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Skyjo — Game rules
About the game
Deal 12 face-down cards to each player in four columns of three. Each player turns two cards face up. Place a face-down draw pile and a face-up discard pile.
Setup
Deal 12 face-down cards to each player in four columns of three. Each player turns two cards face up. Place a face-down draw pile and a face-up discard pile.
Quick rules
Take either the top visible discard (which must replace one of your cards) or a hidden card from the draw pile. Swap a drawn card with one of yours, or discard it and turn one of your hidden cards face up.
Detailed rules
The player with the highest sum on their two revealed cards starts the first round. Play clockwise. A visible discard card must be swapped with one of your cards, including a hidden card you must not look at first. If you reject a hidden draw, discard it and reveal one hidden card. When someone has revealed all their cards, each other player gets one final turn. The finisher starts the next round. Discard any vertical column of three matching cards immediately, including after the final reveal.
Scoring and end of game
Count only cards left after removing any three-of-a-kind columns. If the player ending the round does not have the uniquely lowest round score (including a tie), double that player’s round points only if positive. Never double zero or negative points.
End of game
Add scores after each round. End the game when any cumulative score reaches 100 or more; lowest total wins.
Frequently asked questions
How many players can play Skyjo?
From 2 to 8 players. The Rulezz assistant keeps score for a game played with physical cards.
How are the cards arranged at the start of a round?
Deal 12 face-down cards to each player in four columns of three. Each player turns two cards face up.
What happens to a column of three identical cards?
Physically discard all three cards in that vertical column, including a column formed during the final reveal. Do not include these cards in the score you enter.
When is the round finisher’s score doubled?
If the finisher does not have the uniquely lowest round score, double only their positive score. A tie for the lowest score therefore also triggers doubling if their score is positive.
Should a zero or negative score be doubled?
No. Even if the finisher does not have the uniquely lowest score, a zero or negative score remains unchanged.
When does the game end?
After scoring a round, as soon as any player reaches or exceeds 100 cumulative points. The player with the lowest final total wins.
Which points should I enter in Rulezz?
Enter each player’s raw total for the cards remaining after physically removing matching columns, and identify the round finisher. The assistant applies the doubling rule; do not double the points yourself before entering them.