LET'S PLAY
SKIP-BO
Skip-Bo—the ultimate test of patience, planning, and just the right amount of luck. You’ll race to empty your stockpile, stacking numbers in perfect order while your opponents do everything they can to block your path. Wild Skip-Bo cards can save the day—or set up the perfect play for your rivals. Unlike rage-inducing games like Uno, Skip-Bo keeps things strategic but low-stress, making it a great alternative for a more relaxed yet competitive game night. Simple to learn, surprisingly tactical, and just unpredictable enough to keep you hooked!
Object
The object of Skip-Bo is to be the first player to eliminate all the cards in your stockpile by playing them onto the shared building piles in numerical order (1–12).
What You Need
• A Skip-Bo deck (162 cards: twelve sets of numbers 1-12 and eighteen Skip-Bo wild cards).
• 2 - 6 players.
Set Up
• Each player gets 30 stockpile cards (face down, no peeking).
• For 5 - 6 players, deal only 20 stockpile cards each.
• Flip the top card of your stockpile face-up.
• Each player starts with 5 cards in hand.
• The rest of the deck forms the draw pile.
• Four empty spaces in the center are designated for building piles (these will start at 1 and go up to 12).
Watch the step by step guide here!
Game Play
1. Players take turns in clockwise order.
2. On your turn, play as many cards as you can in ascending order (1–12) onto the building piles.
• You can play from your hand, stockpile, or personal discard piles.
• Skip-Bo cards are wild and can be any number.
3. If you use all five cards from your hand, draw five more and continue playing.
4. If you cannot play, discard one card onto one of your four personal discard piles.
5. At the end of your turn, draw until you have five cards again.
Building Piles & Clearing
• When a building pile reaches 12, remove it from play, and a new pile can start at 1.
• If the draw pile runs out, shuffle the discarded building piles to form a new draw pile.
Winning the Game
• The game continues until one player plays their last stockpile card—they win!
Strategy Tips
• Prioritize playing from your stockpile—it’s the only way to win!
• Use Skip-Bo cards wisely—save them for when you’re stuck.
• Manage your discard piles—keep lower numbers accessible for later.
Final Thoughts
Skip-Bo is an exciting shedding-style game that blends strategy and luck. Easy to learn, but deep enough to keep every round fresh.
