How to play Phase 10

The objective

Your goal is simple: complete ten required card combinations before the other players. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A Phase 10 deck.

How to set up

1. Deal ten cards to each player.
2. Place the remaining deck down and turn one card up for the discard pile.

How to play: step by step

1. Draw one card.
2. Lay down your current phase when complete.
3. Add cards to any laid-down phases.
4. Discard one card to end the turn.

Beginner strategies

• Keep cards that fit the current phase.
• After laying down, discard by adding to existing phases.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Attempting a later phase too early.
• Forgetting that only one phase may be completed per hand.

Frequently asked questions