Skip-Bo
The Family Sequencing Card Game
What is Skip-Bo?
Skip-Bo is a sequential card game by Mattel (makers of UNO). Players race to be the first to empty their stock pile by playing cards onto shared building piles in order from 1 to 12.
It's simple to learn but has surprising strategy - managing your discard piles and timing when to use Skip-Bo wild cards is key!
162 cards total:
• Cards numbered 1-12 (12 of each = 144 cards)
• 18 Skip-Bo wild cards (can be ANY number)
Setup
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Shuffle All CardsShuffle the entire 162-card deck thoroughly.
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Deal Stock PilesDeal cards face-down to each player's stock pile:
- 2-4 players: 30 cards each
- 5+ players: 20 cards each
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Create the Draw PilePlace remaining cards in the center as the draw pile.
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Leave Space for Building PilesLeave room for up to 4 building piles in the center (shared by all players).
Taking Your Turn
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1. Draw to 5Draw from the draw pile until you have 5 cards in your hand.
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2. Play Cards to Building PilesPlay cards from:
- Your hand
- Top of your stock pile (PRIORITY!)
- Top of your discard piles
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3. Keep Playing!As long as you can play cards, keep going! If you play all 5 hand cards, draw 5 more and continue.
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4. End with a DiscardWhen you can't (or don't want to) play anymore, discard one card from your hand to one of your 4 discard piles. Then the next player goes.
You must end your turn by discarding one card to a discard pile (unless you go out!). You can't just pass.
Building Piles Rules
- Start a building pile with a 1 (or Skip-Bo wild)
- Add cards in sequence: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- When a pile reaches 12, remove it and shuffle into draw pile
- Maximum 4 building piles at any time
- Anyone can play on any building pile!
Skip-Bo cards can be played as ANY number (1-12). They're incredibly valuable - use them wisely!
Winning the Game
The first player to empty their stock pile wins!
- You don't need to empty your hand or discard piles
- Playing your last stock pile card ends the game immediately
- Other players' remaining stock pile cards count against them (for scoring)
Always look to play from your stock pile first. Hand and discard pile cards help, but only stock pile cards matter for winning!
Your Stock Pile
- Only the TOP card is face-up and playable
- When played, flip the next card face-up
- Can ONLY play to building piles (not discard piles)
- Your goal: Empty this pile!
Your Hand
- Start each turn by drawing up to 5
- Play cards to building piles OR your discard piles
- If you play all 5 cards, immediately draw 5 more and keep playing!
- Must discard one card to end turn (unless you go out)
Your Discard Piles
- You have up to 4 personal discard piles
- End each turn by discarding one hand card here
- Can play TOP card of any discard pile to building piles
- Organize them strategically - keep useful cards accessible!
Keep discard piles organized! Stack same numbers together, or keep runs (5-6-7) in one pile so they're in the right order when needed.
Building Piles (Shared)
- In the center - anyone can play on them
- Always build in order: 1, 2, 3... up to 12
- When a pile hits 12, shuffle it into the draw pile
- If no pile exists, you can start one with a 1
Scoring (Optional)
For multi-game matches, score as follows:
First to 500 points wins the match!
Stock Pile Priority
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Always Check Stock Pile FirstBefore playing any hand cards, see if you can play your stock pile card. That's the whole point!
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Set Up Stock Pile PlaysIf your stock pile shows a 7, use hand cards to get a building pile to 6 so you can play the 7!
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Don't Get DistractedPlaying hand/discard cards is good, but only if it helps play stock pile cards or sets up future turns.
Discard Pile Organization
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Stack by NumberPut all 5s together, all 8s together, etc. When you need a 5, you know where it is!
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Or Stack by SequencePut 5, then 6, then 7 on the same pile. When building hits 4, you have 5-6-7 ready to go!
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Keep 1s Accessible1s start building piles. Don't bury them under other cards!
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Don't Use All 4 EarlyLeave one pile empty if possible - gives you flexibility for future discards.
Look at what numbers opponents need. Don't build a pile to 7 if the next player has an 8 on their stock pile!
Skip-Bo Wild Card Strategy
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Save for Stock PileThe best use of a Skip-Bo is to play a stock pile card you otherwise couldn't. Don't waste them on hand cards!
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Complete Piles for ChainingUse Skip-Bo to hit 12 and clear a pile - this might let you start fresh and play more cards.
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Block OpponentsIf an opponent needs a 5 and you have a Skip-Bo, using it as a 5 might be worth it to stop them!
While Skip-Bo cards are valuable, don't hoard them forever. Use them to make progress or you'll fall behind!
Common Mistakes
Building piles to numbers that help opponents play their stock pile cards. Pay attention to what they need!
Randomly discarding makes it hard to find cards you need. Stay organized!
Using Skip-Bo just to clear hand cards when you could save it for a stock pile play.
Popular Variations
Play with partners:
- 4 or 6 players in teams of 2
- Partners sit across from each other
- Can play from EITHER partner's stock pile
- First TEAM to empty both stock piles wins
Faster games for less time:
- Deal only 10-20 cards per stock pile
- Great for younger players
- Good for learning the game
- Play multiple short games
For experienced players:
- Only 2-3 building piles allowed
- Must play from stock pile if possible
- Cannot end turn if stock pile card is playable
- Much more strategic!
A dice version of the game:
- Uses special Skip-Bo dice
- Roll dice instead of drawing cards
- Same goal - complete sequences
- Faster, more luck-based
Play with standard playing cards:
- Use Ace-Queen as 1-12
- Kings are wild (like Skip-Bo cards)
- Need 3 decks for 4+ players
- Works the same way!