cards by discarding or hitting on an existing Phase. The player to go out first win the hand. The winner of the hand and any other player who also completed their Phase, will advance to the next Phase for the next hand. Players total the cards left in their hands. (The fewer cards you left in your hand, the better!) All the cards are then shuffled, and a new hand begins. (Remember, if you did not complete the Phase before another player went out, you must work on the same Phase again in the next hand.)
Scoring
You will need paper and a pencil to keep the running total of each player. The winner of the hand scores zero. All remaining players score points against them, for cards still in their hands, as follows:
- 5 points for each card numbered 1-9
- 10 points for each card numbered 10-12
- 15 points for each “Skip” card
- 25 points for each “Wild” card
Only the cards in a player’s hands are scored, not cards already laid down. After the scores are recorded, the player to the left of the dealer becomes the new dealer. All cards are gathered and shuffled, and a new hand is dealt.
The winner
The first player to complete Phase 10 at the end of a hand is the winner. If two or more players complete Phase 10 in the same hand, then the player with the fewest total points is the winner. In the event of a tie, the players that tied replay Phase number 10. The first one to go out is the winner.
Variations
- The players play 10 hands. All players advance to the next Phase each time, whether they complete the current Phase or not. Thus, in hand one, players try for Phase 1, then in hand two, they all try for Phase 2, etc. After ten hands, the player with the lowest total score is the winner.
- Players decide how many Phases must be completed in order to win (e.g., 5 Phases or 7 Phases). The number of Phases to be completed must be decided before the play starts. All other rules remain the same. This variation allows for a shorter version.
- Players decide to play only the even Phases (2,4,6,8,10) instead of all the Phases. All other rules remain the same.
Phase 10 phases
Are you confused about the different Phase 10 phases? You’re not alone! To be completely honest, many people find the different phases of the game to be a bit confusing at first. The fact is that the official Phase 10 rules do not do the best job of explaining it either. But don’t worry; we’re here to help.
Our handy image below breaks down the different Phase 10 phases in an easy-to-understand wayso that you can enjoy this awesome card game faster. With this image, you’ll be able to grasp each Phase’s different goals and requirements quickly.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, understanding the different phases is essential for playing the game and winning. So check out our image below and take your Phase 10 gameplay to the next level!
Phase 10 phases (printable)
Above, you will find all the Phase 10 phases in a printable version. It is a great complement to the Phase 10 rules. Here is a quick reminder regarding important phrases in the phase 10 card game:
A Set
A “set” are cards with the same number. These can be of the same color or different colors as long as they have the same number.
A Run
Wild Cards
Phase 10 instructions
Are you new to the game of Phase 10? Or perhaps you need a refresher on the Phase 10 rules and gameplay? Look no further! Our Phase 10 instructions guide, which you can find below, has everything you need to know to get started.
As you know, at the top of our page, you can find the official Phase 10 rules. But what is the difference between these rules and our guide?
The difference between the Phase 10 rules and our guide
While you can start playing the game just by reading the Phase 10 rules, our guide includes clear and concise instructions on how to play the game, including the different phases and how to complete them. We also offer tips and strategies for winning the game, as well as answers to frequently asked questions.
Whether you’re playing with friends, or family our Phase 10 instructions guide that covers the gameplay as well as the Phase 10 rules is the perfect resource to help you master the game. So what are you waiting for? Check out our guide below and start playing today!
How to play Phase 10 – A step by step guide
Before you start it is a good idea to check out the official Phase 10 rules here. The Phase 10 deck of cards is comprised of numeric cards ranging from 1 to 12 in four different colors: red, blue, green, and yellow.
Each color has two of each number. In addition, the deck includes eight wild cards that can represent any number or color, as well as four skip cards.
The wild and skip cards add an extra element of strategy to the game, allowing players to create new opportunities or disrupt their opponents’ plans. With a diverse range of cards available, Phase 10 is a game that’s never boring and always offers a new challenge.
You will need:
- A Phase 10 deck of cards
- Phase 10 rules
- Pen and paper
So gather your friends and family, shuffle up the Phase 10 deck, and get ready to enjoy a fun and competitive gameplay experience!
Step 1: The Cards
Phase 10 is an exciting card game that can be played with 2-6 players. The game’s objective is to complete all ten phases, with each round presenting a new challenge. At the end of each round, players tally up their scores based on the cards left in their hands.
