← Back to Main Site

Game Rules

This guide explains the complete rules of Match Mania and how to play.

Game Objective

Be the first player to play all your cards. When you have one card remaining, the game will automatically call out for you!

Game Setup

Players

• 1 human player (you)
• 3 AI opponents
• Total: 4 players

Initial Deal

• Each player receives 7 cards at the start
• One card is placed face-up to start the discard pile
• Remaining cards form the draw pile

Card Types

Number Cards (0-9)

• Available in four colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Blue
• Each color has two of each number (except 0, which has one per color)

Action Cards

Skip

• Next player loses their turn
• Can be played on matching color or another Skip card

Reverse

• Reverses the direction of play
• In 2-player games, acts like a Skip
• Can be played on matching color or another Reverse card

Draw Two (+2)

• Next player draws 2 cards and loses their turn
• Can be played on matching color or another Draw Two
• Stacking: If enabled in rules, player can play another +2 to pass the penalty to the next player

Wild Cards

Wild

• Can be played on any card
• Player chooses the color to continue play
• For AI players, color is automatically selected

Wild Draw Four (+4)

• Can be played on any card when you don't have a playable card
• Next player draws 4 cards and loses their turn
• Player who played it chooses the color
• Challenge Rule: Currently not implemented

Playing the Game

Valid Plays

You can play a card if it matches the top discard card in: - Color (e.g., Red 5 on Red 7) - Number (e.g., Blue 3 on Red 3) - Action Type (e.g., Skip on Skip, Draw Two on Draw Two) - Wild cards can always be played

Taking Your Turn

1. Check your hand for playable cards (they'll be highlighted)
2. Play a card by tapping it, or
3. Draw a card from the pile by tapping the draw pile
4. If you draw a playable card, you can play it immediately or keep it

Drawing Cards

• If you have no playable cards, you must draw
• Standard Rule: Draw one card, then your turn ends
• Draw to Match Rule (optional): Keep drawing until you get a playable card

Special Rules (Customizable)

Stacking

• When enabled: Players can play another +2 on a +2 to pass the cumulative penalty to the next player
• Example: Player 1 plays +2, Player 2 plays +2, Player 3 draws 4 cards
• When disabled: Player must draw immediately

Draw to Match

• When enabled: If you can't play, draw cards until you get a playable one (which you must play)
• When disabled: Draw one card and your turn ends, even if it's playable

Force Play

• When enabled: If you draw a playable card, you must play it
• When disabled: You can choose to keep the drawn card

Jump-In

• Currently not implemented (planned for future release)
• Would allow players with an identical card to play out of turn

Seven-O

• Currently not implemented (planned for future release)
• Playing a 7 would swap hands with another player
• Playing a 0 would rotate all hands in the direction of play

Progressive UNO

• Currently not implemented (planned for future release)
• Starting hand size and draw pile size variations

Winning the Game

Calling Out

• When you play your second-to-last card, the game automatically announces for you
• If you forget (impossible in this digital version), no penalty applies

Victory

• First player to play all their cards wins
• Game displays the winner and updates statistics
• Option to play again or return to menu

Scoring

Currently, Match Mania is played as single games without cumulative scoring. Each game results in: - Win or Loss for the player - Statistics updated (games played, won, win rate, etc.)

Note: Tournament/points-based scoring may be added in future versions.

AI Behavior

AI players use strategic decision-making: - Evaluate all legal moves - Prioritize action cards when beneficial - Choose optimal colors when playing Wild cards - Adapt strategy based on game state - Each AI has a simulated "thinking" delay for realism

See AI Players for more details.

Rule Variations

Match Mania allows you to customize rules via the Settings menu:

1. Open Settings from the main menu
2. Select Custom Rules
3. Toggle rules on/off
4. Changes apply to all new games

See Custom Rules for detailed configuration options.

Common Scenarios

Can I play a Wild Draw Four anytime?

In the standard rules, Wild Draw Four can only be played if you don't have a card matching the current color. However, Match Mania currently allows it anytime (this may be configurable in future updates).

What happens if the draw pile is empty?

The discard pile (except the top card) is shuffled and becomes the new draw pile.

Can I play a Skip on a different colored Skip?

Yes! Action cards can be played on matching action type, regardless of color.

What if I draw the exact card I need?

If Force Play is enabled, you must play it. Otherwise, you can choose to keep it.

Strategy Tips

1. Action Cards: Save action cards for strategic moments
2. Color Management: Try to control the color to match your hand
3. Card Counting: Pay attention to what colors have been played
4. Wild Cards: Save for crucial moments or when you're stuck
5. One Card Left: Plan ahead so your last card is easily playable

---

Next: How to Play | Custom Rules | AI Players