Phase 10
The Rummy-Style Card Game with 10 Challenging Phases
What is Phase 10?
Phase 10 is a rummy-style card game where players race to complete 10 specific "phases" in order. Each phase requires a different combination of sets (groups of the same number) and runs (sequences of consecutive numbers).
You must complete Phase 1 before moving to Phase 2, Phase 2 before Phase 3, and so on. The first player to complete all 10 phases wins!
Set: 2+ cards of the same number (e.g., 7-7-7)
Run: 4+ cards in consecutive order (e.g., 3-4-5-6)
The Phase 10 Deck
Wild cards can be used as any number to complete a phase.
Skip cards force another player to lose their next turn.
Setup
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Deal 10 Cards EachShuffle the deck and deal 10 cards face-down to each player.
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Create Draw PilePlace remaining cards face-down as the draw pile.
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Start Discard PileFlip the top card to start the discard pile. If it's a Skip, it goes back and draw again.
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Everyone Starts on Phase 1All players begin trying to complete Phase 1: Two sets of 3.
How to Play Your Turn
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Draw One CardTake either the top card of the draw pile OR the top card of the discard pile.
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Lay Down Your Phase (Optional)If you can complete your current phase with cards in your hand, lay them face-up on the table. You can only do this ONCE per round.
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Hit on Others' Phases (Optional)AFTER laying down your phase, you may add cards ("hit") to any player's completed phase on the table - including your own!
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Discard One CardEnd your turn by placing one card on the discard pile.
You can only lay down your phase ONCE per round. You must complete the ENTIRE phase at once - no partial phases!
Ending a Round
A round ends when any player gets rid of all their cards (going out). Then:
- Players who completed their phase advance to the next phase
- Players who didn't complete their phase stay on the same phase
- All players score penalty points for cards remaining in their hands
You can go out on ANY turn after you've laid down your phase - even if it's the same turn! Just discard your last card.
All 10 Phases
Understanding Sets & Runs
Cards with the same number. Color doesn't matter!
Example: 7♥-7♦-7♠ or 12-12-12-12 (any colors)
Cards in consecutive numerical order. Color doesn't matter!
Example: 3-4-5-6 or 7-8-9-10-11 (any colors)
Numbers go from 1-12. A "1" cannot follow a "12."
Wild cards can substitute for ANY number to complete a set or run. You can use multiple Wilds in one phase!
Card Point Values
At the end of each round, players score penalty points for cards LEFT in their hands:
These are PENALTY points. The player who goes out scores 0 for the round. You want to minimize points!
Winning the Game
The first player to complete Phase 10 and go out wins!
If multiple players complete Phase 10 in the same round, the player with the lowest total score wins.
General Tips
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Save Your Wild CardsWilds are precious! Use them to complete difficult phases, not easy ones.
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Don't Hoard High CardsIf you're stuck, discard 10s, 11s, and 12s first - they're 10 penalty points each!
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Use Skips StrategicallySkip the player closest to completing their phase, or the player about to go out.
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Watch What Others DiscardIf someone discards a 7, they probably don't need 7s. Safe to discard your 7s too!
Phase-Specific Tips
These are the hardest! Start collecting middle numbers (5-8) as they can go either direction. Save Wilds for gaps.
Pick a color early and commit! Discard other colors quickly. Numbers don't matter - just collect that color.
Focus on one number at a time. If you have two 4s, look for more 4s before starting another set.
Common Mistakes
Don't waste a Wild on Phase 1 when you might desperately need it for Phase 6's 9-card run!
If you can't complete your phase, focus on discarding high-point cards to minimize damage.
After laying your phase, you can add cards to ANY phase on the table! This helps you go out faster.