Even though the cards are multi-colored in Skip-Bo, these colors are irrelevant. All you need to worry about is the number on the cards. [2] X Research source
After all of the cards have been dealt, place the remaining cards in the middle of the players. This is called the draw pile. Each player will draw from this pile at the beginning of their turn, and use the cards to create building piles. When play begins, players start getting rid of their cards by making building piles in the middle of the table. There are four building piles, and each one must start with either a 1 or a Skip-Bo card. At the end of each turn, players discard a card into a discard pile. Each player can have up to four discard piles, and the cards in these piles should be facing up. The cards in the discard piles can be used in succeeding turns to add to the build piles.
You can strategize against other players by preventing them from getting rid of their cards more quickly than you get rid of yours. Since you can see what cards other players have in their discard piles, you can play cards that will block them from being able to play these cards. You’ll get rid of your cards faster if you play the cards from your stockpile before playing those in your discard pile.
500 points is just a starting point recommended for score keeping, but you can go for a higher number if you want to play more rounds. [6] X Research source
Divide your total players evenly to play in teams. For example, if four people are playing, then you could play in teams of two.
If you have a 1 or a Skip-Bo wild card in your hand or at the top of your stockpile, then you can start a build pile. If you don’t have a 1 or a Skip-Bo card, then discard one card to form your first discard pile. You can form up to four discard piles in subsequent turns. If someone else went before you, then you can also add to their build pile.
After the first turn, players may use cards in their discard piles to add to the building piles. When a building pile reaches the number 12, scoop it up and set it aside to be added to the draw pile when it runs down. A new building pile may be started in its place with a 1 or a Skip-Bo card.
