How to Play Phase 10
Phase 10 is a fun, family-friendly card game about finishing ten different card patterns before your friends. If you want clear, beginner instructions and a quick way to get playing, Playmore has good resources and this guide will walk you through the basics.
Quick facts
| Game | Type | Players | Components |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 10 | Dedicated rummy / set-and-run card game | 2–6 | Use the components included with the game |
What you are trying to do
Your main goal is to complete ten phases, one at a time, in the order your group uses. A phase is a specific combination of cards (for example, sets of the same number or runs of consecutive cards). You try to make the required phase with cards in your hand, lay it down, and then get rid of the rest of your cards. The overall winner is usually the first player to finish all ten phases. Different editions and house rules change the exact phase list and scoring, so check the official rules that came with your copy for the precise requirements.
What you need and how to set up
Use the cards and parts that come in the box. To start, shuffle the deck from the game, deal each player a starting hand, and place the remaining cards face down as a draw pile. Turn one card face up to make a discard pile. Choose a player to go first (youngest player, roll a die, or any house method). The exact number of cards to deal and some setup details can vary by edition, so check the in-box rules for the specific counts your copy uses.
How to play
- On your turn, take the normal action of drawing from the draw pile or the top of the discard pile.
- Try to create the phase you’re on using cards in your hand. You only lay down a phase when you have the full required combination for that phase.
- If you have already laid down your current phase in a previous turn, you can usually play additional qualifying cards to the table (this is often called "hitting" or adding to melds), but the exact options depend on your version.
- Discard one card from your hand to end your turn. If you discard your last card on a turn after laying down your required phase, you typically go out and the round ends.
- After a round ends, players usually score based on cards left in hand and players who completed their phase typically move on to the next phase. Specific scoring and advancement rules vary, so follow your edition’s instructions.
How a round or game ends
A round normally ends when a player gets rid of all their cards (goes out). Players then record scores and adjust who advances to the next phase. The overall game ends when someone completes all ten phases (or when a pre-set number of rounds is reached, if your group prefers). Because different releases of Phase 10 use slightly different phase orders and scoring methods, check the official rule sheet in your box for the exact ending and scoring details your edition requires.
Beginner tips
- Focus on the current phase only. Trying to prepare for later phases usually wastes cards.
- Watch the discard pile to see what others need. If you see a card they might want, don’t give it to them unless it helps you more.
- If you can lay down your phase early, do it. Once laid down, you often have more options to play or get rid of cards.
- Keep flexible. Runs and sets are easier to change if you hold a few extra cards rather than committing them too early.
- Play house rules slowly at first. Make sure everyone agrees on the specific phase order and any extra rules before you start the first round.
FAQ
Can I change the order of phases?
Some groups use custom phase orders as a house rule. The official game has a recommended order, so decide with your players before you begin and follow the printed rules for tournament-style play.
What if I can’t complete my phase this round?
If you can’t finish the phase, you keep trying in the next round. Most versions let players repeat the same phase until they complete it. Check your copy’s rules for specific penalties or scoring about missed phases.
Where can I find exact phase lists and scoring?
Consult the rule sheet that came in the box for exact phase lists, card counts, and scoring details. Different editions and regional versions can change these specifics.