The object of the game
Phase 10 is a rummy-style card game for 2–6 players. Every player works through the same list of 10 phases in order. The first player to complete Phase 10 with the lowest total points wins.
At the end of every hand, the cards still in your hand count as penalty points. Complete a phase and you advance; fail and you stay on the same phase next round.
The 10 phases in order
Each phase is a specific combination of sets (cards of the same number) and runs (consecutive numbers in any colour). Wild cards can stand in for any number or colour.
| Phase | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 2 sets of 3 |
| Phase 2 | 1 set of 3 + 1 run of 4 |
| Phase 3 | 1 set of 4 + 1 run of 4 |
| Phase 4 | 1 run of 7 |
| Phase 5 | 1 run of 8 |
| Phase 6 | 1 run of 9 |
| Phase 7 | 2 sets of 4 |
| Phase 8 | 7 cards of one colour |
| Phase 9 | 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 2 |
| Phase 10 | 1 set of 5 + 1 set of 3 |
A set is two or more cards of the same number, any colour. A run is consecutive numbers, any colour. Sets and runs each need to be laid down in one move when you complete a phase.
How Phase 10 scoring works
At the end of each hand, every player adds up the cards still in their hand as penalty points. Lowest total score after the player who finishes Phase 10 first ends the game wins.
| Card | Points |
|---|---|
| Numbers 1 – 9 | 5 each |
| Numbers 10 – 12 | 10 each |
| Skip card | 15 |
| Wild card | 25 |
Skip cards and Wild cards
Skip cards
Playing a Skip card forces the player you choose to miss their next turn. A Skip card cannot be used as part of a phase — its only purpose is to slow someone down. Each player can only be skipped once per turn.
Skip cards are also where rivalries are made. They're worth 15 penalty points if left in your hand at the end of a round, and they tell you everything about the social dynamic at your table.
Wild cards
Wild cards substitute for any number or colour when completing a phase. You can use as many Wilds as you like, but a phase must contain at least one natural (non-Wild) card. Wilds are 25 penalty points if you're stuck holding one.
Tired of paper scoresheets?
Score Buddy is a free Phase 10 score tracker for iPhone and iPad. It records phases, scores, and Skip cards in seconds — and remembers everything about your group across every game you've ever played.
Free · No account · No subscription
Phase 10 is a trademark of Mattel, Inc. Score Buddy and this rules summary are unofficial and not affiliated with or endorsed by Mattel. Always refer to the rules card included with your game for the authoritative ruleset — house rules vary.