The goal is to have the lowest score possible at the end of the game, which makes for a fun and competitive gameplay experience. However, if you fail to complete a phase in a round, you’ll have to try again in the next round, adding an extra layer of challenge to the game.
With clear instructions and strategies available, Phase 10 is a game that’s easy to learn but difficult to master. So why not gather your friends and family and enjoy a game of Phase 10 today?
Step 2: The Phases
Phase 10 is a game that’s made up of 10 unique phases and according to the Phase 10 rules you must complete them in order. Each Phase presents a new challenge, ranging from sets of numbers to sequential runs.
The different phases include:
- 2 sets of 3
- 1 set of 3 + 1 run of 4
- 1 set of 4 + 1 run of 4
- 1 run of 7
- 1 run of 8
- 1 run of 9
- 2 sets of 4
- 7 cards of 1 color
- 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 2
- 1 set of 4 + 1 set of 3
In Phase 10, a “set” refers to a group of the same numbers (three of a kind, four of a kind, five of a kind, etc.), while a “run” is a sequential group of numbers (2 3 4 5, 7 8 9 10 11 12, etc.).
The deck also includes Wild cards and Skip cards. The skip cards can not be used in the Phases but the Wild Cards can be played as any number in a set or run, as well as any color.
Step 3: Before You Start
Before you start playing Phase 10, you need to choose a dealer. Even though this is not stated in the official Phase 10 rules, each player can draw a card, and the one with the highest card is the dealer.
When playing starting to play, the player on the dealer’s left side starts, and the gameplay continues clockwise.
Step 4: The Setup
To begin a game of Phase 10, each player is dealt 10 cards. At the start of the game, players begin on Phase 1 and have the option to organize their cards in any way that helps them keep track of what they have and need.
The remaining cards are placed face down in a stack in the center of the playing area. The top card is flipped face up next to the pile to begin the game. This creates a clear starting point for players and sets the stage for the exciting gameplay that’s to come.
With the deck shuffled and cards dealt, Phase 10 is ready to begin! Continue to learn how to play the game and at the same time learn the Phase 10 rules.
Step 5: The Start
When a player has drawn a card to begin their turn, they can choose to “lay down” their Phase if they have the required cards. These cards are laid face up on the playing surface to show that the Phase has been completed.
It’s important to note that players can have more cards than the minimum required for their Phase, and playing all the cards possible can be beneficial in the long run. However, players are not required to lay down their Phase if they have the necessary cards in their hands.
Step 6: Playing Phase 10
In Phase 10, each turn begins by drawing one card. This card can be taken from the face-down pile or the face-up card shown.
At the end of each turn, a card must be discarded face-up next to the draw pile. This creates a visible record of the game’s progress and helps players keep track of which cards are still in play.
Once a player has taken their turn, the game moves on to the next player in a clockwise direction. If the face-down pile runs out, the face-up cards can be flipped over to create a new draw pile.
Step 7: Going out
Once a player has completed and laid down their Phase, they must try to play out the remaining cards in their hand. It’s important to always draw one card at the beginning of a turn and discard one card at the end.
Once a player has laid down their Phase, they should aim to “go out” as soon as possible by getting rid of all their cards through hitting and discarding. Those who complete their Phase advance to the next round, while those who cannot remain on the same Phase. To calculate scores, players add up the value of the cards remaining in their hand at the end of each round, with fewer cards left meaning a better score.
It is essential to note that any cards remaining in hand are counted against the player, and the goal is to have the lowest score possible. Fortunately, a free Phase 10 score sheet is available for download, making keeping score easier.
Step 8: The Score
Once a player has played down their Phase and discarded the last card in their hand, the round ends. The remaining players then assign a score to the cards left in their hand, with higher numbers worth more points. According to the official Phase 10 rules the scoring looks like this:
- 5 points for each card numbered 1-9
- 10 points for each card numbered 10-12
- 15 points for each “Skip” card
- 25 points for each “Wild” card
Cards with numeric values of 1-9 are worth 5 points each, while cards with values of 10-12 and special cards like Skips and Wilds are worth 10 or 25 points. The goal is to have the lowest score at the end of the game.
If a player didn’t lay down their Phase, they must repeat it in the next round, while those who completed their Phase move on to the next one.
Step 9: The Finish
Once a player has completed the 10th and final Phase, and a player has gone out to end the round, the final scoring round begins. All scores from the previous rounds are added up to determine the winner.
The player with the lowest score at the end of the game wins!
By carefully strategizing and keeping an eye on the score, players can aim to win in Phase 10. So gather your friends, try out different strategies, and see who can come out on top in this exciting game of Phase 10. Remember, it’s all about having fun!
Speaking of strategizing. Here are some awesome Phase 10 tips you can use!
Phase 10 tips
If you’re looking to up your Phase 10 game and improve your chances of winning, you won’t find any tips in the Phase 10 rules. But just as luck will have it, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Plan ahead:
Take some time to think about what phase you’re working towards and how you can use your cards to get there. Consider what cards you might need to complete your phase and how you can gather them.
Keep an eye on your opponents:
Pay attention to what phases your opponents are working towards and what cards they are discarding. This can give you valuable information about what cards they might need and what cards you should hold onto or discard.
Don’t be afraid to skip a turn:
If you don’t have any useful cards to play, consider using a skip card to skip your turn instead. This can help you hold onto valuable cards for later use.
Use wild cards strategically:
Wild cards can be used to represent any number or color, so use them wisely to help you complete your phase. Keep in mind that other players may also be looking to use wild cards, so try to plan ahead and use them before they are taken.
Don’t forget to discard:
Discarding is an important part of the game, so make sure you are discarding regularly and strategically. Try to discard high-value cards like skip cards or cards that you know your opponents need to complete their phases.
By keeping these tips in mind and practicing your Phase 10 skills, you’ll be well on your way to winning the game!
Downloads
If you prefer to have the rules offline or if you need a score sheet that is printable you are at the right place.
Download the official Phase 10 rules or the Phase 10 score sheet here. 100% free of course!
Phase 10 rules pdf free
Looking for a comprehensive guide to playing Phase 10? Look no further than the Phase 10 Rules PDF, available for free download online. This helpful resource outlines all of the rules of the game, from the initial deal to scoring at the end of each round.
The Phase 10 Rules PDF is a great tool for both new players and seasoned veterans of the game. With clear explanations and detailed examples, it’s easy to learn the ins and outs of Phase 10 and start playing like a pro.
Phase 10 score sheet for free
Looking for a Phase 10 score sheet? Then you are in great luck! You can download one for free right here.
Using a score sheet is a great way to keep track of your progress throughout the game. It allows you to easily see who is winning and who needs to step up their game. With our free score sheet download, you can keep track of your scores without worrying about running out of paper or forgetting the rules.
We would like to extend our gratitude to unorules.org for making their Phase 10 score sheet available for free download as well. By providing these resources, we hope to make playing Phase 10 accessible and enjoyable for everyone. So why not download the Phase 10 Rules PDF and score sheet today and get started on your next game?
History of the game
Phase 10 is a popular card game that was first introduced in 1982 by Fundex Games. The game was designed by Kenneth R. Johnson, a Michigan-based game designer, and has since been acquired by Mattel, one of the world’s largest toy manufacturers.
Mattel acquired Phase 10 in 2010, adding it to their extensive lineup of games and toys. The game has continued to grow in popularity over the years and is now available in over 30 countries worldwide.
The objective of Phase 10 is to be the first player to complete all ten phases of the game. With simple rules and endless possibilities, Phase 10 has become a staple in households and game nights around the world.
Phase 10 FAQ
Looking for answers to your questions about Phase 10? Look no further! Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this popular card game. From how to play to how many cards are in the deck, we’ve got you covered. And if you don’t see your question answered below, be sure to check out the rest of the Phase 10 FAQ page for more information.
If you have troubles remembering how many cards are dealt in Phase 10 we have a great tip to remember it next time. Just think of the name of the game! In other words each player is dealt a starting hand of 10 cards in Phase 10.
There are a total of 108 cards in a Phase 10 deck:
- 24 each of Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow cards numbered 1-12 (so two of each number)
- 4 Skip cards
- 8 Wild cards.
A run is four or more card in numerical order. Similar to a straight in other card games.
An even of 5 is not a term used in the original Phase 10.
Yes, you can, and it is very easy. You will however need 2 decks of cards. Check out our full guide where you will learn how to play Phase 10 with regular cards.